Warranty different for second owners!?!?!?
So I'm a little discomforted by a discussion I had with a local dealer today.
I just purchased my X about 3 weeks ago; I knew the warranty was going to be short lived when I purchased it. So I drove it around for a bit making note of all the problems I would think should be covered under warranty. Some things I thought might have been caused by wear and tear but from reading some of the threads on here they appeared to be a more wide spread issue.
I compiled a detailed list of items I would like repaired and dropped it off at the dealer (not my preference just how my cards are delt). I received a call today, they were very helpful and understanding regarding some of my disappointment… but I was informed that Chrysler is more selective when providing warranty services to a second owner, due to a “lack of history.” I explained that I could see how some of the wear and tear type cosmetic things could be, but for some I just didn’t see how they would fall in to that category.
They mentioned that for anything cosmetic related they have to send Chrysler a picture for approval, unless they can find a valid TSB. Some of the cosmetic things I am having issues with are as follows:
- The dreaded paint chipping issue I have seen people complaining about this… The paint on the center console near the e-Brake is chipping. If anyone has a TSB for this it would be greatly appreciated!!! I couldn’t seem to find it.
- The silver trim on the inner door handle is bubbling!!! I couldn’t find anyone else with this problem but... I can’t figure out how someone could “abuse” a door handle to make it bubble. Seems like it is clearly a manufacture’s defect!
- The headliner hangs slightly below the seal in the rear hatch… it seems like a clip or something came loose? Anyone else have this problem? Not really noticeable so its not on my “hot plate.”
These were all items the dealer felt confident that Chrysler would NOT approve warranty repair for!!
Some of the other things I’m having problems with…
- Difficulty shifting to First, Second, and Reverse (Manual)… Referenced TSB. Of course they couldn’t duplicate the issue. Not super concerned at the moment since this will be covered under the powertrain warranty (I figure I’m going to have to pick my battles on this one).
- Rattling from the rear hatch… I already adjusted the bumpers and this helped tremendously, but there is still a slight rattle. I read in one of the TSBs that this is also caused by the metal on metal latch pieces, and that a replacement part has been issued to replace it with some plastic parts to eliminate the rattling. Of course they couldn’t reproduce the problem.
- Rattling/Vibrations from the AC unit when turned on to certain settings… They are looking into this further, but not to my surprise, they couldn’t reproduce the issue.
- The driver’s door handle feels looser than the passenger door when the inner handle is pulled. Also there is a “popping” sound when driving. I have seen a TSB on this and referenced it to the dealer. It’s almost laughable at this point (yet I’m crying) they couldn’t reproduce the issue.
- Map light not illuminating – ordering replacement parts.
- Cup holder broken – Referenced TSB - ordering replacement parts.
- Headlight condensation – Referenced TSB - No comment from dealer, still working on the car…
- The red led for the gas indicator doesn’t illuminate when the lights are turned on - No comment from dealer, still working on the car…
- The driver seat heater doesn’t work – ordering replacement parts.
I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or TSBs I can reference. Unfortunately, I’m out of town and won’t be able to get to the car until the end of the week – and the warranty goes out at the end of the month (next week). The best I can hope for is they find the noises I’m complaining about or I can sit with the Tech on Sat and go through them and hope the noises “come to life.”
Sorry for the novel… Thanks in advance for everyone’s help!