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Possible Lemon... Do I have a case?

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djockers

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio


Purchased a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM in September 2003. Came with a 5 years warranty that was set to expire in November 2008. This same dealer performed all of the repairs below...

--February 2005: Had its first issue with the drivers side door window "sash" breaking and needing replacement;
--July 2006: Same issue, same repair job done;
--August 2006: Same issue, same repair job done;
--November 2006: Same issue, same repair job done;
--May 2007: Same issue, same repair job done;
--August 2008: Same issue, same repair job done;
--September 2009: Same issue, same repair job done;
--August 2010: Same issue, same repair job done;

The first 6 times, it was fixed under warranty. The seventh time, they said that the previous replacement part was still under warranty.

The latest time (today), was notified by the dealer that per a GM rep, that this would be the final time they cover this repair. Due to age, the car no longer being under warranty and because it's not a common problem -- it's not a warranty item.

This smells bad to me. Does this not clearly fall under Federal Lemon Law statutes that it's been a recurring issue (at least 3-4 times while under warranty) since we purchased the car? Can the dealer and GM just walk away from this now -- after all this, leaving me liable for future occurrances... which is likely going to happen, given the history?

This is the notification that is on the receipt from the dealer:

"Adivsed Cust ** One Time **** Last time *** Goodwill policy adjustment -- not of warranty nature -- per GM Rep -- due to age of vehicle - not common concern among Gr/Ams.."

Meanwhile I have 8 service receipts showing them doing the exact same repair over the last 5 years. Sure I'm covered now, but what about next time? Can they do this?

Any help appreciated.
 
Last edited:


Antigone*

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio


Purchased a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM in September 2003. Came with a 5 years warranty that was set to expire in November 2008. This same dealer performed all of the repairs below...

--February 2005: Had its first issue with the drivers side door window "sash" breaking and needing replacement;
--July 2006: Same issue, same repair job done;
--August 2006: Same issue, same repair job done;
--November 2006: Same issue, same repair job done;
--May 2007: Same issue, same repair job done;
--August 2008: Same issue, same repair job done;
--September 2009: Same issue, same repair job done;
--August 2010: Same issue, same repair job done;

The first 6 times, it was fixed under warranty. The seventh time, they said that the previous replacement part was still under warranty.

The latest time (today), was notified by the dealer that per a GM rep, that this would be the final time they cover this repair. Due to age, the car no longer being under warranty and because it's not a common problem -- it's not a warranty item.

This smells bad to me. Does this not clearly fall under Federal Lemon Law statutes that it's been a recurring issue (at least 3-4 times while under warranty) since we purchased the car? Can the dealer and GM just walk away from this now -- after all this, leaving me liable for future occurrances... which is likely going to happen, given the nature?

This is the notification that is on the receipt from the dealer:

"Adivsed Cust ** One Time **** Last time *** Goodwill policy adjustment -- not of warranty nature -- per GM Rep -- due to age of vehicle - not common concern among Gr/Ams.."

Meanwhile I have 8 service receipts showing them doing the exact same repair over the last 5 years. Sure I'm covered now, but what about next time? Can they do this?
Any help appreciated.


Save your pennies for future repairs. There is no way your 2003 vehicle will qualify as a lemon now. In fact you're lucky they were nice enough to cover the repairs this time.
 

swalsh411

Senior Member
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act does not warranty your 2003 Grand Am.

Ohio's lemon laws do not cover vehicles more than a year old or with more than 18,000 miles.
 

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