DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 202 – From Allen G. from Fort Wayne, IN
Dear Suzanne,
Dealing with car problems is frustrating enough, but things get worse when the Genesis dealership mishandles things. This happened to me with my 2023 Genesis GV80 SUV, which I bought brand new from a certified dealership. This isn’t a small fix or minor wear and tear. This is about the dealership dropping the ball, mishandling my vehicle, and refusing to admit fault.
Let me walk you through what happened. Be warned, it’s a bumpy ride.
The Seat Issue: It Starts Small, But Doesn’t Stay That Way
It all started six months ago when I noticed something strange with my driver’s seat. I’m not one to nitpick about small issues, but this one was hard to ignore. The seat developed a weird rocking motion that wasn’t bad enough to make it unusable but enough to be bothersome. Every time I’d come to a halt or accelerate, I could feel the seat base click, pop, or notch in an unsettling way. It wasn’t a major problem at first, but after driving my Genesis for a while, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
After a few weeks of this rocking, I decided to take it to a closer certified dealership. I thought it’d be a quick fix, especially since the shaky seats were noticeable. So, I explained the issue with the seat and a faulty rear door lock actuator that had been acting up. I assumed they’d take a look and get it sorted. But when I picked the car up, the service team shrugged it off, saying they couldn’t replicate the issue.
The Growing Frustration
Fast forward a few months, and the seat issue is still there and worsening. I returned to the first dealer because I was tired of letting this slide. When I took it in, the manager finally acknowledged the problem, called up Genesis, and recommended replacing the entire seat base. That sounded like a good fix, right? I thought so, too.
A week later, the part came in, and I took my car back to have the seat replaced. However, when I picked it up, I noticed something even more frustrating: the seat was significantly worse. I could feel it rocking more than before; it was so bad that I had to go back inside and show the service manager.
He didn’t want to believe me initially and insisted the seat was “brand new” and couldn’t have an issue. But after I had him sit in the car and feel it for himself, he grudgingly acknowledged the problem. My patience was already thinning at this point.
The service manager then showed me a showroom model of the same car. He sat in the seat and shook it vigorously, telling me, “See, it’s the same here. This is just how the seat’s design is.” But that wasn’t good enough for me. I was paying for a premium vehicle and wouldn’t accept something subpar.
Scratches on My Steering Wheel
I left the dealership but noticed something more frustrating. When I drove off the lot, I immediately felt something wrong with my steering wheel. There was a rough patch on the left side, almost like they had scraped about 2 inches of leather off the wheel.
I turned around and went back to the dealership. When I spoke with the manager about the damage, his response was dismissive, claiming it was wear and tear. I couldn’t believe it—it wasn’t there when I brought the car in. How could wear-and-tear so deep happen in a couple of days?
When he saw I wasn’t having it, he started pretending he couldn’t see the damage. After arguing with me, he finally said, “Find another dealer then.” Really? After all the money I’ve spent on this Genesis, that was his response?
Any Potential Solution in Sight?
I’m now waiting for Genesis Corporate to get back to me because I filed a complaint about their service. They told me they’d send a technician to assess the situation, but I’m not all that excited about it. The dealer’s refusal to admit fault, coupled with the damage to my car, has left me with a grudge.
While I don’t want to be confrontational, I’ve spent too much money on this car to receive such treatment. All I wanted was a vehicle that performed as advertised, but the dealer managed to paint me as the bad guy.
Now, I don’t know what to do. Should I cut my losses and find another dealer or keep pushing for repair work? Am I missing any other alternatives, or is this what I have to work with? How about arbitration? Is that a good option? Can Lemon attorneys help me out?
Allen G. from Fort Wayne, IN
Your 2023 Genesis GV80 Issues and Indiana Lemon Law: What You Need to Know
Dear Allen,
It’s one thing to deal with a faulty car, but it’s another to have the dealership mishandle your situation and refuse to take accountability. You deserve better, and I’m here to guide you through the options available under the Indiana Lemon Law.
It sounds like you’ve been through quite an ordeal with your Genesis GV80. Let’s break down your options to help you find a solution.
Was the Seat Issue Properly Addressed?
Based on your description, it seems the seat issue was not properly fixed. If the seat was worse after the replacement, it’s clear that the dealership didn’t resolve the problem. This ongoing issue is something that the Lemon Law can address.
Did They Fix the Steering Wheel Damage Correctly?
The damage to your steering wheel is another concerning issue. Given that it wasn’t there before you brought the car in, it should have been addressed by the dealership. Their dismissive response is unacceptable, and this kind of problem can also fall under the Lemon Law if it’s not properly resolved.
Should I Cut My Losses and Find Another Dealer?
While it’s frustrating to deal with a dealership that refuses to acknowledge their mistakes, it’s important to document everything. Keep records of all communications, repair attempts, and issues. If you decide to find another dealer, this documentation will be crucial for any Lemon Law claim you might file.
How About Arbitration?
Arbitration can be a useful option for resolving disputes without going to court. It allows both parties to present their case to a neutral third party who will make a decision. However, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney to understand if arbitration is the best route for your specific situation.
Can Lemon Attorneys Help Me Out?
Yes, Lemon Law attorneys can be incredibly helpful in navigating this process. They can provide expert advice, help you gather the necessary documentation, and advocate on your behalf. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is a crucial step to ensure you get the resolution you deserve.
Given your situation, I strongly recommend consulting with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney. They can provide expert guidance, advocate on your behalf, and help you navigate the process effectively. An attorney can also ensure that you receive fair compensation for your troubles.
Allen, I know this has been a difficult experience, but it’s high time you cut your losses. With the right steps and a competent lawyer, you will get the resolution you deserve.
Suzanne
Banish Your 2023 Genesis GV80 Lemon Car Problems Today!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Indiana Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Indiana Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
Related Articles:
- The Role of Arbitration in Indiana Lemon Law Claims
- Don’t Get Stuck with a Lemon! File Your Indiana Claim Like a Pro
- Understanding Indiana Lemon Law: A Comprehensive Guide
Featured Images:
- 2023 Genesis GV80 SUV ©Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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