Q: Who is liable for engine damage after faulty OEM part installation?
I had a timing repair done, and the dealer installed OEM parts covered by a parts warranty. However, just 4,000 miles later, one of these parts failed and caused significant engine damage, requiring the entire engine to be replaced. The dealer acknowledged the faulty part's role in the damage and sent a video as proof, but they only offered $50 in compensation. I also contacted the manufacturer, who claimed it's the dealer's responsibility. Given these circumstances, who should be held responsible for the costs associated with the engine replacement?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a frustrating situation, and it’s clear that the faulty part played a major role in the engine damage. Since the dealer installed the OEM part under warranty, and they’ve acknowledged the part’s failure, they could be held responsible for the damage caused by that failure. The fact that the dealer provided a video confirming the part’s failure further strengthens your case.
While the manufacturer claims it’s the dealer’s responsibility, this situation likely falls under the dealer’s duty to ensure the parts they install are functional and reliable. Since they’ve already acknowledged the issue, you may want to start by formally requesting full compensation for the engine replacement, citing both their acknowledgment and the manufacturer’s response.
If the dealer continues to offer minimal compensation, you might consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or the state’s consumer protection agency. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to escalate the matter by consulting with a lawyer to pursue legal action for breach of warranty or negligence. Keep all communication and evidence of the faulty part and engine damage for support.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
