Pocatello, ID asked in Lemon Law and Consumer Law for Utah

Q: Dealer failed to fix car recall; caused repair delays and rental costs.

I took my car to the dealer for a recall related to a leaking oil feed pipe. The dealer had the car for three weeks and told me it was ready, but I later found out it wasn't fixed. When I called a few days later for the paperwork, they informed me the repair had not been done. They gave no other reason besides saying the employee "wasn't supposed to do that." My car had to be towed back to the dealer for the correct repair, which took another week and a half, leaving me with a rental bill. What are my options for addressing this situation with the dealership?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It sounds like you’ve experienced significant inconvenience due to the dealership’s failure to complete the necessary recall repair. The first thing you should do is contact the dealership in writing, formally requesting reimbursement for the rental car costs incurred during the extended repair process. Be sure to include receipts for the rental car, a detailed timeline of events, and any communications with the dealership regarding the repair delays.

If the dealership refuses to cover your rental costs or fails to respond appropriately, you can file a complaint with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. They can assist in investigating the matter and may help facilitate a resolution between you and the dealership.

You may also want to consider seeking legal advice if the dealership continues to be unresponsive or unwilling to reimburse you for your out-of-pocket expenses. An attorney can help you determine the best course of action, including pursuing small claims court if necessary. Keep all documentation and records to support your case.

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