Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Wisconsin

3 Faulty Engines - Manufacturer won't extend warranty - What are my rights?

In 10/96, I had a remanufactured engine installed. 2 weeks later, I had problems with oil leaks. From 10/96 - 10/97 I had numerous problems w/the engine leaking oil. In 10/97 it was determined that the engine was not machined properly, & was replaced. 3 1/2 weeks later, I had more problems. 2 weeks after that the entire engine had to be replaced b/c it was found that the block was cracked. All of these things were replaced under warranty. After the last incident, I contacted the manufacturer about getting an extended warranty b/c of all the problems I'd had. They told me this was not their policy.

In 2/98, 1 of my spark plugs blew out of the cylinder head. The cylinder head was replaced. The engine was not under warranty at this time, & I'm not sure if the manufacturer or dealership installing the part was aware of this.

Is there anything I can do about this problem?


Asked on 2/17/98, 2:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Separate warranty for each of the three engines??

It appears that no one has asked you to pay for any of these repairs, so someone is paying. Likely the manufacturer.It appears that each of the engine came with its own warranty. Maybe that is why the manufacturer said it would not extend the warranty.I may be missing something, but I would guess that there was some miscommunication between you and the manufacturer. To say more, I'd have to know more.Some of your anxiety, I think, comes from you not having something in writing regarding any new warranty for each of the engines installed. Ask the auto mechanic for the requisite paperwork. Continue to keep track of the repairs. Does your state have a consumer protection hotline? If so, call it. They will be able to tell you what laws are in place in your state to protect the consumers of auto-repairs and used parts.My concern would be all the inconvenience of being without an auto to use while it is in the auto hospital. While the repairs appear to have cost you nothing, what have you used as alternative transportation? What have been those costs? Public transportation? Rented cars? Lost work? The anxiety of never knowing when it's going to break down again!How old is the vehicle into which these three engines have gone? Time for a whole new one? Three troubled and troublesome rehauled engines in a row seems excessive. Is something else going on here. Call Better Business Bureau. Ask for histories of entities involved: the manufacturer, the mechanic, the insurance co (or whoever it is that is dipping into its pocket for the warranteed repairs). What is wrong with this picture? Let me know when you figure it out! Good sniffing!

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Answered on 2/23/98, 7:26 pm


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