Toronto Star, Feb. 12, 2005,


"...I have a 2003 Infiniti G35 sedan that has done 76,000 km.

Whenever I closed the driver's window, it would automatically reopen halfway.

This is the second time this has happened; the first time was at 17,000 km.

Oakville Nissan reprogrammed the window's motor memory in the most recent incident, but I was advised that, because nothing was replaced, Nissan classified this as an "adjustment," not a manufacturer's defect.

The warranty for adjustments was only 20,000 km, and therefore I was responsible for the bill of $90. (The "bumper to bumper" warranty on the car is good to 80,000 km.)

The service rep mentioned that possible causes for the malfunction were letting the G35 sit for extended periods and letting the battery run low.

When I explained that neither of these incidents applied to my car, the service rep agreed that something was clearly wrong with the window's motor and that Nissan should cover the service.

Nonetheless, Nissan Canada's customer service section would not consider this problem a manufacturer's defect covered by the warranty.

They told me to pursue the matter with the dealer. While sympathetic, the store's general manager would not waive the service fee.

To me, this appears to be the use of semantics to avoid honouring the warranty.

Hal Whitcomb, Oakville
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Rui Nunes, manager of customer services for Nissan Canada, replies:

We would like to correct the consumer's observation that Infiniti's bumper to bumper warranty "is good to 80,000 km."

As the 2003 Infiniti warranty information booklet states, Infiniti's basic warranty is 48 months/100,000 km (whichever comes first).

The powertrain warranty duration is 72 months/110,000 km (whichever comes first).

The consumer has all of this information readily accessible in his owner's manual and warranty booklet.

The new vehicle limited warranty covers adjustments during the first 12 months/20,000 km of the basic coverage (whichever comes first).

The term adjustments, as used in this warranty, refers to labour-intensive repairs not usually associated with the replacement of parts.

The above information was clearly relayed to Mr. Whitcomb.

His dealership was correct in asserting that the repair was classified as an adjustment, not a manufacturing defect.

The issue at hand is the consumer's interpretation of what he feels our warranty should be, not what is actually documented in the warranty booklet..."


IMO, it doesn't sound right that Infiniti won't cover the cost of repairing what is obviously a defect in the vehicle - be it a software issue or a mechanical issue - a defect is a defect is a defect.

Up until now, I was contemplating buying a G35X, but if Infiniti has this "Adjustment" warranty separated from the Basic Warranty, then I'm not sure I want the car.
Adjusting things can be a highly labour intensive work, and cost a lot more than parts alone.

Anyone come across this "Adjustment Warranty" issue before?

 

I am not a lawyer, but it sounds to me that Infiniti ought to cover this. It was not your headlights going out of adjustment or something of that ilk. It was a clear problem that you didn't have control of. Even if the car ran out of power, it should not have a window malfunction after restoration of power. I think they are wrong. (I haven't looked at my warranty booklet for this yet, but I can't imagine my dealer behaving like this).

Good luck.

 

One reply only???
And nobody has come across this Adjustment Warranty issue before???

Can anyone with a G35X have a look at their Warranty booklet please, to see if this thing is around for the 2005 model year.
Thanks.

 

The Infiniti website has the warranty for 05. It includes a section on Adjustments that says the warranty for those are for one year or some amount of miles. It gives as an example wheel alignments. Your problem seems distinctly different than a wheel alignment and I think they are wrong to refuse to cover it. Unfortunately, I'm not Infiniti.
Good luck.

 

If I were the person, I would take it to the small claims court. Is that available in Canada? To me it is just a matter of principle, especially the problem has ocurred previously

 

Absolutely ridiculous to classify that as an adjustment. You're right about semantics. If the technician stated the motor was defective since the battery rundown did not apply to you why was it not replaced, especially on round two? That sounds like the only reasonable solution. I would ask the dealer that question when they say you should pay for another adjustment that won't resolve the ongoing problem. This is clearly a defective and malfunctioning unit that does not operate as it should be expected to. Infiniti would most certainly pay to replace a defective window motor within the bumper to bumper warranty period. If you are forced to pay for it now make sure you send them a note to say if the motor malfunctions again you expect to it replaced under warranty and have your "adjustment' fee returned to you since it did not apply or resolve the problem.

 

My '03 Coupe AT had that same problem on the passenger side window a few months ago. The dealer repaired the window by replacing the window motor. Everything was covered by the car's warranty.

 

HR-M3,

Any progress yet? Do they still say it is an "adjustment"? Did you point out that this is not like a wheel alignment, the example the warranty gives. We're holding our breath waiting. I hope your luck improved.

 

Went through the same exact thing with my wife's 03 Maxima two months ago. Eventhough her manufacturer's warranty has expired, her Nissan extended warranty should have been in effect. Prior to the repair, the dealer service manager explained to us that if a defective part such as the motor or relay was causing the problem, it would be covered by the extended warranty and would cost us the $50 deductible, however if it was a matter of the reprograming, it would be considered an adjustment and would cost $85. Unfortunately for us it was the reprograming. They did however say, that if it would happen again soon they would repair ir free of charge. One thing was't clear to me, how soon is soon?