Okay, I took my car into service for minor things like rattles, and now the Cd player completely crapped out on me..fine that's under warranty. But on my second visit I told them I had an exhaust leak because I could hear it. When I picked up my car and while driving it home..I could hear that they didn't fix it. I dropped off my car again today because for the door panel rattles and also told them they didn't fix the exhaust leak from before because this time I could see it when I look under the car. They call me back and said that my Y-pipe needs to be completely replaced. I told them that the leak was near the passenger side where the exhaust manifold and the Y-pipe meet. Basically they said it's from hitting something physically damaging the Y-pipe and that they have to replace it and it's not covered...

At this point..I lose it and go into a frenzie. Kinda lost my cool and raised my voice at the service tech, he said that he'd talk to upper management to see what they can do call back..it's been 3 hours and I'm getting nervous. People are telling me that they'd probably just repair it without charging.

Anyone else have warranty or service issues like this? I know it's not my fault and for me to take in the car for the same problem because it wasn't fixed the first time around and them turn around and say that I have to fork over $1200 to repair something on a brand new car is..well...for a lack of a better word horsesh*t!!

 

It should be easy to tell if the Y-pipe was damaged. With the car on the lift, the damage would be obvious. If the pipe was leaking, that would point to a loose or bad fitting. That should also be obvious because you wouldn't expect there to be damage to the pipe. You say you can see where it's leaking. Does it look damaged?

If the pipe came from the factory damaged, you would have heard the leaking sound since the car was new. Have you always heard the leaking sound?

Is it possible someone else drove your car and damaged the Y-pipe?

They might be able to repair the pipe if it's damaged. Do you think they should repair a damaged pipe at their expense if it isn't a manufacturing defect?

Why did you loose your cool? Was it because you were certain that the Y-Pipe wasn't damaged? If so, why didn't you just explain that you inspected the pipe yourself and it wasn't damaged?

Did you loose your cool because they showed you the damaged Y-pipe and you were surprised because it couldn't have happened while you were driving the car? Do you suspect that the dealership damaged the Y-pipe?

 

I just got the call back and they said they had the warranty administrator check it out and said it's not covered under warranty. I've heard the exhaust leak since I've bought the car. I took it in the first time and they said they fixed it, but I know they didn't because i can still hear it when I was driving after they said they fixed it. So I took a better look at it this weekend and can see where the leak was. I lost it because the first time I took it in they said they fixed it..obviously they didn't and I could still see it. And I know I didn't cause the damage because I dont recollect going or hitting anything and no one else drives my car except when it's been in the dealership for service and quite frankly, I know they don't care about how they handle the car. My b/f's friend used to work in the service dept for Ford and I hear stories on how they treated the cars and even on time one kid dropped the car from a lift while it was on it.

I requested the name and number for the district manager. You'd be frustrated to if you discovered something like this especially when you took it in the first time and they said they fixed it and then you take it in again for the same problem only to find out that now for them to fix it, it's going to to be out of your pocket.

 

Worst case, if they try and charge you for it, try and find one on Ebay or here in the classifieds. I'm sure there are numerous people out there who have exchanged their stock pieces in favor of an aftermarket alternative. ~$50-100 sounds a lot better than the $1200 they are quoting you.

 

I think what they are trying to get across, is "Are you positive you didn't hit anything that would have nicked or damaged the y-pipe?"

There should clearly be evidence of a rock or other object knocking into the exhaust system if they are going to deny warranty coverage. If not, then that is a factory defect.

 

if you want my stock sedan y-pipe, pm me. it's cheap.

 

^+1. Just some of advice... I manage a motorcycle dealership and we run into similar issues alot. The best thing to do is NEVER lose your cool. The Service staff can be your best fried or your worst enemy and losing your cool with them def. puts you in the later catagory. The best thing to do is be nice and ask them if there's anyway they can help you out (prob. too late for that now). Keep in mind they can either hurt you or help you when it comes to working with the manufacturer on a warranty claim. For instance, they could tell infifniti that it looks like something hit it OR it looks defective. I know it sucks that people have that much control over the situation but they do, so you have to work with them, kill them with kindness and they'll prob. do the same for you. Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps in the future.

 

I totally understand, I didn't completely lose my cool, but I did firm up. The second time they called I was polite, yet firm, but he could hear my frustration on the other end. I'm probably going to have to personally go in physically and talk to a few people there. What's frustrating is that I took it in already for this prob and they gave me the green light and sent me on my merry way. For me to take it in again for the same prob and this time telling me it's going to cost me is what's frustrating. I could understand if this was the first time I brought the car in for an exhaust leak and they potentially tell me I did something wrong.

 

I hear ya, sounds like they def. dropped the ball. Do you have another dealer you can take it to? You may have better luck plus the other dealer prob. hasn't even tried to file a warrany claim on it. So there should'nt be a paper trail of what they did/ didn't do.

 

yes...there are 2 other ones near the chicagoland area i could try..you think it might take at a different dealership?

 

I have a new Y-pipe (2000 miles) $50 + shipping

 

What dealership did this happen at? I take mine to Infiniti of Lisle, and haven't had any problems yet (not sure if that's within driving range for you, though).

 

To be honest..that'll probably be closer. I've been taking it to the one in glenview..but now since they moved location their up in Glencoe. It took me over an hour to get there this morning. And I take the Ike to the city for work so Lisle might be better. I haven't had problems before at the glenview one, they've been pretty good...just hoping if I take it either to Motor Werks or the one in Lisle..maybe just maybe they might do it for me. First gonna try to sweet talk the people at Glenview...great now I have to buy a new outfit and fix my hair before I go in again.

 

Worst case, you could call the service guys and find out what kind of beer they drink and take them a case if they don't drink take them some doughnuts, bribery always seems to help with my guys (as long as I don't catch them). It will be more of a peace offering, just tell them you were having a bad day and wanted to make it up to them and explain that you REALLY need their help with this. Unless there TOTAL a$$ Ho*** I bet it will help your situation. If this doesn't work and they continue to give you crap, ask for the general manager, it will **** them off but usually if you can get to the boss he'll probably make things happen just to get you out of his hair. Lastly, if that doesn't work try to negotiate some sort of help as far as "customer goodwill" maybe you pay the labor they pay for the parts. Again these are things I deal with everyday and I'm only speaking from personal experience every situation is different. I really hope this helps, good luck!

 

Just a thought, without seeing how low the Y pipe is, is it possible it could have been on a lift, somewhere other than the dealer? I think you would have to drive over a curb or something to damage that, just my $.02