Concerns About Repair Quality and Functionality
I’m located in Indiana and chose the highest quality repair option using all original equipment (OE) parts for my vehicle, which is just two years old with relatively low mileage. This is why it wasn’t deemed a total loss. The majority of the left side of the car was repaired.
Unfortunately, I’ve noticed several issues with the quality of the repairs. I’ve been in touch with both the insurance company and the repair shop to address the ongoing problems.
So far, the shop has corrected issues like the driver’s side mirror vibrating, excessive wind noise due to faulty weather stripping, not replacing damaged fender insulation, and failing to reinstall all frame weather plugs after the repairs.
However, I’m still dealing with some significant concerns. The driver’s side door, which was fully replaced, doesn’t latch properly, leading to noticeable dents. While the shop claims they will fix the latching issue, I anticipate resistance when it comes to repairing the dents.
I’ve also noticed that when it’s cold, I can feel chilly air coming from the driver’s door, suggesting that insulation might have been overlooked. As temperatures rise, I’m now facing responses like “Can’t verify customer complaint.”
Additionally, the left side speakers sound subpar, almost as if they’re blown, which is frustrating following the repairs.
The shop reused some undamaged plastic parts from the old doors, but the paint isn’t blended properly. My car is a flat red, and the new paint is noticeably darker than the factory finish. While they did blend one quarter panel, none of the reused plastics or bumper covers received blending. The shop mentioned that insurance won’t cover blending these parts.
When I received the car, the new paint had significant swirling. Although I may have to tackle that issue on my own, I’m concerned about the quality of the clear coat and whether it will hold up for a proper detail to resolve the swirling.
Legally, what are the expectations for quality and functionality of repairs? Are there specific issues I should advocate for more strongly or consider letting go?
My goal is to restore my car to its pre-accident condition, but I’m beginning to wonder if that’s a realistic expectation. Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.
It sounds like you’ve been dealing with some frustrating repair issues, especially considering you opted for OE parts and expected a high-quality repair. Here are some thoughts and potential next steps for you:
Quality of Repairs: Legally, the expectation is that repairs should restore the vehicle to a condition comparable to its pre-accident state. This includes functionality, safety, and aesthetics. If the repairs are not meeting these standards, particularly with issues like the latch not working and cold air coming from the door, you have strong grounds to pursue further corrections.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the repair shop and your insurance. Take photographs of any issues (like the paint blending and the dents) and keep any receipts or documents related to the repairs. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate the situation.
Communicate Clearly: Continue to communicate your concerns clearly with the repair shop. Be firm but polite, and make sure they understand that you expect items like the door latch and the speaker issues to be addressed fully. If they’ve agreed to fix certain issues, hold them accountable to that.
Paint and Aesthetic Quality: Regarding the paint blending, while it can be frustrating, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to have specific coverage limitations. However, you should still ask for satisfactory blending of reused parts—this is a reasonable expectation. If the swirling is a concern, consider consulting a professional detailer for their opinion on whether it can be improved without damaging the clear coat.
Escalate If Necessary: If you feel that the shop is not responding adequately to your concerns, consider escalating the issue with your insurance provider. They may have processes in place to mediate disputes between customers and repair shops. Additionally, if the shop remains unresponsive, you might explore filing a complaint with your state’s consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau.
Consult Legal Advice: If you believe that the quality of work is significantly below what is legally expected, consulting a lawyer who specializes in consumer rights or automotive issues can provide clarity on your next steps.
Overall, while it’s understandable to want your car restored to its prior condition, it’s also important to recognize what may be realistic in these scenarios. Prioritize the most critical safety and functional issues and push for those to be resolved first. Good luck!