Vehicle recalls, anybody dealt with one?

[Bunion 2020]

OK, 2003 Nissan Frontier PU. It has been a decent enough light truck and so far fairly trouble free.

About 3 weeks ago I was coming back from a bike ride and pulled into my neighborhood and was maybe 200 yds from home when the truck suddenly lost power and the engine died. Along with that the Power Brakes and Steering. I was going 5 mph so no biggie. I get a neighbor and we tom the truck into my yard and I let it sit. The next am I go out and turn the key, it starts right up. I shut it off, put on some pants, throw a bike in the back and drive to my mechanic ( 1/2 mile away).

As I pull up to his shop the truck dies again, loses steering and brakes etc. It won't restart.

I talk to Brent and though they are busy as hell he agrees to let me leave it and they will get to it when they can.

By the next Friday I am getting impatient but hey whatever, some things take time. Bored and with not much else to do I google the symptoms and find out it could be a bunch of different things. I also find the Website safecar.gov and run a search on my VIN.

Turns out there has been a recall for the fuel sending unit in effect since 2004 ( I bought the truck new at the local dealer) that Nissan and the Dealer never contacted me about. It says in the recall, failure of the unit can cause loss of power, brakes, steering and Death could result. No shit, I drive a lot of winding roads in traffic and at 55 mph, like most people.

My mechanic calls me and say, "we figured it out. Its the fuel sending unit, the local dealer had one, we got it and put it in." and your truck will be ready 1st thing Monday.

When I picked it up I showed them the recall notice. They said, "that's odd when we order parts the dealer usually tells us if it is a recall part, in this case they didn't mention it."

I take the old part and the recall notice to the Dealer and speak to the Service Manager, he is real nice, says he will contact Nissan and get back to me.

Today he got back to me and left a VM. Long story short, Vehicle is out of warranty, sorry no good will on the dealers part and the part isn't a recall part.

I call Nissan. They confirm again, yes the part is a recall part, they open a case number and then put me on hold. Next thing I know I am talking to that same service manager. I tell him, the part is a recall.

"who told you that?"

I wanted to scream but kept cool. "Nissan told me that."

"Let me look up your VIN again, I didn't find that result."

I gave it to him again and am now waiting for him to call back.

So........ anybody dealt with this shit before? How did it go?

I want Nissan to cover the part and repairs, just shy of $ 500.00.

Am I dreaming?

[adrenalated]

I've had several recalled vehicles, but I've always gone directly to the dealer to take care of them. And it's never been a hassle. I imagine going through an independent shop is going to be more of a thing, and they probably will not reimburse your labor costs, but they should cover the part. Keep hammering them.

Whether or not it is under warranty should be irrelevant.

[that dude who did that thing]

Same as adrenalated, I've always done recalls througha dealer. Dealers are usually good about it, because their service shop gets paid by the manufacturer for doing the repair. Happy customer, happy bottom line, all is good. In your situation, parts department already got paid (by your mechanic), so they don't give a dam any more. You are not their customer, so, again, they don't really give a dam. And usually, warranties and recalls are not related to each other. A recall is for a safety item that the company will be liable for (under product liability law, or under federal safety laws) if it fails and you get injured.

[MakersTeleMark]

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls...andRecalls.pdf

I would think, like warranty work, recall work being mandated to be performed by a dealer and not an independent shop, would be an antitrust violation. But don't quote me on that. There is also a SOL on when recall work must be reimbursed.

[Bunion 2020]

^^^ yeah I lack a lot of leverage.

This is the 3rd brand new Nissan PU in 20 years, I am playing the "ya know I am in the market for a new truck, but I could buy a Toyota" card.

[stfu&gbtw]

Might be an issue getting Nissan to cover your costs. There are only a handful of issues worth seeing a dealer about - recalls are one of them.

[PB]

Seems like their failure to notify you should add some leverage, though.

[BmillsSkier]

Wow, that sucks. Does Nissan have an ombudsman for N. America? Those are the guys to speak to in situations like this where you feel like there has been a wrong, and the company is blase about addressing your concern.

Failing to locate the ombudsman, you can ask for help via Nissan's N.American Facebook page. Sounds silly I know, but companies have tons of people staffing their social media accounts just like they do customer service phone lines. The last thing they want is to become a trending topic/shared conversation about how you've been wronged. I've seen it work wonders when dealing with unresponsive airlines. Quick response, got me in touch with the right people that I could've never found using the traditional methods, and fixed the problem stat.

Worth a shot.

[Garth Bimble]

Back in the 80's I had a Mustang that caught on fire because of some sort of issue with the catalytic converter. Took it to the shop and they fixed it, cost like $600. Some time later I saw that the car had been recalled for that same issue. Notified Ford that I'd already had mine fixed and they reimbursed me for it. I would assume Nissan would do the same, if it is truly a recall issue.

[MontuckyFried]

Seems like their failure to notify you should add some leverage, though.

Yup. I'd play that card for sure. I'd also call bs on them telling you they won't own up to it since it's "out of warranty" though. I've had vehicle recalls fixed loooong after their warranties were up and it's never been a hassle...going through the dealership that is.

[bodywhomper]

did the extended warranty have an expiration? my experience with toyota, is that the extended warranty have a clear date or mileage of expiration, if the problem occurs after that, they won't cover the damage/service. This has occurred several times with the sienna that I own. i would love a work around because i'm currently dealing with one of these problems and the repair is ~$1300.

[adrenalated]

did the extended warranty have an expiration? my experience with toyota, is that the extended warranty have a clear date or mileage of expiration, if the problem occurs after that, they won't cover the damage/service. This has occurred several times with the sienna that I own. i would love a work around because i'm currently dealing with one of these problems and the repair is ~$1300.

Warranties, extended or otherwise, having nothing to do with recalls.

If your shit broke outside of warranty, and it is not a recalled item, then you get to pay for the repair. There is no work around. Period.

If it is a recall (like the OP), unless the terms of the recall state otherwise, the dealer will pay to fix it regardless of age, mileage, warranty, or any other factor.

As for the recall, the manufacturer is only required to notify you by first class mail. If your address has changed since the last one the manufacturer or dealer has on file, you might not get the notice. Additionally, the notice might get lost in the mail, since first class mail is not traceable. Yeah, you might win it in court, but are you really gonna fight that one? As for labor costs, the link that Makers posted isn't really specific on that - it just says "Manufacturers are required to provide reimbursement for certain costs incurred by owners to remedy safety defect conditions prior to a recall . " (emphasis mine)

I would leverage Nissan against the dealer.

[bodywhomper]

Good point. Thanks.

[wickstad]

It's a pretty old recall and did you mention how many miles you have on the rig?

[Bunion 2020]

Yeah its pretty low mileage for a 2003. 104,000.0.

I did mention that to the service guy.

The recall is for a part that sits up underneath the fuel tank and is also the fuel gauge sending unit. It cracks, then corrodes and then fails.

Report Receipt Date: MAY 24, 2004
NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V230000
Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 586,196
All Products Associated with this Recall expand
Details close
19 Associated Documents expand
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
SUMMARY:
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SIX CYLINDER ENGINES AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR OR SIX CYLINDER ENGINES, THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC MOLDING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TERMINAL STRIP TO CORRODE UNDER SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
CONSEQUENCE:
IF CORROSION OCCURS, THE TERMINAL STRIP COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP OPERATION. THIS WILL RESULT IN NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH.
REMEDY:
IN THE FOLLOWING STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL-SENDING UNIT. THESE STATES ARE CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THE OTHER STATES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP TERMINAL ON THE SENDING UNIT FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE UNIT. IF THERE IS NOT CORROSION, THE DEALER WILL APPLY SEALANT TO THE TERMINAL HOUSING TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION IN THE FUTURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NOTES:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

[Skidog]

Have a current recall on my 06 tundra. Checking for same frame rust that affected the Tacoma. Letter received and it has a specific date you must have it inspected by (july31) but has no age/mileage restrictions.
Truck lived most of its life in MA so maybe i get some free work. Don't know what the fix is and the frame rust i see looks "normal" for an 06 but what do I know?

Anyway good luck.

[Scrubadub]

Billion? Those guys are chodes....

[Bunion 2020]

Billion? Those guys are chodes....

I think you are being a bit too kind.

Yes, them.

Service Manager just called me. They now acknowledge that Yes there is an open recall on my truck.

They say there are 2 issues at work here. One is the reimbursement which I take as a good sign that they are actually talking about.

The other is the Open Recall. To get that closed out they say they may need to bring in the truck and repeat the work so that it is done at the dealer.

Fucking priceless.

[adrenalated]

Have a current recall on my 06 tundra. Checking for same frame rust that affected the Tacoma. Letter received and it has a specific date you must have it inspected by (july31) but has no age/mileage restrictions.
Truck lived most of its life in MA so maybe i get some free work. Don't know what the fix is and the frame rust i see looks "normal" for an 06 but what do I know?

Anyway good luck.

Had mine in for that recall, in my case no rust. Got a free car wash and went on my merry way. I believe the fix is they either put a new frame in it or buy the truck from you.

[LightRanger]

Goddamn that's frustrating Bunion. Good that it's taken care of, but wow.

We had the Takata airbag recall work done on our commuter Civic a few months back. Notification in the mail. Down to the dealership. Back later that day. It's a 13 year-old car.

The warranty comment you got is total bullshit.

[hutash]

Interesting about the lack of notification. In CA we can't get pass a smog unless all recalls are signed off, or at least the ones I have had on my Outback (not sure what they were all for, one was a cat, so smog related.)

[fatnslow]

I would play nice with Nissan and see what you can get out of them. Recall notices are generally a postcard and get thrown out by a lot of people so it's impossible to prove one way or another about being sent/received. just look at it as bonus if you get any reimbursement on a repair for a 12 year old truck. It will probably take a few exchanges and the fact it was repaired at a indy shop won't make it easier. Good luck and don't go all agro if you want any money back from Nissan.

[Bronco]

In the winter of 07/08 the cam sensor failed on my F-250 Powerstroke dedicated plow rig. I had replaced the cam sensor 4-5 times previously (always failed at a bad time) but had learned they recalled the truck that year and would replace the sensor at no charge. I had hoped to make it through the winter so I didn't have to de-chain and de-plow the truck but since it was dead, I happily removed the sensor and took it to Bozeman Ford to get a new free one.

Me: Hey, I'm here for my warranty cam sensor, here's the old one.
Parts: You have to bring the truck in.
Me: It's broke down and I don't want to take the plow and chains off. Cant you just give me a new one?
Parts: No we can't. We have to replace it in our shop to be covered under warranty.
Me: So I can either have it towed here for $200-$300 or buy a new sensor for $100 and install it and drive it here so you can replace the sensor? Either way, I'm having to de-chain and de-plow which will take a couple of hours because it's a mile from my house. Isn't your shop going to charge Ford to replace the sensor?
Parts: Yes, I think you get it now.

[uglymoney]

I think you are being a bit too kind.

Yes, them.

Service Manager just called me. They now acknowledge that Yes there is an open recall on my truck.

They say there are 2 issues at work here. One is the reimbursement which I take as a good sign that they are actually talking about.

The other is the Open Recall. To get that closed out they say they may need to bring in the truck and repeat the work so that it is done at the dealer.

Fucking priceless.

This is such bullshit. Back in the day my Ford Escort had two recalls after I'd fixed them. Seat support and thick film ignition module. I replaced both of them myself. When the recalls came down I just took the receipt to the Ford dealer and they paid me for the parts. I did the work myself though so I don't know about the labor thing.

I'd just take the receipt over there and tell them you need a check. They have no argument about the cost of the part for sure. The receipt should be all they need to update their computers. I doubt Nissan wants to pay labor on this recall twice so I think they are yanking your chain but I don't really know for sure on the labor.

One thing is that at my local Scubie dealer the service and parts department are run by totally different guys. Parts guys are awesome, know me by name and give me discounts. Service manager is a guy I call clown shoes who pretends not to know who I am every time I see him.

[uglymoney]

My Ford dealerships reimbursement may have been voluntary. I found this:

If I pay for needed repairs before a recall is ordered, am I entitled to reimbursement?

Yes, under certain conditions. Manufacturers are required to provide reimbursement for certain costs incurred by owners to remedy safety defect conditions prior to a recall. Vehicle manufacturers are required to reimburse owners for costs incurred to remedy a defect based on either (1) the date NHTSA opens its Engineering Analysis, or (2) one year prior to the manufacturer’s notification of a defect to NHTSA, whichever is earlier. The closing date of eligibility for reimbursement of repair of a motor vehicle is 10 days after the manufacturer mails the last of the owner notices informing owners of a safety defect recall and cost-free remedy. For replacement of equipment, the closing date is either the same as for motor vehicles or 30 days after the manufacturer’s closing of its efforts to provide public notice of the existence of a defect, whichever is later. Documentation of the costs is required for reimbursement. While the current reimbursement policy is a relatively new requirement, manufacturers have in the past often voluntarily agreed to absorb such costs, provided customers could prove the pre-recall repairs remedied the defect in question.

Are there any limitations on my right to have a recalled vehicle remedied at no charge?

Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and eliminate unnecessary safety risks.

Also, if the manufacturer challenges the agency’s final decision of a safety defect, there is no obligation for the manufacturer to remedy the defect while the case is in court. If you decide to have your vehicle remedied at your own expense while the case is pending and the court upholds NHTSA’s final decision, you may be entitled to reimbursement. (Be sure to save all receipts and paperwork so that you can prove the repairs were made.) However, if the court ultimately rules the defect is not safety related, Federal law does not require that the manufacturer reimburse you for the repair work