How do I get a service department to pay for parts damaged after they made faulty repairs?

Question

Two months ago I had the valve gasket covers replaced on my Nissan Max, the new ones have broken and have leaked oil on the battery and alternator. The service place refuses to pay for anything but new valve covers. Do I have anyway to get them to pay for the damage that was caused?

Answer 1

You are really in a tough position. I am not sure what state you are in, but  the repair facility's liability changes from state to state.

If you live in California, the repair order the customer signs always has a small disclaimer on it stating their warranty on their work only covers the parts replaced and does NOT include incidental damage. Unfortunately this is usually on the back of the repair order. Most people wouldn't read the back of one when they sign the front.

If you were to attempt to sue the repair facility, the burden of proof is on you to show the part failure caused additional damage. This would mean having the testimony of another professional shop. You see what I am getting at? This could end up costing you more trouble than it is worth.

But there is an additional avenue. In California there is the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). You could contact them or whatever your state has in the way of a BAR. This may force the hand of the repair facility to make good on their damage if they feel they are responsible.

But let us be realistic. I don't know what year your vehicle is. But assuming it is a few years old and the battery is at least 3 years old, they may offer to pay half the cost. That is somewhat fair. Same with the alternator. Unless the car is brand new and the alternator is brand new, offer to compromise. Pick up half the cost of the alternator.

Don't be confrontational about it or they may agree to go to court and fight it out. At which point you are at a disadvantage.

Answer 2

Can you prove  that you didn't already have oil on your engine? Did you take to to a different repair shop to check that the new covers were cracked? Or did you check it? If so they can always blame someone else for their problem.  

Answer 3

Call Nissian Corp HQ. Explain the problen to them and what happened and they might pick up the tab.

The other recourse is to sue them in small claims court, but be prepared to document everything, have a independant mechanic testify for you etc.

Answer 4

You have to call and file your complaint with the better business bureau. They will even call for you if your complaint is legit, bbb.com. Best of luck!

Answer 5

Did you have the valve cover gaskets replaced or the valve covers? A little oil on the battery and alt is no reason to get your shorts in a knot . It can be cleaned off. They are willing to pay for the repairs . I don`t see what damage was done. Maybe you should take a pill and calm down. The repairs were done 2 months ago, maybe something else has gone wrong. You failed to include your vehicle make / model / year. Maybe it`s under warranty, or maybe it is just an older car.