Update: September 23, 2009
I bought this 2006 Nissan Sentra in April of 2006. In July of 2006 I was complaining about this issue, and was refused the option of trading this car for another car. On September 23, 2009 I received a letter dated September 22, 2009 from Nissan North America, Inc. stating, in part,
"...Nissan North America (NNA) would like to acknowledge receipt of your letter regarding the above referenced vehicle. After a careful review of the repair history on your vehicle along with our warranty information, Nissan regrets to inform you that we are not in a position to offer a repurchase of your vehicle at this time. However, Nissan would like to offer you the following: An inspection by one of our regional technical specialists. During this inspection, our specialist will address and repair any current warrantable concerns that you may be having with your vehicle. Also, NNA will provide you with a rental vehicle (minus fuel and insurance); for the duration of the inspection and any subsequent necessary repairs...Be advised, if you choose not to accept this offer, you may contact the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB). Nissan subscribes, through the CBBB, to a special automotive complaint resoultion program called Auto Line. Nissan is contractually obligated to abide by whatever decision is rendered by the CBBB, although you are under no obligation to do the same. The program is free to cusumers. If you choose to contact the Auto Line program, they can be reached at (800) 955-5100...."
Update: August 14, 2009
August 14, 2009
Orland Park Nissan, Inc.
Mr. Chuck Piano, Owner
8550 West 159th Street
Orland Park, Illinois 60462
Re: Lemon Law: 2006 Nissan Sentra
Mr. Piano:
On August 14, 2009, I called your dealership and spoke to a person who identified himself as John. I explained that I wanted to start the process of claiming my defective 2006 Nissan Sentra as a Lemon. I introduced myself, giving my full name. After having a combative conversation with John, I asked John who was the owner. John told me Mr. Piano. I asked for a first name. John said Mr. Piano. I asked John for his last name. He told me “Big” John. I asked him for his last name again. He told me I did not need his last name, and that he was the only John at your dealership. This is totally unprofessional.
I informed John I would start writing this letter and would post it on my very active website (blog). John did not care. In addition, I decided to contact Nissan USA. I left this message:
I want to take advantage of Illinois' Lemon Law. I just received a copy of my contract. I retrieved most of my invoices for repair from Orland Park Nissan and South Holland Nissan in Illinois. Illinois' Lemon Law states I have to get the required forms from the Nissan manufacturer or dealership in order to start the process. I bought my 2006 Nissan Sentra new on or about April 27, 2006 from Orland Park Nissan. On June 6, 2006 I took my car in complaining about the car driving rough, pulling to the right and the rear bumper being out of alignment. Orland Park Nissan’s customer invoice states “customer states that driver side of bumper is not aligned properly. Inspected and verified customer concern. Found that bumper is slightly off. Cannot be adjusted. Cannot correct position of bumper….”
I have had continuous problems with this car from the beginning of my purchase, such as the car running rough, the vehicle pulling to the right, the rear bumper is not aligned correctly and most recently I can only pump $.50 worth of gas at a time or the gas will start to overflow. I have had repeated visits to the Orland Park Nissan auto dealership complaining about this issue. They have strained my relationship. On August 15, 2009, I talked to a person who calls himself John who refused to give me his last name. I cannot deal with their unprofessionalism. Please submit forms to me for my claim.
Therefore, I respectfully request a response issuing me the necessary forms to file my claim, utilizing Illinois’ Lemon Law.
Thank you.
Fred Nance Jr.
cc:
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
Update: November 24, 2006
There has been no response from Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department.
Update: November 19, 2006
There has been no response from Orland Park Nissan.
Update: November 11, 2006
There has been no response from Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department regarding the replacement or adjustment of my bumper.
Update: October 29, 2006
There has been no response from Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department regarding the replacement or adjustment of my bumper.
Update: October 23, 2006
I have not heard anything from Nissan Motor Co. LTD. I visited Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department, without an invitation. I informed them when driving my ride is bumpy and rough, that the car pulls to the left or right when stopping and that the rear bumper is not aligned correctly and is getting worse suggesting it may fall off. I hand-delivered a copy of my July 17, 2006 to Chuck Piano, Principal Owner, and Tom Walker, Service Director.
Nissan's Customer Service Department determined, from both the advisor and tech driving, the ride quality is normal for this type of car; and that the suspension is tight. It is assumed the car is in normal condition. Regarding the car pulling to one side or the other, they report both the tech and advisor drove the car and could not duplicate my concern. Regarding the alignment of the bumper, they report the tech cannot adjust the bumper. The advisor reports she will have to discuss the issue with her service manager regarding adjustment.
The issues with the bumpy ride and the car pulling to one side or the other during a stop may be a dysfunction in the quality of this type of car. The issue with the alignment of the bumper and possibility the bumper falling off is another animal. If the bumper cannot be aligned, this car should have been replaced for me and sent back to production when I first reported it. Why would Orland Park Nissan want its customers to have and own a car with type of defect?
I will report what happens in the next update.
Update: September 16, 2006
I have not heard anything from Nissan Motor Co. LTD or Illinois' Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department. Consumers beware.
Update: August 24, 2006
I have not heard anything from Nissan Motor Co. LTD or Illinois' Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department. Consumers beware.
Update: August 12, 2006
I have not heard anything from Nissan Motor Co. LTD or Illinois' Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department.
Update: August 7, 2006
I have still heard nothing from Nissan Motor Co. LTD or Illinois' Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department. On August 5, 2006 I received in the mail a copy of my vehicle registration ID card from Orland Park Nissan. I bought this car on April 27, 2006. Orland Park Nissan paid for my vehicle registration on August 3, 2006. It took them more than 90 days to pay for my vehicle registration. This is why I received notice of vehicle registration for my old 1998 Nissan Altima, which I traded in on April 27, 2006. Secretary of State Jesse White would have held me responsible. I have been driving around with license plates on my 2006 Nissan Sentra since April 27, 2006, which were not registered to the car, believing Orland Park Nissan had paid taken care of the vehicle registration.
Update: August 5, 2006
No response from Nissan Motor Co. LTD or Illinois' Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department. This organization is not reliable. I received Renewal Fee statement from the Illinois Secretary of State License Renewal Department. This statement reports a renewal for my old 1998 Nissan Altima, which I used as a trade-in at Orland Park Nissan. The license plate I had on the 1998 Nissan Altima is now on the 2006 Nissan Sentra. Am I driving with a plate on my car, which is registered to another car? Orland Park Nissan should have reported they own the car to the Secretary of State. Orland Park Nissan should have informed the Secretary of State about the transfer of title and plates. I paid for this service. It is the responsibility of Orland Park Nissan to report.
Update: August 2, 2006
No response from Nissan Motor Co. LTD or Illinois' Orland Park Nissan's Customer Service Department.
Update: July 29, 2006
Mr. Carlos Ghosn of Nissan Motor Co. LTD has not responded to my letter. Consumers beware of Orland Park Illinois Nissan's Customer Service Department.
July 17, 2006
Nissan Motor Co. LTD
Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President & CEO
P.O. Box 685001
Franklin, Tennessee 37068
Re: Orland Park Nissan, Illinois
Mr. Ghosn:
On July 11, 2006 I visited Orland Park Nissan Customer Service Department seeking assistance with my “new” Nissan Sentra 2006. My first concern was the car pulling to the left when I stop the car. It was my belief I needed a wheel alignment. My second concern was smelling gas when I used my air conditioner for the first time.
It was raining slightly when I brought my car in for service. After driving my car, the service person informed me there was nothing wrong with the car as to my concerns. I asked the service person did he think the car would pull to the left when he drove it in the rain. I thought they would give the car a diagnostic check for the wheel alignment. The service person that drove my car did not answer my question but walked past me handing his analysis to Ms. Heather Wilde who informed me there was no diagnostic machine available at their location. I complained to the salesperson who sold me the car. He took me to his a supervisor. This supervisor directed me to the service department supervisor.
The service department supervisor informed me he would send my car to get it check out. About an hour later, the supervisor returned my car, showing me a paper stating some results of testing informing me nothing was wrong with my car.
Sir, my car still pulls to the left when I stop. There may be something wrong with the manufacturing of this product, since Orland Park Nissan’s test is negative.
The initial service person’s test drive for the smell of gas turning on the air conditioner was negative also. I have not smelled the gas fumes again, but the air conditioner does not blow cold air sufficiently. No one from Orland Park Nissan checked the Freon in the air conditioner. I should not have to put Freon in a new car. Are there reported defects with this model car?
Sir, I bought this car on April 27, 2006. I have 5,582 miles on the car. I have been doing some extensive driving in this car. The issues I presented are justifiable for the driving I have done. I previously took this car in for service on June 6, 2006 for an oil change. I complained of the car riding and running rough. The service person drove the car and reported there was nothing wrong with it. I also complained of the bumper not being aligned properly. The service person found the bumper is slightly off, but stated they cannot adjust it. Are there reported defects about this product?
When I brought the car in, both times, I asked for a temporary car to visit a near by restaurant while the service was being done to my car. I was told both times by Ms. Heather Wilde there was no car available. On my visit of July 11, 2006 when the service department supervisor sent my car somewhere for analysis, he provided me with a loaner that Ms. Wilde told me was not available. Please alert me to the policy covering a loaner when getting your car serviced.
Also, when I visited the first time on June 6, 2006 my car was washed after servicing. They did not afford me this service on my second visit. I do not think I should have asked for the car wash. Nissan’s service appears to be inconsistent.
Therefore, I respectfully request better service on my vehicle equal to others visiting the service department and purchasing vehicles at this facility. I submit the following questions for your review: How can I get my bumper adjusted? What can Nissan do about the car giving such a rough ride? Can I have someone check my Freon? Can I visit a Nissan service department where there is a diagnostic machine on the premises to check my wheel alignment and brakes? In the analysis requested, can it be determined if I have any factory defects in my automobile? If you are able to accommodate me with these request, can I get a loaner vehicle while this service takes place?
Sir, I am not satisfied with the service I have received from this dealership. I am not satisfied with this car.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
cc: Mr. Brad Bradshaw, Vice President & General Manager, Nissan Division
