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...."
August 25, 2009
Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan
Consumer Fraud Bureau
500 South Second Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706
Attn: Mr. Dan Ligocki
On April 27, 2006 I bought a 2006 Nissan Sentra from Orland Park Nissan. On June 6, 2006 I took this car back to Orland Park Nissan reporting the car was riding rough and the rear bumper was not aligned correctly on the car because there was a gap where it should have been flush to the car. The rear bumper had a space between it that was abnormal compared to other 2006 Nissan Sentras’ on their lot. I asked Orland Park Nissan to replace the car. Orland Park Nissan refused to replace the car.
On July 11, 2006 I took the car to Orland Park Nissan again complaining that there was a gas smell when I used the air conditioner, and that the car was pulling left when I drove it and stop at signs. There was no relief from Orland Park Nissan. On July 17, 2006 I wrote a letter to Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President & CEO of Nissan Motor Company LTD. (attached) I did not receive a response. On October 21, 2006 I took the car back to Orland Park Nissan reporting the car was pulling left when I drive it and come to a stop, and the ride was very rough when I drove it. I also informed them that the bumper was not aligned, and that the gap where it is supposed to be flush to the car was getting wider.
During the 2007 & 2008 year the problems became worse. I started taking my car in for service to Nissan of South Holland. (invoices attached) I received oil changes from them. I complained about the same issues to Nissan of South Holland. As I review their receipts, they did not record my complaints as Orland Park Nissan. I was told several times by the service people at Nissan of South Holland that I had to take my complaints about the car to the dealership where I bought the car, which is Orland Park Nissan.
On or about February 17, 2009 I backed into a car in a strip-mall parking lot that came up behind me from a blind spot as I was backing up from my parking spot. My rear bumper fell completely off. I was traveling about 3 to 5 miles an hour. I have talked to experts in the automotive field, and they have told me that the rear bumper should not have come off completely from such a minor accident. My insurance company challenged the fact my rear bumper came off. They did not do it verbally or in written transmission, but I was led to believe their doubts about how the bumper came off. I referred my auto insurance to my claims against Orland Park Nissan.
AAA Member Select auto insurance is my insurance, and they paid for my rear bumper to be fixed by Cars Collision Center, South Holland Branch. Car Collision Center put an “aftermarket” rear bumper on my car. The rear bumper is still not aligned correctly. I called AAA and had the car re-inspected. The car has been re-inspected, and I was sent a copy of the following email from the AAA representative Morgan Dale, which was sent to Tim of Cars Collision: “Tim: as a follow up, please order a new oem bar cover. Do not paint or edge. Mr. Nance will come by when part is in. I would like to see the alignment of the new oem cover vs. aftermarket. Will you also have your tech look for any signs that may indicate this vehicle was in a rear end collision previously….” Tim from Car Collision called me today, August 26, 2009, and scheduled my car for this service on September 1, 2009 at 8:00 am.
In addition to these issues, I cannot pump more than $.75 of gas into the car before it backs up and starts to overflow or back-up on me. I informed Nissan of South Holland about this problem. They told me I would have to submit the car for a check-up, which would cost me more than a $100.00. I told them I could not afford a $100.00, nor should I have to pay for a service about a defective automobile. Therefore, I am adding to my list of defections the fact that I cannot pump gas into this automobile without it backing up on me and spilling on the ground.
I informed the AAA representative that since getting the car back from Cars Collision the gas that backs up does not come out of the spout that I pump the gas in and flow on to the “outside” of the car on to the ground anymore, it now backs up from the spout where it overflows on the inside of the frame of the car and hits the ground from under the car.
AAA is using this accident, along with other issues to cancel my insurance (attached). I believe it is because of my complaints. I wrote an appeal (attached).
Would you please investigate my claim that I was sold a car that does not meet the normal standard or requirement, and in fact, is a lemon?
Respectfully submitted
Fred Nance Jr., Ph.D.
cc:
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
