So…I purchased a brand new vehicle this year. New model (first year it’s out).
I love the vehicle. It meets all my needs, is stylish, refined. While it is pricey its a great value with a ton of features, and is just overall nice, except for one major defect which I’m trying to resolve.
The stereo hums/buzzes. Loudly. It’s some sort of electrical interference. The hum is always present with the system on (and is sometimes present when its off, as all the vehicle sounds, such as door chimes and turn signals are actually piped through the speakers). Any time the vehicle chimes I get the hum/buzz that stays on for several seconds until the amp powers off.
The hum/buzz itself is annoying, but the stereo also picks up electrical noise from the engine compartment. For example, I get engine whine that increases in pitch with RPM played through the speaker system if the radio is on. If I shut off the radio, its dead silent. Its loud enough to bother me enough that unless I’m in the mood for loud music (which drowns it out), I just keep it off.
I’ve been trying in vain to get it fixed. The folks on the manufacturer hotline have been doing a great job and following up daily to see if its been remedied, but are insisting that I work through the dealership network to get it fixed. One dealer simply did not act in good faith - three trips, no effort on their part and no resolution (“its normal”). They referred me to another dealer who agrees its a substantial issue not present on other vehicles in their inventory. They have been working with the manufacturer’s product engineers to try to figure out what’s wrong.
They had it for two days this week and pretty much pulled the electrical system out and replaced several major components (including the radio and amp), installed electrical noise filters, etc. No luck. They want it for another week to disconnect all electrical components and reconnect them until they can isolate the problem, which requires that they tear up the interior to get to all the connection points, an idea I’m not too fond of due to the risk of introducing fit and finish issues and rattles once they piece the dashboard back together. They are willing to provide a comparable loaner car while its being serviced, so its not too much of an inconvienience.
Overall I’m frustrated with the problem but am encouraged that they are making a good effort to fix it. However, at this point I’m getting tired. It should have not left the factory like this. So, my question is…have any of you ever filed a lemon law complaint? If so, what was it for, and what was the resolution?
Florida law states that “If the manufacturer can prove that no problem exists or that the problem does not substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, then you will not get your refund or replacement.” The nature of the defect must be one “that substantially impairs the use, safety, or market value of the vehicle.”
I’m really not sure if I would qualify - this is not related to the drivetrain or major mechanical component. Its the radio. But it’s defective, and no one sells a vehicle without a radio anymore, so I would assume that this issue could qualify for “substantial impairment/value”…but maybe not.
For those of you familar with such issues, I’m curious as to where the line gets drawn. Any input or experiences?
Thanks!
