1fastcat

I took it in to get a rattle looked at, they said the steering column would need to be replaced and would order the part and call me when it came in. 3 days later the dealer sends a letter asking how my service was. Service? What service? You havn't done anything yet! When I called to complain, their explanation was "Oh, you should just wait till the parts come in, and then call us back".

Shaun

I doubt any dealers keep parts like a steering column in stock, so they are left to the mercy of the distribution network. If there aren't any steering columns in the country, they are forced to wait for one from Germany.

I don't see how this can be blamed on your dealer. They diagnosed the problem and I'm sure they ordered the necessary parts to fix it. Sometimes things take time. Be glad your car is driveable while you wait for the fix.

1fastcat

Your explanation about parts coming from Germany makes sense. I am however, disappointed that they don't have their customer follow up straight.

Apollo1967

Hows that for decisiveness. Yes at times parts can take some time. I truely believe that they are not as on the ball as they should be. The part was probably ordered 3-4 days after his appointment. I get really frustrated at my dealership cause it takes a week or more just to get an appointment then they keep the car for the whole day. When I pick up my car usually at 6pm they have to order a part(usually a sensor). So now I wait a week or more for the part. They phone me to tell me it is in. I make a new appointment for a week or so after they recieve the part. I have never had anything fixed on my car in less than 3 weeks. I think they delay everything so they can burn up some of that warranty time. I had to go in 4 times for the check engine light. That amounts to around 3 months before my check engine light was finally out.

cmb6s (NoVA)

In all honesty, I'm not sure they've ever had a part that I've needed in stock... which makes me wonder, do they keep anything in stock besides oil and filters? I know the shipping delay is not the dealers' faults, but it seems to me they have enough space to keep spare parts around.

Shaun

That is the whole reason for having parts distribution centers. Each dealer would need an aircraft hanger full of parts to satify your request. It's just not practical.

However, it is well known that the distribution network needs some work. If they can get that sorted out, many of these issues will go away...

Phil

When does it "rattle" ? Is it the center hub-horn area that rattle ?