The gearbox system has failed in my newly-bought 2017 car. Is the dealer liable?

I need your advice, please. I purchased a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Estate 4 months ago from an independent dealer. The car had done 15,000 miles with an elderly lady and had been well maintained under the lease agreement with the dealer. Last week, the clutch suddenly failed on the A303, with a subsequent investigation by the garage finding the mechatronic system had failed so I have a huge bill for the repairs. Although the car is out of the VW standard 3-year warranty, do I have any form of redress with VW? Surely for this to happen after 24,000 miles seems extraordinary given that VW is a good quality brand. Grateful for any advice you have on this. Thank you.

Asked on 13 July 2021 by Catherine Fellowes

Answered by Dan Powell

The dealer that sold you the car is liable for the faulty gearbox. I think you have strong grounds to claim the gearbox problems were present or developing at the time of sale. Given that you've had the car for less than six months, the dealer should repair the car or give you a refund, minus a fair deduction for the use you've already had from the vehicle. For your consumer rights, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/problems-with-a-new-or-used-c...s

Tags: liability faulty gearbox

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