Auto Recall

A friend of mine had a recall on her car. She made an appointment weeks in advance, but when she got to the dealership was infomed that they would have to order the part. I felt badly for her as this has necessitated two 30 mile round-trips. My question is that if the dealership knew of the recall and knew in plenty of time that she was coming in for that repair, why didn't they order the part well beforehand?
 

I'm surprised. But I have noticed customer service has dwindled in most areas. In 1991, I bought a new Honda Accord. The clutch started to leak at 45,000 miles - out of warranty. Honda of N. America had the dealer replace it, no charge. It was a $750.00 job.
In 2010, I bought a new Accord. At 14,000 miles, the power steering started leaking. Honda replaced the entire steering system & also gave me a loaner car for 3 days - no charge.
My current 2019 Nissan Altima had a couple of recalls; both were completed while I waited.
If there is a large dealer close enough, that's where I'd go. Frequently, larger dealers will stock more parts than smaller dealers.
 
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A friend of mine had a recall on her car. She made an appointment weeks in advance, but when she got to the dealership was infomed that they would have to order the part. I felt badly for her as this has necessitated two 30 mile round-trips. My question is that if the dealership knew of the recall and knew in plenty of time that she was coming in for that repair, why didn't they order the part well beforehand?

What I've noticed is nobody seems to want to do their d**n job. :mad: I can't count how many times, no matter what it is, that someone failed to do their job.
 
That really stinks. I'd be miffed too if I got there and they didn't have the part. Grrr. I noticed the automotive repair industry seems to be rather disinterested. Once went to an auto supply retailer with some worn out screws for a water pump and the guy says we don't have those. I yelled that this is an auto supply store what do you mean you don't have them?!! The lazya** hurried over to a sealed display of effin screws and got me what I needed. Dah!
 
Is there another Honda dealer that she can reasonably go to?
I think for her to go to any other would be a lot more mileage from where she lives. I told her to call first and make sure they have the part. My car is a few years older than hers and I usually always have to make a return trip. I was told by the service department that they usually don't stock parts for cars over 5 years old, so they first have to determine what is needed (first trip), then order the part and call me when it comes in, then I have to go back.
 
Parts supply is often a problem because many cars all need the same part at the same time. That said the dealer should know what he has in stock when you phone for an appointment.
 
My Toyota had an air bag recall. I called the dealership and told them I did not drive on the freeway anymore. They said no problem because they were required by law to come and get the car, replace the air bag and bring the car back to me. They said to pick a day I would not need the car all day and they would handle it. I called, gave them a date and here they were at the correct time, took my car, brought it back early afternoon and gave me paperwork. I did make sure my music cds and change were still in the car. I keep a few ones and quarters in the console in case I need to get a snack on my way home or tip someone.
 
A friend of mine had a recall on her car. She made an appointment weeks in advance, but when she got to the dealership was infomed that they would have to order the part. I felt badly for her as this has necessitated two 30 mile round-trips. My question is that if the dealership knew of the recall and knew in plenty of time that she was coming in for that repair, why didn't they order the part well beforehand?
That's a very good question, Deb. Since her appointment was to address a factory recall, she could reasonably expect the dealership to have the part ready for her. She must have been so frustrated to learn it had to be ordered.
 
Was it for an airbag by chance? I have heard this story over and over for airbag recalls. My son is a service writer at a dealership and he says they will not schedule an appointment unless they have the part in stock-and that part is then saved for that customer. But the dealership on the other side of town has customers almost always needing to come back twice.
 
I was very satisfied with the way the dealership handled my recall. I expected good service as I bought the car there. I worked at 2 car dealerships before I retired so I am well versed on the business and what I expect. I kept all my paperwork when I bought the car and everything related to it. During a recall the dealership should have the part before putting you on the schedule. A good parts manager will try and be sure he has the parts needed. He and the service manager crew have to work together to manage recalls as it effects all their salaries and bonuses.
 


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