Feeling awkward dealership struggling to fix new car (air conditioner issue)?

[Anonymous]

After 2 to 4 hour drives the air conditioner is clearly failing; randomly begins blowing stale warm air, making a distinct but faint (bad) noise, and the pressure is low from the vents it should be coming out of. But not *every* drive that long. And it works again after the car is parked for 20 or so minutes.

Visit 1 they told me they couldn't find anything wrong with it. They were nice, but you feel like an idiot picking up a car they claim is perfect. I honestly think they thought I was confused about how to use the automatic settings.

Happened again. This time I recorded it on my iPhone, but it's hard to capture those symptoms in a video. Visit 2 to dealer they told me they hooked it up to various computers, left it running with air conditioner on full blast for 3 hours, and were happy to say it did fail for them, they found the issue, and fixed it. They were really nice.

Well, within days of picking it up, I took a 3 hour drive, the air conditioner was on the lowest setting the entire way and it failed again! Same exact issue.

Now I feel like anxious about having to call them AGAIN. Is it okay to go to a different dealer? Any advice?

[Anonymous]

I'd prob try a different dealership.

Sorry OP that is so frustratiing.

[Anonymous]

I would take it to the same dealer. If you are in Virginia and they can’t fix it on the third try then you can argue your new car is a lemon.

If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.

[Anonymous]

What kind of car is it?

[Anonymous]

Tell the dealer to contact the manufacturer's regional techs to get them involved. Escalate also to the manufacturer's North American headquarters.

What brand is it? That would help us determine your next move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would take it to the same dealer. If you are in Virginia and they can’t fix it on the third try then you can argue your new car is a lemon.

If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.

This. I’d be happy because they’re on the third try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would take it to the same dealer. If you are in Virginia and they can’t fix it on the third try then you can argue your new car is a lemon.

If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.

This. I’d be happy because they’re on the third try.

Also, they said they found the issue, so it's not like they won't believe you.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like your evaporator is icing up.

[Anonymous]

My Honda Odyssey AC never worked well from the start. Dealer could never find a problem. I finally discovered on my own that the condenser fan was not spinning. By then my warranty period was over and I paid out of pocket. Even at that point when I told them the problem they tried to tell me I would have to pay a $150 diagnostic fee which was non refundable. That adviser just kept pushing hard to get me to not do that for some reason. That Honda dealer was worthless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would take it to the same dealer. If you are in Virginia and they can’t fix it on the third try then you can argue your new car is a lemon.

If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.

You’re assuming it’s a new car…..

[Anonymous]

23:33 -it states in the title it’s a new car

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:23:33 -it states in the title it’s a new car

I assumed that meant new to OP, not brand new. I’m also not sure A/C is considered a safety defect

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:23:33 -it states in the title it’s a new car

I assumed that meant new to OP, not brand new. I’m also not sure A/C is considered a safety defect

It's often 90+ in Va (and most places in the US). Unreliable A/C is a safety defect.

[Anonymous]

Had similar problem with a Honda. AC issues are very, very hard to address. Don't be shy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:23:33 -it states in the title it’s a new car

I assumed that meant new to OP, not brand new. I’m also not sure A/C is considered a safety defect

It's often 90+ in Va (and most places in the US). Unreliable A/C is a safety defect.

Being uncomfortable is not a safety issue