Went to start my G up after work tonight and there it was again, the damn dreaded "service engine soon" light. I have brought my car in 3 times already for service in the last 5 weeks 2 times for the "service engine soon" light and once for a leak on passengers window due to a faulty rubber molding. The first time I got the light I was there at the dealer about an hour, they told me they replaced the gas cap due to "small evap leak" message and I was on my way. A few days later the light came on again and I brought it in, this time they kept the car a few days for "tests" and couldn't find any problem, again it was the "small evap leak".

What is my recourse if any now that I'm going to have to bring my car in for a 4th time in 5 weeks?? I feel like they're never going to fix this problem and I'm going to continually be bringing my G in. Does anyone know when does it become reasonable to request a replacement car?? I just don't think I should have to keep bringing my car in every week for service. Most people don't do this over years of ownership, I've done it in a little over a month. I previously owned a Scion tc that I paid 17k for and never had one problem, now I own an Infiniti G37 that I paid 40k for and have had 4 problems in 5 weeks!!!!

 

It all depends on the state you live in and what that state's lemon law requirements are. I'm not sure if all state's lemon laws require contacting the BBB Autoline or are administered by some other organization. In California several years ago when I went through this with a 85 300ZX, Autoline was a requirement. Beware that Autoline is funded by the automakers so they will not be looking out for your best interests.

The requirements are a combination of days in the repair shop, number of times the same repair has been attempted and those types of things. Keep all your paperwork, create a log or other record of any phone calls to the dealer, zone or corporate offices, the reps to spoke with. If you deal with Autoline they will deny everything you can't prove. Log all calls making sure you get the names and phone numbers of everyone you talk with even if you just get transferred. Send all correspondence via registered mail etc. Have them provide backup in writing for every deadline, action, or requirements on your part and follow that to to Tee.

 

Thanks for the feedback ppc, some great info. But I'm wondering first is there any way Infiniti would offer a replacement vehicle on there own?? I know they are big on "customer satisfaction" and figured that eventually they would agree that a replacement vehicle is justified to satisfy the customer and avoid it going through state's lemon laws etc. Maybe I'm naive regarding this matter and way off base regarding my hope on how far Infiniti will go to take care of a customer, would love to hear from others with similar issues to see what Infiniti was willing to do for them. I am willing to see if and what Infiniti is willing to do for compensation etc. but my patience are starting to wear very thin with my G37 and my weekly service visits.

 

I highly doubt it. They will do their best to get their techs to fix it. The only way to get another G is probably go thru the Lemon Law if your state has one. Infiniti believes in customer satisfaction but not at a lose of $20,000+ dollars.

 

That's what I figured, I really don't want a new car, just want this one to work without having to go in for service every week. It always happens a day or so after I fill up my tank, so OBV it has to do with this somehow, they have replaced gas cap etc., and run tons of tests to no avail. I'm just frustrated with this because I never imagined having this kind of trouble with an Infiniti.

 

Just start the process for the Lemon Law if your state has one. Make sure you follow the steps and it sucks but keep taking your car to the dealer to fix. If they need to keep it for a day or so then fine BUT make sure you get a loaner car which they need to provide (it is a perk for having an Infiniti). Infinit along with Nissans are great cars but like everything sometimes there are problems.

 

PPC, I did investigate all this more and have found out that if after 3 repair attempts the dealer was unable to fix the problem I can then contact their arbitration, the BBB Auto Line that you spooke of, to request a replacement vehicle. If I like the outcome I can accept it, if not I don't have to accept it and can then go through the state under the actual Lemon Law. I would think this is pretty cut and dry that Infiniti would either have to fix this problem once and for all or give me a replacement, because if they don't, I'm sure the state would make sure of it. The Lemon Law is pretty clear that the problem must be fixed by the 3rd attempt, can't see how Infiniti could really get outta this seeing I have the work order receipts showing the dates, times, description of problem etc. Like I said, I don't want another car, but I'm also not going to tolerate bringing this one in every freaking week.

 

PPC and bboysteele I did investigate all this more and have found out that if after 3 repair attempts the dealer was unable to fix the problem I can then contact their arbitration, the BBB Auto Line that you spooke of, to request a replacement vehicle. If I like the outcome I can accept it, if not I don't have to accept it and can then go through the state under the actual Lemon Law. I would think this is pretty cut and dry that Infiniti would either have to fix this problem once and for all or give me a replacement, because if they don't, I'm sure the state would make sure of it. The Lemon Law is pretty clear that the problem must be fixed by the 3rd attempt, can't see how Infiniti could really get outta this seeing I have the work order receipts showing the dates, times, description of problem etc. Like I said, I don't want another car, but I'm also not going to tolerate bringing this one in every freaking week.

 

Just for everyone's benefit can you tell us what state you live in?

Keep us informed of your progress. I hope it works out for you but to respond to your first followup post to me, you might be a little naive. By no means is any of this cut and dry. The arbitration is going to look at what your problem is as being a simple repair, not requiring major component replacement and that you haven't given the dealer adequate time to address the problem no matter the requirements are for filing a claim. Their response will be something of the nature of: "Let the dealer attempt another repair, if you still have problems within the next 45 days then the arbitrators will meet again to determine the next step". Nothing is automatic. If you decide to not accept arbitration then you go to court where the burden of proof it left to you. Rejection of any type of arbitration is not going to be something in your favor. As always a lawyer would be recommended. Does your state allow for recovery of all costs? If not it could get expensive.

All that said, is the ECU producing the same exact error code? Are you willing to leave the car at the dealership overnight, weekend etc., have the service manager drive the vehicle for a few days. If you are demanding the repair to be completed by a certain time each time you bring it in for service, you are not meeting the adequate time stipulation. Ask for a loaner car, don't refuse any of their suggestions.

 

i heard it can come on for having to much oil try getting and oil change

 

Florida


I met with the service manager and shop foreman today to discuss my ongoing issues with my G. They were very apologetic and ensured me that they would make sure the problem is solved this time. Foreman spoke about some new "smoke machine" that they received to help narrow down these problems. They seemed concerned about making sure they get this problem fixed once and for all. Yes, every time it is "small evap leak" code. I always leave it for as long as they have needed, I never ask how long it will be nor do I tell them I need it back by any time frame.Once again, I never ask them to complete the repairs in any time frame, I just drop it off and go on my way with my loaner.

 

ill say caim lemon car law... you ll either get a new car or extended warranty... my friend had a qx he got full price for his car...

 

How many times did he have to go in for service before they bought his qx back?? What was the issue he had with the qx???