ComplaintsforLee Parts

• Initial Complaint

  08/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 05/12/2023 I purchased a lower control arm for my 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser from this business on their **** store, order # **************. On 05/20/2023 this part was installed onto my vehicle by my local ******** dealership. On 08/05/2024 while my vehicle was as this same dealership for a routine oil and filter change, their tech noted that the lower control arm is defective, leaking grease, and should be replaced. On 08/05/24 I contacted *** Auto Parts via the **** messaging system to inquire about the warranty on this part. They stated that it has a 2-year warranty. I also received info from Stallantis (they own ********************) ************* that it is the responsibility of the selling dealer to provide for warranty coverage of the defective part. I have since sent several messages back and forth with a *** Auto Parts representative and now they are saying that they only want to replace the part. Per the ***** 24-month ************* parts warranty, the part and labor is covered as the part was installed by a ******** dealership. I am requesting a refund of the defective part and 1/2 of the labor that it cost to have this part installed as it will cost the same amount to have the defective part replaced. The other 1/2 of the labor is being covered by another dealership that provided the other defective control arm. I do not want another ******** part as they have not been made in years and any old stock that is still on the shelf, could or may have the same problems as the defective part that is currently on my vehicle. *** Auto Parts is now unwilling to help with a refund as they want my local dealership to handle the issue, when the *** Auto Parts representative had initially stated that they could facilitate with the warranty issue, and per Stallantis *************, the selling dealer is responsible for the warranty issue. The defective part was $175.60 1/2 of the labor is $407.97 = $583.57 refund being requested.

  Customer response

  08/24/2024

  I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.

  The business could possibly be located by contacting:

  *** Chrysler Jeep Dodge

  ***************/p>

  **********************

  Parts: ************

  Service: ************

  Sales: ************

  *** Auto Parts is operating inside this business.

   

  Business response

  09/03/2024

  The customer did in fact purchase the item from us through our **** marketplace. He reached out stating the item was defective. We informed him the item has a two year part only warranty as we sold the part to him as an "over the counter" purchase. The customer chose where to have the item installed. We have repeatedly told the customer we will warranty the part, but under the terms of the warranty set by the manufacturer we must have the old part back. He refuses to return the part and insists we refund him and a portion of the labor. We can only refund him for the part once we have the part in our possesion. We have copies of all the converstation in our **** messages.

  Customer response

  09/09/2024

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  I have never REFUSED to return the defective part. I will return the defective part and I have informed *** Auto Parts that it will be a while before I can return it. This is very expensive work that has to be redone due to them selling me a defective part, that probably should have never been sold to anyone. I plan on getting my car back into the shop sometime during the week of 10/21-10/26 when I am on vacation and I will not have to get a rental vehicle to get back and forth to work.

  I have also attached a pic of the ***** parts warranty and it specifically states that their warranty does cover Parts, Labor and Towing for Dealer Installed parts.

  This part was installed by my local ******** dealership that has been servicing my vehicle for 18 years, since I purchased it from them. About 13 months after installation of this part, while performing some other routine maintenance to my vehicle, they noted that the ball joint grease seal on this part is now leaking grease, which is also letting contaminants into the ball joint which will eventually degrade its performance, and will require replacement, far sooner than if the part was not defective.

  The part was also inspected by another shop (during tire replacement) about 2 weeks ago and they also confirmed that the part is defective.

  Another dealership that also sold me the defective right side control arm, on ****, has already settled my issue with them, and they fully refunded the defective and labor (see attached payment info). So labor charges can be refunded, but *** Auto Parts refuses to honor this part of the ***** parts warranty.

  Where in the ***** parts warranty does it state that labor is not covered if the part is sold "over the counter?"

  Every time that I contacted *** Auto Parts via ****, they would keep coming up with another reason why they would not issue a refund. They wanted to replace the part. I do not want another old part that has been sitting on a shelf for many years as it will also most likely be defective, just as this one is.

  My local dealership should not have to deal with the warranty issues, they did nothing wrong, they installed the part that I provided them. Also, per ********** ***************** the responsibility to honor the parts warranty is with the selling dealer, not the installing dealer.

  I will return the defective part just as soon as it is removed from my vehicle. But until it gets returned to *** Auto Parts and they have issued a their refund, which in my opinion, should include labor as provided in the ***** parts warranty, my complaint remains valid and unresolved.

  
  Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.
  
  FAQ
  
  Regards,

  ****

   

   

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