Do I Have Any Recourse?

[anonymous]

I did not see anywhere that said this type of post is not allowed so if not I apologize and mods please delete.

 

My question is this. I purchased a certified preowned 2014 silverado with just over 10,000 miles on it two weeks ago. I posted a thread on the issue I had with it which can be found here: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/163210-leaking-rear-window/?do=findComment&comment=1482712

 

Long story short is there was about a 1/2 inch gap between the cab and third brake light that allowed water in to soak the headliner, rear seat and carpet. Within hours I had a distinct mold smell. I took it to the dealer who said they would replace the headliner and the body shop would have to fix the brake light in order to get it to seal. My concern now is two fold. First and foremost is my health. The last thing I want is to drive around in a truck full of mold nor have my family inside the truck. I have health issues as it is that are exacurbated by mold. There is no way the dealer did not previously know about this as you cannot wash the vehicle without water pooring inside and as soon as it got wet there was a distinct smell of mold. Clearly not the first time the interior has gotten wet. I feel I was bamboozled. The second concern I have is future problems related to this that I do not want to be responsible for. Corrosion and electrical issues as well as recurring mold issues are my main concern.

 

My hope is to have them take back the vehicle (I know) and find me a similar one or give me my money so I can purchase another. I sppoke with the GM who was extremely rude (as he was when I purchased my vehicle) and he shined me off.

 

I am awaiting my attorneys return from vacation before consulting with him but just wanted to know if I had any recourse in the mean time.

 

[Rewillia]

BBB! File complaint, have it recorded on file, notify GM consumer division in writing or have your lawyer do it and see what happens

[vetteboy9]

I think you may be getting ahead of yourself. Let the dealer repair the issues, if you think the rear seats have mold then ask them to take the covers off so you can inspect them. It's a truck, they can and probably will replace damaged components because of an issue like this- It will not get bought back, nor do I think it should, unless there is an unrepairable issue.

 

Your comment from the other thread:

 

UPDATE: Truck was dropped off when they opened this morning. Just received a call saying they ordered a new headliner but it will not be in for a few days. They also said the truck will need to be sent to the body shop to get the third brake light to seal correctly. I don't like the sound of that but it is what it is I guess.

 

Relax, Service department is like a group of doctors. If one doctor knows that he isn't well versed in adjusting panel fitment, he will refer you to the specialist, in this case the body department.

[MrBails]

You'll have to consult your state's lemon law. If you qualify the dealer will take the car back.

 

I don't think this issue will qualify, so I think your best option is to have them fix it and see how it goes. Monitor it closely and document everything (pictures). Also request copies of the paperwork that states all the work that is being done to your truck.

 

If the issue continues you might have a case.

 

Good luck!

[GMCustomerService]

Hello anonymous,

 

I understand that you recently purchased a certified preowned 2014 Silverado. I do apologize that you are upset and in this current vehicle situation. I would be happy to create a case in our system to document your concern and reach out to the involved dealership. Please private message me referencing this thread if I can be of further assistance.

 

Jennifer T.

GM Customer Care

[klrrdr]

If they won't help, try a product called Mold Off. This stuff is great at killing mold and mildew. Use it in the boat, and when my Mom's Honda got soaked when the windows were left open then closed up for a couple weeks. It is a non bleach bio- degradable spray. Go to the website www.moldoff.com. Read all about it and I called the guy and he was very helpful. I got the Marine strength.

[Ventilator]

What are the details of a "Certified Pre-Owned" purchase? I've never checked in to that.

 

I assumed that that was a guarantee from GM that the whole vehicle had been gone over with a fine-toothed comb?

 

Either way, it is still under factory warranty. They need to make it right.

 

I suspect they may have seen this problem before, on this very vehicle? I would imagine the previous owner seen some rain or washed it, having put 10,000 miles on it.

[tbarn]

1/2" gap??? Rollover? Aftermarket led lamp? Can't imagine that gap came from the factory.Let them fix it. Mold requires moisture to survive. Once fixed and cleaned it should be ok. But why such a gap?

[anonymous]

BBB! File complaint, have it recorded on file, notify GM consumer division in writing or have your lawyer do it and see what happens

 

I am giving them the chance to rectify the situation before taking those steps but if not BBB, Social Media, Consumer Division, and others will be my next course of action.

 

 

I think you may be getting ahead of yourself. Let the dealer repair the issues, if you think the rear seats have mold then ask them to take the covers off so you can inspect them. It's a truck, they can and probably will replace damaged components because of an issue like this- It will not get bought back, nor do I think it should, unless there is an unrepairable issue.

 

Your comment from the other thread:

 

UPDATE: Truck was dropped off when they opened this morning. Just received a call saying they ordered a new headliner but it will not be in for a few days. They also said the truck will need to be sent to the body shop to get the third brake light to seal correctly. I don't like the sound of that but it is what it is I guess.

 

Relax, Service department is like a group of doctors. If one doctor knows that he isn't well versed in adjusting panel fitment, he will refer you to the specialist, in this case the body department.

 

How will I know what issues are related to this down the road? I mean without removing the roof insulation as well as inspecting the electrical components for corrosion on top of removing the rear seats and carpet there is no way to ensure there is no mold or corrosion. There is no way this is the first time this has happened. The truck had 10,000 miles on it. Its never been rained on or washed? Needing panel fitment would be a defect with the truck no?

 

If they won't help, try a product called Mold Off. This stuff is great at killing mold and mildew. Use it in the boat, and when my Mom's Honda got soaked when the windows were left open then closed up for a couple weeks. It is a non bleach bio- degradable spray. Go to the website www.moldoff.com. Read all about it and I called the guy and he was very helpful. I got the Marine strength.

 

 

I will look into it depending on how this plays out. Thank you!

 

What are the details of a "Certified Pre-Owned" purchase? I've never checked in to that.

 

I assumed that that was a guarantee from GM that the whole vehicle had been gone over with a fine-toothed comb?

 

Either way, it is still under factory warranty. They need to make it right.

 

I suspect they may have seen this problem before, on this very vehicle? I would imagine the previous owner seen some rain or washed it, having put 10,000 miles on it.

 

I would assume the same, that is why I feel a little bamboozled. They were not aware of this issue?

 

1/2" gap??? Rollover? Aftermarket led lamp? Can't imagine that gap came from the factory.Let them fix it. Mold requires moisture to survive. Once fixed and cleaned it should be ok. But why such a gap?

 

Ya seems a little suspect. I mean I could stick my index finger between the cab and housing and touch the bulbs. I couldn't believe how much water entered the vehicle from one wash.

[Spurshot]

I'm guessing the third brake light was an aftermarket mod with one of those Chinese parts, or it was removed and the seal wasn't installed. I really doubt it came from the factory like that.

 

Assuming it's not a rollover, they should be able to replace enough soft interior parts to remove the mold and the corrosion protection and paint on the entire body is more than up to protecting from any detrimental rust.

 

Tell them you want an objective party to inspect the seat cushioning and under the carpet. A lot of Fabreeze can cover almost anything...for a while.