dracaryaass
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- May 4, 2019
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Sick to my stomach writing this, but I've always questioned why most dealers use a power drill to install license plates? Now I've got a damaged Stinger trunk lid.
Dealer notified me that new plates/registration for my Stinger was ready for pick-up on Friday (I've owned the car for a little under 4 weeks). I drove to the service area and the advisor on-duty processed my transaction for my registration. He told me to drive the vehicle in the shop so he could install license plate -- heard four buzzes from the drill (yikes!) but didn't think anything of it after the install.
Fast forward to today (Monday), opened my trunk before work and saw the damage on the trunk lid. Immediately went to the dealership that morning where they removed my plate since the install, took photos, and reinstalled plate. They ended the conversation with both my sales person and a different advisor telling me that I'd unfortunately have to wait until manager could verify the damage the next day (tomorrow). Side note -- they saw the car was de-badged (which I did the day after they installed my license plate) and, of course, asked if the damage came from that instead of the drill. I told them to look where the crack started... and one advisor stated, "yeah, I hate to throw us under the bus, but it looks like it was overtorqued".
Expecting a phone call from the Service Manager tomorrow -- but ugh, I haven't even made the first payment on the vehicle yet. I expect the dealer to fix this (at least I hope), but curious to know what the cost to replace usually is.
Photo 1: How I discovered my lid this morning...
Photo 2: After dealer removed plate for the first time after they had installed
Photo 3: Left license plate mounting hole, signs of over torquing on top and right.
Photo 4: Damage after Service Advisor re-attached license plate after inspection damage from earlier.
UPDATE AS OF TODAY:
Rightfully so, Dealer's Service Manager has taken responsibility for damage, repair, and rental costs. It took several strongly worded emails to several key decisions makers to confirm this in writing (and in a timely manner), none the less --- parts have been ordered. Upside of this, is that I'll likely be able to request their body shop to fill the badge holes and install script badge on the new trunk lid. Not that it matters, but I'm still curious to know the cost-implications as a result of their employee's negligence.
Dealer notified me that new plates/registration for my Stinger was ready for pick-up on Friday (I've owned the car for a little under 4 weeks). I drove to the service area and the advisor on-duty processed my transaction for my registration. He told me to drive the vehicle in the shop so he could install license plate -- heard four buzzes from the drill (yikes!) but didn't think anything of it after the install.
Fast forward to today (Monday), opened my trunk before work and saw the damage on the trunk lid. Immediately went to the dealership that morning where they removed my plate since the install, took photos, and reinstalled plate. They ended the conversation with both my sales person and a different advisor telling me that I'd unfortunately have to wait until manager could verify the damage the next day (tomorrow). Side note -- they saw the car was de-badged (which I did the day after they installed my license plate) and, of course, asked if the damage came from that instead of the drill. I told them to look where the crack started... and one advisor stated, "yeah, I hate to throw us under the bus, but it looks like it was overtorqued".
Expecting a phone call from the Service Manager tomorrow -- but ugh, I haven't even made the first payment on the vehicle yet. I expect the dealer to fix this (at least I hope), but curious to know what the cost to replace usually is.
Photo 1: How I discovered my lid this morning...
Photo 2: After dealer removed plate for the first time after they had installed
Photo 3: Left license plate mounting hole, signs of over torquing on top and right.
Photo 4: Damage after Service Advisor re-attached license plate after inspection damage from earlier.
UPDATE AS OF TODAY:
Rightfully so, Dealer's Service Manager has taken responsibility for damage, repair, and rental costs. It took several strongly worded emails to several key decisions makers to confirm this in writing (and in a timely manner), none the less --- parts have been ordered. Upside of this, is that I'll likely be able to request their body shop to fill the badge holes and install script badge on the new trunk lid. Not that it matters, but I'm still curious to know the cost-implications as a result of their employee's negligence.
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