For faulty engine oil system, forum fines auto firm, dealer

Hemant Saini, a resident of Sector 40, purchased a diesel model of Toyota Corolla Altis for Rs 11,86,120 from Pioneer Toyota in Industrial Area, Phase 1, on February 23, 2012. From the beginning, the car engine consumed a large amount of engine oil which was reported to the dealer.

During the first three services, the oil consumption of the vehicle was found much above the norms. Saini made another complaint to the dealer on March 1, 2013, but the matter remained unresolved. He then contacted Toyota via emails, but did not receive a response following which he lodged a complaint with the consumer court.

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In their response, Toyota said that each time Saini approached the dealer, the vehicle was checked and inspected after which the complainant was informed that there was no abnormality in the functioning of the vehicle, and the consumption levels of the engine oil were well within the acceptable standards.

Pioneer Toyota claimed that every time the vehicle was delivered to Saini to his entire satisfaction. As and when the vehicle was checked, some engine oil was added according to the terms and conditions of the warranty clause and there was no manufacturing defect.

Forum president PL Ahuja noted that in all car services, the query regarding the abnormal consumption of engine oil was mentioned and the first complaint was given within two months of the vehicle’s purchase.

However, nowhere in its response the dealer had mentioned that the issue of abnormal consumption of engine oil had been sorted out, which proved deficiency in service, the forum said.

The complainant had continuously suffered mental agony as well wastage of time and money in the process of getting the defects in his new car sorted out, the forum said and ordered the company and the dealer to replace the engine assembly with a fresh warranty, pay Rs 50,000 as compensation and Rs 10,000 towards litigation costs within a period of 30 days with 12 per cent interest.