[Quiet Lunatic]

I leased a Nitro in May. Recently, it went into the dealer for the first oil change.

A week after being serviced, the oil plug blew out as it apparently wasn't tightened. The dealer said that everything was fine. They replaced the plug and oil -- no other damage was done, according to them.

Ever since, all the "idiot lights" on the dash flicker at random and the most concerning thing is that the transmission (it's an automatic) will totally disengage, also at random. I've almost been in two accidents because of this. For example, I pulled out into traffic in front of a soccer mom in a mini-van (who was going too fast to begin with) and the transmission slipped - she had to lock it up to keep from hitting me. These slippages have happened countless times. Usually I can get it back into gear by pulling it down into 2nd and accelerating. Shifting is also very rough (which is apparrently a common problem) and ti downshifts and for no reason and all...

The latest problem is that I sometimes can't get into or out of reverse. Last night I was looking at a house and when I went to leave, the vehicle went into reverse but wouldn't budge. The truck just shook and refused to move. When I finally got it into neutral, I had to push it backwards to get turned around. LOL

It's going back for service on Monday.

I guess I'm just looking for advice because it's leased or maybe some general suggestions.

I really love these little Nitros.

 

[David Louis Harter]

Wow!

It's going back for service on Monday.

I guess I'm just looking for advice because it's leased or maybe some general suggestions.

I am very displeased to hear of the problems you are experiencing. I would recommend finding another dealership and explaining to the service manager what happened at the first dealership and the problems you have encountered since then.

__________________
- David
NITRORT - http://www.catechnologies.com/blog/mrnitroplate.jpg

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Thanks for the advice.

It breaks my heart to think of driving something else as I love everything about the Nitro. :shy:

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

So my Nitro is back in for service. I asked about getting a new vehicle, since the majority if my issues were caused by the dealership and all I got was a bunch of crap about lease buybacks.

They also didnt have a loaner for me to drive.

Anyone know about lease buybacks?

Thanks!

 

[Chaos872401]

Keep yelling

My advice to you is to start yelliing and screaming at these people. I had a problem with my Nitro. I ordered a certain package and it was not right. I also lease so I just start yelling in the showroom in front of customers. Yelled for a month and the dealer did switch out the vehicle for the right one the one that I had ordered.

Dont give up stand your ground. I know it might seem like you are losing but you are not.

Good luck

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Just talked to serivce manager. He said he did all the required updates but I would still probably have the "shuddering" in the transmission.

He also said that he could not replicate the random downshifting problems or the transmission disengaging while in drive. He said I could take it and drive it - then bring it back when it acted up or he could keep it for a week to see if he could replicate the problems.

The thing is, I need a something to drive to work and they don't have any loaner vehicles available. $527 a month is too much money to pay when a vehicle as new as this starts acting up - when it's most likely due to the dealer's fault to begin with.

Thanks for the advice as I still feel a kinda like I'm losing the battle. Yelling and screaming usually isn't my style but I may have to try it.

The vehicle just doesn't seem safe to drive. Should I call Chrysler/Dodge customer service?

 

[ponchonutty]

Call your local BBB and State's attorney general about what's going on. You can not drive a car that acts like that. Tell the dealer you demand them to give you a loaner and have them drive your vehicle for 2-3 days to see if they can replicate the problem. They can keep a scanner hooked up in your car as they drive around to "capture" information of what the car is doing.

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Have you considered a lawyer? Usually a letter from one of these guys is enough to scare them into action.

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Thanks guys for all the information.

Yes, I have considered a lawyer and that may be the next logical step. I've also contacted the local BBB who pretty much told me to let the dealership try to fix it, then file a complaint if or when the problem(s) persist.

The service manager said that he'd have to keep the vehicle (for testing) and didn't have any loaners after I demanded one - thus forcing me into taking my vehicle as I have something to drive.

On the drive home, the shift points are still messed up and the transmission shuddering is worse in my opinion.

My question is: Isn't the data from previous transmission related problems logged somewhere? Why couldn't they look at that?

I know the owner of the dealership - I bet he's not even aware of my problems. I may call him.

Thanks again.

 

[dk1677]

Yes go to the top man! I hope you can get your problems resolved!

 

[ponchonutty]

yep, go to the top. Sometimes you gotta see the person that can rattle the chains.

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Well, my Nitro has died, once again. I went to leave a clinic I work at, and it wouldn't start...wouldn't even turn over.

Checked the battery, it was good....tried to jump it (just for giggles) without sucess.

I called the dealership - all their service people were unavailable and the service manager was in a meeting. I didn't get to anyone in the service department until the third call. This guy told me I'd have to call Roadside Assistance to get it towed...

I called the owner of the dealership and suddenly everyone was available.

They say the computer and some sort of controller will have to be replaced.

I demanded another vehicle and they pretty much said I could come in and get whatever I want. At least this time I have a rental car.... :Racing:

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Sounds like they are taking you seriously at last. It's surprising what happens when you go to the top.
They tried the "we don't have any loaners' once with my wife. Trust me, if there's one person you don't want to piss off, it's my wife. They had a rental for her in no time. Most dealerships have contracts with rental companies so loaners should always be available.
I hope the computer fix works then you can get on with your life Nitro trouble free...

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Thanks for the reply. I want to love my Nitro - in fact the problems didn't start with the vehicle, they started with the dealership. Poor truck...

I'm going to see if they're serious about me getting some else to drive for the remainder of my lease. I'm thinking a Nitro will all the available options, or a Charger.

Thanks again.

John

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Take another Nitro and see what that feels like. You never know, if you bug them enough they might do an exchange.

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

They've pretty much said they'd do a buy-out on my lease and I could pick something else out on the lot.

I'd be willing to try another Nitro.

Does anyone know how a buy-out would work?

 

[Chaos872401]

buy out

My dealer did that with me. All they do is contact finance to see what is owed on the vehicle. They are told and they cut a check. Be careful ask them about the mileage on the one you have now. Will you be liable for the miles on that one. When you get the new one make sure everything remains the same i.e. your lease payments, mileage per year, options, cost per mileage if you go over, and of course the miles at the end of the lease.

The dealer I got my 1st nitro delivered the wrong option package I wanted 24 c and they gave me 24 b after a month of complaining I got the right one. The other one they even got the interior color wrong.

Lots of pit falls with them. I had many problems once I got the new one like. I had 3 open accounts. the jeep I turned in was never paid off. The Nitro I returned had to make sure chrysler got payment and a odemetor statement. I had to do all the leg work to get the other 2 acounts closed I had to do there jobs.

After all that I am very happy with my Nitro. Of course I will never use that dealership again. Just make sure they do what they are supposed to.

Good luck I wish you the best. Keep us informed of what is going on.

Pm me if you need any help at all. I will be glad to assist you in any way.

Choas872401
Andy