H3 Dead in driveway - 3rd time now

[cmeinck]

Originally Posted by Desert Dan

cmeinck

And GM wonders why their sales are down?

What the cost to replace a truck compared to a dissatisfied customer who will probably never buy a GM product again and tell all his friends of the bad experience??

High Quality and Good customer service can solve the problem and possibly keep the customer and get repeat business.

GM are you listening?

I live on a busy block. It's embarrassing having my H3 getting towed. For those who haven't gone through it, it takes a good half hour to get it on the flat bed. I leave my H3 in the driveway, so they have to push it out into the street in order to get it mounted. Tow service guy pushes and I steer. All the while, people slow-down and stare at my beast getting towed.

If they do buy it back, I'd assume it goes back to GM for inspection and eventually ends on a lot somewhere. So, I'd venture to say the lifetime value of a customer is worth more than any loss they'll incur. The dealer has been great, outside of the service manager informing GM that he has only one record of this incident. The jury is still out on GM. I'm sure they do get their fair share of unsubstantiated claims, but this isn't one of them. It is a little troubling that I don't get to interact with the decision maker. The rep I spoke with today is the go-between.

Thanks for all the encouragement here at the Hummer Forums and the forum admin. This place has been a big help across the board.

I'll keep you updated.

[Desert Dan]

I hope you get a new H3 and can start over.

I think the overall quality of the H3 is pretty good and seems on par with the new C6 Vette in materials and fit and finish.

Time will tell how the H3s holds up.

[cmeinck]

Well, I received a call on Monday saying they needed an additional 48 hours. Today I received the call. "At this time, GM will not be repurchasing the vehicle and problems will be handled through your warranty".

I am furious... In my conversation with the rep on Monday, I mentioned that service suggested "I start the vehicle every day". What if I go away and park in long term parking? Should I pay someone to start my $40 truck so it doesn't go dead? She said that Hummer was aware of issues should the car not be regularly started.

Simply put, they know there are issues with my car and have chosen not to take care of me, the customer. I will be certain to share that information with anyone who asks about my HUMMER or my experience with GM. I wasn't being unreasonable. I didn't cry refund. I simply wanted a truck that started. Take this lemon back to the factory, so it became their problem.

I'm thinking about my next steps.

[nychot]

wow! i can't believe you are allowing them to jerk you around like this. you never reacted to my posting a few back about my success with mercedes-benz after two failures of the car and their failure to be able to reconstruct the problem. and that was my threat to take the issue public with the media. i instantly got all my money back and they took the POS off my hands, asking me only to sign an agreement NOT to go to the media, or publicly discuss the details of the settlement, which came a year into my lease. you have to choose the time when to go postal, and this is one of them. if you dont, and just keep whining to them, and time drags on, you're gonna be left holding the bag. my last words, but i'll keep watching this space. again, good luck.

Originally Posted by cmeinck

Well, I received a call on Monday saying they needed an additional 48 hours. Today I received the call. "At this time, GM will not be repurchasing the vehicle and problems will be handled through your warranty".

I am furious... In my conversation with the rep on Monday, I mentioned that service suggested "I start the vehicle every day". What if I go away and park in long term parking? Should I pay someone to start my $40 truck so it doesn't go dead? She said that Hummer was aware of issues should the car not be regularly started.

Simply put, they know there are issues with my car and have chosen not to take care of me, the customer. I will be certain to share that information with anyone who asks about my HUMMER or my experience with GM. I wasn't being unreasonable. I didn't cry refund. I simply wanted a truck that started. Take this lemon back to the factory, so it became their problem.

I'm thinking about my next steps.

[cmeinck]

I told them I'd be calling local papers/media as per your suggestion. I also informed them I am very active on the internet and Hummer forums in particular. She was a lower level CSR who didn't care what I said. That just adds to my frustration. A very serious matter and I don't get to deal with the decision maker. It's insulting at best. I called the dealer and asked for a copy of all my invoices. I'm not taking this lying down. As a consumer, I have rights and will do everything I can do seize them.

[nychot]

Originally Posted by cmeinck

I told them I'd be calling local papers/media as per your suggestion. I also informed them I am very active on the internet and Hummer forums in particular. She was a lower level CSR who didn't care what I said. That just adds to my frustration. A very serious matter and I don't get to deal with the decision maker. It's insulting at best. I called the dealer and asked for a copy of all my invoices. I'm not taking this lying down. As a consumer, I have rights and will do everything I can do seize them.

well. i'd go to the media, not just threaten. many local tv channels have consumer investigative reporters who seem to get action. also, i would demand through your dealer for help to bypass these low level gm people who are jacking you off on the phone and get to talk to some sort of regional service manager (if gm has such a thing.) those guys usually can help, or get you to the right person.

[cmeinck]

Drove the truck all week and as recent as yesterday afternoon. This morning, I go out to run to the gym and the thing is dead. Turn the key and it won't kick over. I'm am so furious. Called Roadside, Dealer and HUMMER Customer Service to "reopen my case". The worst part is that it's blocking my BMW - which despite not being started all week, will most definitely start up without a hiccup.

[f5fstop]

Demand arbitration with the local BBB and see what happens. If that does not satisfy you, get an attorney and sue for them to purchase the vehicle back.
Thenew four-door Wrangler is a nice replacement vehicle.

[NEOCON1]

yea trade it in on the jeep

[cmeinck]

I'm awaiting their decision on the dispute and will got the BBB route if I don't get anywhere with them. The decision was filled with factual errors. I spoke with the dealer and they said, "GM doesn't speak with them directly. They simply ask how many times the vehicle was in and they look at the records".

Correct me if I'm wrong. They are making a decision on a 37k truck and in the process don't talk to the owner or service rep. Hmmmm? I would think communication with all involved parties would lead to the "right" decision. Way to go GM. Great customer service.

FWIW, the dealer called today with "questions from GM".

1. When did you add TV's?
2. Is the iPod connected when you leave the truck?
3. I noticed there are only 100 miles since you last brought it in, are you driving it regularly.
4. Do you use homelink?
5. Do you have an EZPass in the car?
6. Do you have a passkey of some sort?
7. Do you have a phone charger plugged in?

I had to reiterate that the problems existed before, after and during the fabled iPod installation. In fact, I was a good sport and had the install pulled out only to have the truck go dead without it. I don't use Homelink, EZPass "might" be in the car from time to time and I don't leave anything plugged in. I work from home and drive local. Funny, the BMW sat for a week while I drove the HUMMER but it started when I towed that heap from my driveway.

They are keeping it overnight. Once again, they notice zero draw. It's the same thing all over again. The service dept is doing all they can to track this down. If it were the iPod or TV's, it would show up in their tests. The problem is that it's something else. That something else has been causing problems since November of 05 - one month after I purchased the truck. Then again in December of 05, then again 2 weeks later sans iPod install. Once again in October of 06' after a long trip back and forth to Maine. First week of January it happened and now just again last Saturday. That is six times and it's been to the shop 5 times. The first time I followed their recommendation to have it jumped. Now, I know the tow truck driver. "You're not going to let me jump it, are you?"... To which I responded, "They cannot fix it if it's jumped, nor do they "count it" towards being a lemon.

I love the HUMMER. Perhaps they'll offer me a replacement and I'll be staying around here. If not, I will pursue all legal avenues to get a repurchase. It will be the last GM vehicle I purchase.

BTW, I would never get a JEEP. The Commander is an embarassment - such as HUMMER ripoff.

I'll keep everyone updated...

[usetosellhummer]

That sucks

[cmeinck]

Just an update as it might help someone else who might end up having a similar problem. I received calls late Friday from both GM and the dealership. First GM, they were supposed to get back to me on Wednesday, but instead waited until end of day Friday. When I called back, I found out the CSR was gone for the weekend. How convenient. She called this morning to let me know "the decision to repurchase the vehicle has not changed". According to the rep, it was due to "low mileage". "The computer modules in the car require it to be run or it drains the battery". After 10 minutes of venting my frustration, the source of which is not being able to discuss the situation with the "decision maker", she informed me that Service Manger at my dealership discusses the matter with the District Service Manager. This is how they come to a decision. I spoke with the Service Manager a few weeks back and he told me "They do not have any impact on the decision and do not speak to GM. All they do is release the information and work orders."

I remember the conversation because I was so shocked that GM doesn't contact either the service manager or myself regarding a $40,000 problem. I remember telling him how frustrated I was at the process and yet there was no mention of this little factoid. In our conversation, he mentioned that mileage would be "the problem I'll have".

Flash forward to today and the reason GM has decided not to repurchase the vehicle is due to "amount of mileage". When speaking with the CSR, I asked her if it were possible that the Service Manager did not speak to the District Service Manager. "In her experience with cases of this sort, the District Service Manager always has a conversation with the Service Manager at the dealership".

Either I'm being lied to by the Service Manager or someone dropped the ball. Letters regarding my situation will be drafted this week and sent to GM, local media and CC'ed to the dealership. Anyone know a good lemon law attorney?

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

I hate to tell you this but a FULL METAL JACKET 44 MAGNUM works quite well on the effected parts...

RYD

[cmeinck]

The 7th time occured yesterday. The H3 was driven regularly and I last drove it on Tuesday. No car/truck should go dead if not driven for 1 day. I'm going to pursue the mediator that was recommended after they declined to repurchase.

Just to recap, truck was driven off the lot on September 30th, 2005. It's now April 6th, less than 2 years of ownership. In that time, it's been dead/towed 7 times. They have already replaced the battery twice. If this isn't a lemon, I don't know what is....

Lemon law repurchase, trade-in...those are my options. Given GM's resistance to taking care of their customers, I'm considering other vehicles. It sucks because I love driving that rig. H3 Alpha, H2, LandRover... those are all in the running. Requirements: Truck must start regularly. Good to see I still have a sense of humor.

Do i smell Lemons?

[usetosellhummer]

still sucks

[cmeinck]

Tow truck driver, "Hey, I knew it was you when I heard the street name."

Service rep, "We just got the truck. You know the routine. They are going to want to keep it for a few days. Need a rent-a-car."

Pathetic.

Agreed, consistently pathetic.

[Desert Dan]

That really sucks!

GM should do something for you or I doubt you will buy GM again.

I guess cars electrical systems are so complicated nowdays that no one can firgure it out.

I hear the JK Rubicon Unlimited 4-door is pretty nice!

[cmeinck]

Call me crazy, but I kind of expected the dealer to call me today with an update. 7 pm EST on Monday and the car was towed there at 12 noon Friday. The saga continues...