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Meriva electric handbrake issue
Purchased a Vauxhall Meriva from new Aug 2010. Drove for 6 months with no problem.
Soon after that the car developed a terrifying intermittent fault where the electronic handbrake deploys with no warning and stops the car dead. Normally happens between 2nd & 3rd gear, first time, however, it happened at speed.
Car has been for repair 4 times and each time we have experienced the same problem again. The dealership, after much nagging, test drove car and experienced the fault also. After the last occasion the car went back to the tech centre in Luton (we have been without our car for over 2 months). They have tested the car etc and not been able to replicate the fault.
I believe they have changed the ecu etc. They now wish to return the car to us. They have said they do not know what the problem is and cannot say they have actually repaired it.
What should we do? What could have caused the problem. Do you think it is likely to reoccur? Is it serious enough for us to insist they replace the car?
Soon after that the car developed a terrifying intermittent fault where the electronic handbrake deploys with no warning and stops the car dead. Normally happens between 2nd & 3rd gear, first time, however, it happened at speed.
Car has been for repair 4 times and each time we have experienced the same problem again. The dealership, after much nagging, test drove car and experienced the fault also. After the last occasion the car went back to the tech centre in Luton (we have been without our car for over 2 months). They have tested the car etc and not been able to replicate the fault.
I believe they have changed the ecu etc. They now wish to return the car to us. They have said they do not know what the problem is and cannot say they have actually repaired it.
What should we do? What could have caused the problem. Do you think it is likely to reoccur? Is it serious enough for us to insist they replace the car?
Asked on 2 August 2011 by FRichardson
Answered by
Honest John
If it happens again you can reject the car for a full cash refund of your original purchase price. The dealer sold you a dangerously defective car which he was unable to rectify. This is not a case of giving you current market value. You are entitled to a full refund.
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