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My new car is leaking fuel - can I reject it?
I collected my new Volkswagen Golf GTI a few days ago. However, on the way home, I noticed a smell of petrol and the fuel gauge was dropping at a rapid rate. Today, while driving down the motorway, I pulled onto the hard shoulder just as the engine started to misfire. One of the fuel pipes leading into the engine had popped out and must have spilled about 30 litres of fuel onto the engine.
The AA arrived, put the pipe back on and added some petrol but as I pulled away the car started to misfire again and I had to stop. This time another pipe had come away and it too was pouring petrol into the engine. The car is now at back at the Volkswagen dealer, who have been unable to diagnose the fault.
The car has done 234 miles and as a result of this incident I have totally lost faith in the car. In fact, I do not want to be driving a car that left the factory with such a serious safety issue. Do I have grounds to reject it and ask for my money back?
The AA arrived, put the pipe back on and added some petrol but as I pulled away the car started to misfire again and I had to stop. This time another pipe had come away and it too was pouring petrol into the engine. The car is now at back at the Volkswagen dealer, who have been unable to diagnose the fault.
The car has done 234 miles and as a result of this incident I have totally lost faith in the car. In fact, I do not want to be driving a car that left the factory with such a serious safety issue. Do I have grounds to reject it and ask for my money back?
Asked on 16 October 2014 by jamesbr
Answered by
Honest John
Yes. This put you in severe danger of fire and there is no excuse for selling you a new car in this state. Demand an immediate full cash refund today. Not tomorrow, today.
If they demur, threaten legal action for gross negligence and reckless endangerment. I'd guess at something like a blocked fuel filter. There are two fuel pumps: a low pressure 'lifter' pump in the tank, and a second high pressure pump feeding the injectors.
If they demur, threaten legal action for gross negligence and reckless endangerment. I'd guess at something like a blocked fuel filter. There are two fuel pumps: a low pressure 'lifter' pump in the tank, and a second high pressure pump feeding the injectors.
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