Legal Question in Consumer Law in Virginia

Chrysler recall work reduces torque output to save transmission.

I purchased a 2006 Jeep Liberty Diesel this year. Daimler Chrysler issued a customer satisfaction recall for the transmission. In the recall notice they state that during repair they will replace the torque converter, transmission pump and inspect the transmission. They also state that the repairs will ''slightly decrease torque.'' I called the number provided and they confirmed to me that the overall torque of the vehicle would be reduced to save the transmission. I feel that there is a bait and switch going on here. I bought a vehicle with an advertised torque of 295 ft/lbs. I bought it in part for its power ratings. Now to save their transmission, they are going to lower my engines output capabilities which will effectively mean the vehicle they return to me is not the same one I took into them. Can they do this or do I need to retain an attorney? I don't want the vehicle if the only way they can make it last is to decrease it's advertised power.


Asked on 12/06/06, 12:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Chrysler recall work reduces torque output to save transmission.

If you can actually prove there's a substantial fair market value (FMV)difference between the two torqued engines(the one that was advertised and you thought you were receiving and the one you actually ended up with), you could have a winnable case. That might not, however, be easy to prove.

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Answered on 12/07/06, 9:43 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Chrysler recall work reduces torque output to save transmission.

Correction: The correct standard for comparison would likely be the difference in retail values of the two engines rather than FMV.

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Answered on 12/08/06, 9:09 am


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