How to Have Your Chrysler Warranty or Service Contract Honored During the Bankruptcy Process
Chrysler LLC filed for U.S. bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in early 2009. While people were concerned about the future of the automaker, some also wondered about the obligations of Chrysler regarding warranties and service contracts for vehicles purchased before the bankruptcy. Although the company may not have been legally obligated to honor these warranties, Chrysler has repaired vehicles according to the terms of the original warranty, even offering assistance beyond stated warranty terms to Chrysler owners in certain circumstances.
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Instructions
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Locate the nearest or most convenient Chrysler dealership. With the bankruptcy and the associated downsizing of Chrysler, some dealerships have closed. Chrysler dealerships near the affected dealerships received the names of customers affected by the closings, and they may have already contacted you. Chrysler warranties are honored at any Chrysler dealership, regardless of where you purchased the vehicle.
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Set a service appointment to have your vehicle problem diagnosed by a Chrysler certified technician. This is necessary even if your local mechanic has diagnosed the issue. Chrysler technicians are factory-trained, and most knowledgeable about your vehicle's issues. The correct repair for the problem may be different from what an independent mechanic recommends.
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Keep your appointment for the repair. When you arrive, the service advisor will verify warranty coverage of the vehicle, and will discuss with you the repairs and any aspects that may be your responsibility. This could include a deductible on service contracts, or any non-covered wear items. Your potential responsibility for aspects of the repair have nothing to do with the bankruptcy of Chrysler LLC; the warranty terms are the same as before the bankruptcy.
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Sign a copy of the invoice and repair order as directed by the service advisor. The dealer will collect payment from the manufacturer for covered repairs. You do not have to do anything else to receive the benefits of the manufacturer's warranty.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your dealership for specific warranty provisions. Chrysler may extend the warranty coverage for some vehicle components at its discretion. Any Chrysler dealer may provide a warranty on Chrysler vehicles they do not sell, except for Fiat and Sprinter vans. For example, a Jeep dealership may provide warranty coverage for a Dodge car or Ram truck, but not for a Fiat.
Work with the dealership as much as possible to repair any vehicle concerns. Maintain a friendly, businesslike relationship, focusing on your satisfaction as a customer. If you shift the focus of the discussion to the law and threaten to hire a lawyer, you are unlikely to receive any offer of additional assistance from the manufacturer.
