Broken cambelt

The consumer’s issue:

I took my car to the garage because of a problem with the cambelt. However, when it was given back to me, it would not even start. I believe the business has damaged my vehicle, and I would therefore like them to repair and return it to its original condition.”

The accredited business’ response:

  • The car was presented to us with a broken cambelt.
  • During the replacement of the cambelt, we discovered internal damage, and replaced the required parts.
  • We later discovered the car was only running on three cylinders and tested the injectors, but no fault was found. The consumer was not charged for any of this additional work.
  • Since the engine kept cutting out, we informed the customer that there appeared to be further damage beyond the broken cambelt and requested consent for additional repairs, which would be at a cost to them.

The adjudication outcome:

  • The Motor Ombudsman adjudicator found that the business had acted with reasonable care and skill.
  • Additionally, the adjudicator did not find that the faults with the vehicle were caused by the actions of the business, and therefore did not uphold the consumer’s claim.

Conclusion:

  • The customer and accredited business accepted the outcome as recommended by The Motor Ombudsman adjudicator and the case was closed.