Bought a new car and the wipers don't work!

Posted by: Sloop John B on 23 March 2017

I recently bought a new car from a well respected British car manufacturer with great heritage, but not under British ownership anymore.

To my disbelief the windscreen wipers don't work. I'm told by the manufacturer that they are aware of the problem and a software upgrade will come out in Mid April which will allow the wipers to work. I cannot believe that a reputable company could release a product when they knew it lacked some basic functionality.

They have a very active forum and although there are some complaints about this many have they view that sure, doesn't it do everything but drive in rain and this will be sorted according to the company so what's the big issue? I can't believe  this sort of reaction and am quite aghast that a companies whose cars I have bought since the early 70s think that this is in any way acceptable.

I'm glad that I still own some models from their glory days but I will very hesitant to buy from them in future when they can release products that have known issues.  They still do make great engines though, but they seem to have lost out in the computerisation of cars and seem to think that their previous reputation will make prospective purchasers gloss over the shortcomings. I hope they are right as I'd like to see my classic models serviced for years to come but history tells us that time does not stand still for manufactures that loose their way.

 

Posted on: 23 March 2017 by Eoink

On the positive side, if it's the manufacturer I think you mean, they have another three models in the range due to be launched. I'm not trying to defend the model with the defects being launched I hasten to add. But the other three are known to have limitations on how they perform in drive capabilities, and the manufacturer has held them back for months while they work on that. The model I'm interested  in is now apparently due in August, I'll "test-drive" then, but based on the wiper experience I'll wait a few months to check for teething problems, although the January price rise might make a difference there.

Posted on: 23 March 2017 by Dungassin
Mr Frog posted:

Be careful - it is an offence to use the vehicle on a road with defective wipers (whether it is raining or not is totally irrelavent)

The offence is complete as soon as it is used on the road "Failure to maintain"

I would seek compensation or return it as "unfit for purpose" - Consumer Credit Act .....

As it stands, you have a defective vehicle which you can't drive lawfully 

 

+1

You should at least demand a FREE loan vehicle until the fault is fixed.

Posted on: 23 March 2017 by Mr Frog

Furthermore - you know that the wipers are defective and could face a charge of "Dangerous Driving" (using a vehicle in an unroadworthy dangerous condition)

Windscreen wipers are essential and must be maintained - otherwise you are putting both your safety and that of other road uses at risk.

Faulty wipers aren't just a mere inconvenience or minor problem .... they are covered by the Road Traffic Act

I only stress the importance, since it's very easy to forget and get complacent.

Be safe ...

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 23 March 2017 by DrMark

Allow me...

sat·ire
ˈsaˌtī(ə)r/
noun
noun: satire
  1. the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
    synonyms:mockery, ridicule, derision, scorn, caricature
Posted on: 24 March 2017 by Adam Zielinski

I think there is a run-in period of several weeks. You may also try an alternative power supply

Posted on: 24 March 2017 by joerand

As a stop gap solution until the software update. Best to have a passenger in the front when it rains.

Posted on: 25 March 2017 by Paul Davies

As the owner of a 1997 Honda Civic that doesn't even have centralized door locking or electric windows, and not owning anything from Naim manufactured this century, I can't tell if this thread is a parable or not.

Posted on: 25 March 2017 by joerand

Modern cars are incredibly complex machines. We've owned five Hondas during the past thirty years and none has had a basic operational problem as overt as wiper control. On the other hand, four of those have had recalls for airbag deployment issues. Fortunately, we've never had to test that operation. We unwittingly display a lot of faith in technology and reliability each time we turn the key.

Posted on: 25 March 2017 by Haim Ronen
joerand posted:

Modern cars are incredibly complex machines. We've owned five Hondas during the past thirty years and none has had a basic operational problem as overt as wiper control. On the other hand, four of those have had recalls for airbag deployment issues. Fortunately, we've never had to test that operation. We unwittingly display a lot of faith in technology and reliability each time we turn the key.

Same here, driving seven Hondas and two Acuras in the last 30 years. After getting used to their superior engineering and rock solid reliability, it is hard to switch brand. Unfortunately, it is the body hardware where they don't shine, all their rear quarter panels (behind the back wheels) eventually start rusting. I would easily give up all the complexities and new technologies if I could get a new Accord 1992 Wagon (manual transmission) which I consider the best car I have ever owned. 

Posted on: 25 March 2017 by JamieWednesday

Just stick with chrome bumper models.