View Poll Results: Warranty claim problems/ No claim problems.
Submitted claim, wasn't honored or had problems
129
58.90%
Submitted claim, no problems getting it fixed.
93
42.47%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 219. You may not vote on this poll
Warranty Issues <Mega Merge>
Originally Posted by 90GSX-03EVO
Wow. How are you able to drive a car to the dealership with a thrown rod? Are you sure the rod has been broken? If so, I SERIOUSLY doubt that engine will run. Is the dealership even sure what is wrong with it? Are they just trying to get you to pay some ridiculously high labor/parts charge for an engine rebuild because they have no clue what is causing the oil consumption and the only way they can "fix" it is to tear the motor down and build it up again? To me, this sounds like the case. It also sounds like they are standing behind their "warranty denied" claim because they don't know exactly how to write it up and submit it to headqarters. I would start persuing this: "How the hell did my car throw a rod but it did not push that rod out of the side of the cylinder wall/through the oil pan and how is it I can still drive my car?"
I think you misunderstood what the dealer told you. I think you blew a rod bearing, not threw a rod. If you're out of oil i dont know how you can just throw a rod unless you were driving around for a really long time and just fried the heck out of the rod bearing til it just pretty much melted off and weakened the rod.
You sure as heck wouldnt be able to drive the car with a rod just hanging around in the block.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal 4 now!
mmmm....nice reading, nice, cold beer!.....sry xtnct but peeps "have" been talking about their warranties voided after flashes and mods and that is exactly what im struggling with right now, but to the point at matter of racing your car in a SCCA event and getting the warranty voided, well can you really blame them? How can they possibly stay in business if their customers can go flat out at the race course and get free replacements and work? That's called a Pro Sponsorship. I'm sure they have been rude and uncooperative to some and maybe it'll happen to me but the bottom line is they are a struggling company that is trying not to go under and have to make sure they are not getting taken for a ride on their warranties......im only saying i understand their viewpoint but who knows, maybe next week they'll void mine and ill be totally pissed!
If a rod is broken in a way..... Yes you can still drive it even with a hole in the side of the block. don't know how far it will take you, but it will run.
It just won't sound healthy.
I've seen it happen a number of instances.
It just won't sound healthy.
I've seen it happen a number of instances.
Evolving Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
Originally Posted by purecoda
First of all, to everyone that advised you take off your BC and/or intake and/exhaust before going in: You are shady and dishonest and I hope you never get warranty work, ever.
I'd also like to point out that advice like..."You should have returned to stock"or "You should have taken off the BC", etc, etc, is completely useless. You'd have to be near-retarded to say something like that. Obviously it's in the past, he can't change the past
When someone bumps their head by mistake on a low-hanging pole, do you tell them "Oh, see, what you SHOULD have done is bend your knees and go under the pole." ?? No, you don't, because it's OBVIOUS, so why are you stating the obvious now?? People make mistakes, lapses in judgment, etc. It doesn't help to have Mr. Obvious chiming in with useless hind-sight information. Get a clue.
- Jason
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Anywhere
Originally Posted by MSM_S2K
Derick, below is a copy and past of an earlier summary of my situation. Mitsu is being very aggressive in placing proactive warranty restrictions on Evos for just about any reason they can find (SCCA events, modifications, failed parts 
).
Previous Summary:
It's been a while since I did a recap and many of the same issues keep coming up. Most of which are addressed in the correspondence I sent to Mitsubishi in response to their press release and quotes in the Autoweek article.
The language in the Mitsu warranty makes it clear that racing alone does not give MMNA any right to void the warranty ... problems or failures related to racing are not covered by warranty. Simple participation in an event does NOT give MMNA the right to void your warranty. As I'm directly experiencing fighting this type of situation is a difficult and time consuming process. One that Mitsu likely assumes most will not take the time to pursue.
As to Evo Neal's claims of pictures and low oil. A low oil explanation would make a lot more sense to me than the warranty restriction based on participation in an SCCA Solo 2 event. Dealer made no claim about the car being low on oil. Nor did the MMNA District Service Manager. First thing I checked was the oil and it was fine.
Here's the correspondence to Janis Little (MMNA):
Ms. Little:
I'm puzzled by the disparity between the 18-June-2004 Mitsubishi Press Release, your statements in the 30-June-2004 Autoweek article written by Andrew Luu and the specifics of Mitsubishi's handling of my situation.
My Mitsubishi customer service file number is: 351806.
I'd appreciate your clarifications on the disparity between the following Mitsubishi statements and Mitsubishi's handling of my warranty situation.
- "We give the benefit of the doubt to everyone..."
- "If a Lancer Evolution is brought to Mitsubishi Motors dealer for a diagnosis as to a possible warrantable condition and the dealer determines that modifications were made that may have caused the problem"
- "The dealer and if necessary, MMNA staff, investigate each case, always giving the owner the benefit of the doubt."
- "Adds Mitsubishi’s Little: "You’re not going to get black-flagged just for entering an auto-cross,..."
I expect that "benefit of the doubt" would include at a minimum the "diagnosis" that Mitsubishi claims as part of "investigated each case". So what was done in my case?
- No diagnosis or investigation of the issue whatsoever. If you doubt this, pls feel free to contact the service person from Ken Garff Mitsubishi in Sandy Utah. His name is Todd and his direct phone number is 801 523-5482.
- No one even looked at the car to determine what had failed -- let alone whether it was related to participating in a single SCCA event 2 weeks before.
- I was told by the Mitsubishi District Service Manager that the warranty restriction was put on my Evo on the 16-May, two weeks before the motor failure. Is that true? I have no idea. Either way, I know that no one did any diagnosis or investigation on the failure.
I'd also like a clarification on your statement that "You’re not going to get black-flagged just for entering an auto-cross,..."
- Puzzling statement as that is precisely what happened in my situation
Finally, let's take a look at this statement about the Mitsubishi warranty.
- "Mitsubishi clearly states in its Owner's Warranty and Maintenance booklet that problems or failures related to racing, alteration and/or vehicle modifications are not covered conditions."
The Mitsubishi warranty is explicit that it is problems or failures related to racing that are not covered by warranty. Is the failure of two rods in my Evo weeks after the SCCA event related to racing? A diagnosis would help; some investigation as to whether that is the case would help -- unfortunately no one from Mitsubishi or the dealer even bothered to evaluate the car or even determine what had failed before denying the warranty.
Does the warranty say anywhere that participating in a "racing" event automatically gives Mitsubishi the right to permanently void (warranty restrict) the motor and full drive train? Absolutely not, but again that is precisely what Mitsubishi has done in my case.
Does anyone at Mitsubishi really believe that 6 minutes of autocross -- 10 separate runs through cones in a parking lot of about 55 seconds each in first and second gear -- is the cause of the two rod failures? I don't.
Where there any modifications on my Evo? Nope, not one single modification.
What about other signs of customer abuse? Nope, clutch disk looks fine, brakes look fine and even the tires look fine. Todd from Ken Garff Mitsubishi in Sandy can help with any clarification you’d like here. I also have photographs and will soon have a failure analysis based on an evaluation I’m paying for.
My vehicle was purchased "new" with 179 miles on the odometer. I was assured that no abuse occurred during test drives of my Evo. In hindsight, I was a fool to purchase a new "performance enthusiasts" car with so many miles on it.
Is it likely that the two rod failures are related to test drive or dealer abuse during those 179 initial miles on the car during break in? I think so. I think any reasonable person would accept that it is every bit as likely, if not more likely, than it being related to 6 minutes of autocross in a parking lot after the car has 2700 miles on it.
I look forward to your clarifications on the above.
Regards,
-Michael Miller
).Previous Summary:
It's been a while since I did a recap and many of the same issues keep coming up. Most of which are addressed in the correspondence I sent to Mitsubishi in response to their press release and quotes in the Autoweek article.
The language in the Mitsu warranty makes it clear that racing alone does not give MMNA any right to void the warranty ... problems or failures related to racing are not covered by warranty. Simple participation in an event does NOT give MMNA the right to void your warranty. As I'm directly experiencing fighting this type of situation is a difficult and time consuming process. One that Mitsu likely assumes most will not take the time to pursue.
As to Evo Neal's claims of pictures and low oil. A low oil explanation would make a lot more sense to me than the warranty restriction based on participation in an SCCA Solo 2 event. Dealer made no claim about the car being low on oil. Nor did the MMNA District Service Manager. First thing I checked was the oil and it was fine.
Here's the correspondence to Janis Little (MMNA):
Janis Little
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc
Tel: 714-372-6429
Email: jlittle@mmsa.com
Ms. Little:
I'm puzzled by the disparity between the 18-June-2004 Mitsubishi Press Release, your statements in the 30-June-2004 Autoweek article written by Andrew Luu and the specifics of Mitsubishi's handling of my situation.
My Mitsubishi customer service file number is: 351806.
I'd appreciate your clarifications on the disparity between the following Mitsubishi statements and Mitsubishi's handling of my warranty situation.
- "We give the benefit of the doubt to everyone..."
- "If a Lancer Evolution is brought to Mitsubishi Motors dealer for a diagnosis as to a possible warrantable condition and the dealer determines that modifications were made that may have caused the problem"
- "The dealer and if necessary, MMNA staff, investigate each case, always giving the owner the benefit of the doubt."
- "Adds Mitsubishi’s Little: "You’re not going to get black-flagged just for entering an auto-cross,..."
I expect that "benefit of the doubt" would include at a minimum the "diagnosis" that Mitsubishi claims as part of "investigated each case". So what was done in my case?
- No diagnosis or investigation of the issue whatsoever. If you doubt this, pls feel free to contact the service person from Ken Garff Mitsubishi in Sandy Utah. His name is Todd and his direct phone number is 801 523-5482.
- No one even looked at the car to determine what had failed -- let alone whether it was related to participating in a single SCCA event 2 weeks before.
- I was told by the Mitsubishi District Service Manager that the warranty restriction was put on my Evo on the 16-May, two weeks before the motor failure. Is that true? I have no idea. Either way, I know that no one did any diagnosis or investigation on the failure.
I'd also like a clarification on your statement that "You’re not going to get black-flagged just for entering an auto-cross,..."
- Puzzling statement as that is precisely what happened in my situation
Finally, let's take a look at this statement about the Mitsubishi warranty.
- "Mitsubishi clearly states in its Owner's Warranty and Maintenance booklet that problems or failures related to racing, alteration and/or vehicle modifications are not covered conditions."
The Mitsubishi warranty is explicit that it is problems or failures related to racing that are not covered by warranty. Is the failure of two rods in my Evo weeks after the SCCA event related to racing? A diagnosis would help; some investigation as to whether that is the case would help -- unfortunately no one from Mitsubishi or the dealer even bothered to evaluate the car or even determine what had failed before denying the warranty.
Does the warranty say anywhere that participating in a "racing" event automatically gives Mitsubishi the right to permanently void (warranty restrict) the motor and full drive train? Absolutely not, but again that is precisely what Mitsubishi has done in my case.
Does anyone at Mitsubishi really believe that 6 minutes of autocross -- 10 separate runs through cones in a parking lot of about 55 seconds each in first and second gear -- is the cause of the two rod failures? I don't.
Where there any modifications on my Evo? Nope, not one single modification.
What about other signs of customer abuse? Nope, clutch disk looks fine, brakes look fine and even the tires look fine. Todd from Ken Garff Mitsubishi in Sandy can help with any clarification you’d like here. I also have photographs and will soon have a failure analysis based on an evaluation I’m paying for.
My vehicle was purchased "new" with 179 miles on the odometer. I was assured that no abuse occurred during test drives of my Evo. In hindsight, I was a fool to purchase a new "performance enthusiasts" car with so many miles on it.
Is it likely that the two rod failures are related to test drive or dealer abuse during those 179 initial miles on the car during break in? I think so. I think any reasonable person would accept that it is every bit as likely, if not more likely, than it being related to 6 minutes of autocross in a parking lot after the car has 2700 miles on it.
I look forward to your clarifications on the above.
Regards,
-Michael Miller
This is what I think happened to your Car. The first oil change has so much metal in it that you can see it! I saw it at 200 miles. If your car was used as a demo all this metal would damage your bearings. I think that Mitsu knows this and has started to shift more break-in libality on the buyer. I was told that if my car was red-lined or taken over 5000 RPM before 500miles the warranty will be voided.
I would get a Lawyer and obtain samples of 200mile EVO oil to prove the oil is full of break-in metals. Maybe you can find someone that test drove your car as a DEMO to testify as to how the car was driven. The AutoX event alone should not have caused the engine to blow, Tires, wheel bearings and brakes take the most abuse during a AutoX. The kind of damage that they are claiming can take place anytime anywhere, missed shift over-revved ect.
M2M: If you would be willing to split the costs with me I would send my oil in for a detailed analysis. Currently my car has less then 24 miles on it and I've owned it since mile 9.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
un ethical dealers
I don't post much but i do quite a bit of reading. We should really start a nice black list of dealers that no one should deal with regarding past experiences with warranties. That will also take away profits on part replacements. If they want to screw over Evo buyers then we can do the same and pinch their pocket book. Also maybe start a sticky thread to contact the NHTSA. I used to own a 3000GT VR4 and with enough *****ing and complaining there was a recall on the vr4 transfercase. Some only got resealed and others had their's replaced outright. But a good start would definately be making some kind of do not contact list for dealers. Just my 02.
Matt
Matt
Evolved Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
Problem Snowballing !!!
Originally Posted by NAICHE
im only saying i understand their viewpoint but who knows, maybe next week they'll void mine and ill be totally pissed!
We the consumers will be heard. I'm seeing the articles in magazines Car and Driver , Auto Week, etc.
will loose 100 times in sales what they denied you in service!http://www.mulhollandraceway.org/iss...rvice_advisory
I in turn share your bitterness and pulled no stops in expressing this on the local Miami Lancers thread here:
.) I know most people have had little or no problems. But it seems several people have had big problems. One guy Mike blew engine on a STOCK Evo and payed out of pocket $8,000. to fix cause
found out he did an autocross. I am not going to take one or two arbitrary accounts as what IS so I have researched as best as I can and have found out some heavy $hit!!!!:
1. if your cup holder breaks - "no problen sir." If you blow a motor or tranny
will then search to see if you autocross. If they can't find evidence of auto cross they can use a loop hole called "Customer abuse." No evidence needed for that!
Yes there are exceptions - does it make up for those raped?!
Hell no!!
2. Your warranty states that you can go to arbitration in such cases. Mike has been waiting > 2 months for a reply from
about doing this - (Ford takes about a week or two to reply says one member here.)3. I thought at first that it was just that some dealers were just being a$$holes. I have since seen evidence to the contrary now - that
corporate are often the ones flaggging cars. I saw one fancy press release by spokes woman Janet Little saying: "we will not deny warranty for entering in occasional autocross event." Lying Bitc*. Ask Mike: "I'm out-of-pocket $7,963 for repairs on a completely stock Evo with 3,070 miles on it. No dialog or coherent answers from Mitsu whatsoever." Another member complains:
"Keep your one or two regional Evo specialists who are the only ones in the whole city that can authorize warranty work but are never available and always conveniently out of town."
I am not making this stuff up!!!!!! Alot of this is from fellow members. Multiply this by the rest of the US!!!
4. There was a scandal in year 2000 where
Japan was covering up defects and sticking it to the customer. They got away with a slap on the wrist. Guess what - they did not change a thing - here we go again:News from the Associated Press today (14-Jun-2004)
"TOKYO - Police on Monday raided the home of the former president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., who was arrested last week on suspicion of hiding auto defects." Here's the link to a couple of related articles:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5207688/
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106...43a6026,00.html
5. I believe there is about 50/50 chance
will not last as an automaker because repeated deceptions in Japan spilling over here in US, combined with horable financing decisions - giving credit to people with horable credit, plus not so exciting products except for Evo (and to add fuel to the fire has begun to crap on many of the people that are buying their IMAGE car!) In turn, we as enthusiasts influence a much greater # of buyers. This is really bad for why the warranty denials? because the company has no money. They are making losses. Sales dropped over 50% in Japan and are folowing so in US. 10yr 100,000 mile warranty doesn't mean jack if
can't afford to back it up!Corporate policy is clear, repeated over and over for 30 YEARS, cover up defects to minimize company losses. 2 people got killed in Japan and brought the scandal to the surface AGAIN!
My point is
NEEDS to provide excellent seervice and products to survive against the tough competition our here - they are NOT doing it!!! - how can they survive?! Can I really afford to give
$40,000+ over 5 years and I don't know if I will have a company to supply me parts in a few years?! My Evo's resale value would drop to Zero if this happens. has shot themselves in the leg and foot - IN SEVERAL PLACES!!!!) and are bleeding profusely. Sorry if I sound gloomy like I'm crying "the sky is falling!" but I've read around the forum - 3 members sold their Evo's because of the above!!!!!! Mind you they love their the cars like all of us.
I read 4-5 members vow they will no longer buy the 05 as planned or any
product after reading the warranty thread as well as advise anyone they know against it. I feel like I'm on shaky ground when it comes to
. I've had my deposit for the MR down for SIX MONTHS now! I really wanted to buy this car.I've been on this site way before the first 03 cars got here. I've been a true Evo fan for over 6 years. I'm bitter that
has let me and so many others down.If you don't care about your warranty or availability of parts in the coming years - disregard this rant.
Good luck to you Mike and others in your position
- OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Mr. Ron -
I am a bankruptcy attorney, and, knowing most of what is in your post, bought an EVO RS last week. I am not buying a car company's stock. I bought a car. The RS, at $26,100 ($300 over invoice and $1,300 discount from MSRP) is the best bang for the buck performance car on the planet.
Mitsu dealerships are closing in Calif. faster than you can say "Boxster, eat my shorts!" So what. If Mitsu file chapter 11, they still have to operate the company. Car owners with warranty claims will stand in line with all other creditors. That's no fun, but it's not the end of the world.
I bought the car to drive it, not to advertise some ailing corporate giant. The only reason I hope Mitsu survives is so I can buy an even better EVO X in a couple of years.
I am a bankruptcy attorney, and, knowing most of what is in your post, bought an EVO RS last week. I am not buying a car company's stock. I bought a car. The RS, at $26,100 ($300 over invoice and $1,300 discount from MSRP) is the best bang for the buck performance car on the planet.
Mitsu dealerships are closing in Calif. faster than you can say "Boxster, eat my shorts!" So what. If Mitsu file chapter 11, they still have to operate the company. Car owners with warranty claims will stand in line with all other creditors. That's no fun, but it's not the end of the world.
I bought the car to drive it, not to advertise some ailing corporate giant. The only reason I hope Mitsu survives is so I can buy an even better EVO X in a couple of years.
Last edited by Richard 350z; Oct 13, 2004 at 04:43 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 10
From: Irvine, CA, USA
Noob here. 
I am considering an 05 GSR or MR... is really in serious ...jeopardy of going ...bankrupt?? Will they be able to uphold my warranty, or should I consider an STi and forget about Mitsubishi??
Thanks in advance...
I am considering an 05 GSR or MR... is
really in serious ...jeopardy of going ...bankrupt?? Will they be able to uphold my warranty, or should I consider an STi and forget about Mitsubishi??Thanks in advance...
Evolved Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by Richard 350z
Mr. Ron -
I am a bankruptcy attorney, and, knowing most of what is in your post, bought an EVO RS last week. ...
Mitsu dealerships are closing in Calif. faster than you can say "Boxster, eat my shorts!" So what. If Mitsu file chapter 11, they still have to operate the company. Car owners with warranty claims will stand in line with all other creditors. That's no fun, but it's not the end of the world.
I bought the car to drive it, not to advertise some ailing corporate giant. The only reason I hope Mitsu survives is so I can buy an even better EVO X in a couple of years.
I am a bankruptcy attorney, and, knowing most of what is in your post, bought an EVO RS last week. ...
Mitsu dealerships are closing in Calif. faster than you can say "Boxster, eat my shorts!" So what. If Mitsu file chapter 11, they still have to operate the company. Car owners with warranty claims will stand in line with all other creditors. That's no fun, but it's not the end of the world.
I bought the car to drive it, not to advertise some ailing corporate giant. The only reason I hope Mitsu survives is so I can buy an even better EVO X in a couple of years.
and its an acceptable risk for driving this awsome car - for you. I hope gets their $hit together so I can buy one too!Problem is there are alot of young people who are buying this car / thinking of buying this car and cant afford to pay $7,900 for an engine job out of pocket AND / OR wait for 3-6 months until
decides to provide informatin on how to get access to their "so called" arbitration process. Far less affording to go to court.Mike's been waiting 3 months with no reply from
. That's rotten!My goal is to share info - good or bad, if I think it will help others know what they are getting into.
If you already have an Evo, awsome - enjoy one of the best performance bargains the US has ever seen.
But, like I said before - If you don't care about loosing your warranty or not having parts and service available in years to come - disregard this rant.
Last edited by Turbo-Ron; Oct 14, 2004 at 07:21 PM.
Evolved Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by YellowFever
nice write up turbo-ron
Thanks man - I hope
gets its head out of its A$$. After 6 Nissans I was about to buy my first
the company brought a great car over, but blew it with their lousy lack of service, voiding warranties, and customer abuse. Too Bad you lost another one. 
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 3
From: Birmingham, AL
Originally Posted by Turbo-Ron
Mike's been waiting 3 months with no reply from . That's rotten!
. That's rotten!Oh, and in case you're wondering, one was an Evo, one wasn't - one was in favor of the plaintiff (Mitsu lost) and the other, well...
Last edited by GPTourer; Oct 14, 2004 at 08:08 PM.