Hi All,
I was a great fan of FIAT (Not Anymore). I learnt car driving in Fiat Premier Padmini and the prevoius car I had was a Palio Style. After I bought my new Fiat Punto 1.3D from RDC Motors Chennai in Aug2014, I lost the trust for FIAT.

RDC Motors (Chennai, India) gave me a faulty car without doing PDI (Mean, No QUALITY CHECK). From day one, I have been complaining about few issues in the car and till now they are not able to rectify (Not even identify). Please see below my email to Fiat and RDC Motors sent in Aug 2014 ....
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I bought a Punto 1.3 Emotion (75hp), White color on 7th of August, 2014 from RDC Motors Chennai. I insisted RDC to show me the car before even they take the car to RTO for registration. When I inspected the car in the service station (Post PDI), I found that the rear bumper was repainted and not done properly and asked if that is so. Initially they did not accept and finally they had to and said they will have to do some polishing and it will be alright when they deliver the car to me. Also along with this, the front and rear door handles on the driver side was changed as there were minor damages. I was fine with this, as I could understand that there might be few issues due to transit which is common and acceptable.

Car delivery (7-Aug), when I visited the showroom, the first thing I noticed that the painting complaint on the rear bumper was still visible (nothing done to correct it). I did not bother much, as it was not a major one. The moment I took the car out from the showroom, I noticed that the car was pulling to the left (Steering was not straight, thought it was alignment issue, I do not know how they missed this major, noticeable issue in PDI and why did they take it to RTO for registration with this issue). I did not return back to the showroom with this complaint as it was day one (sentimental), so just called them after reaching home. They said that there could be some minor alignment issue which is usual and can be fixed. I took the car to the service station (9-Aug-2014) where they worked on it the whole day and the issue was not resolved, but there was some difference, so I wanted to test it for few days. I confirmed that it was not resolved and called them and said that the problems still exist. Note, they solved the painting issue on the bumpers by repainting the whole bumper.

Meanwhile, all of a sudden I hear a tapping/knocking sound from my car (sound like from sewing machine). This happened after I drove the car in rain. So took the car to service station (28-Aug, sitting there for the whole day) to fix both the issues (Alignment & Noise). Finally, had to leave the car there in the workshop, as they were not able to fix any.

I ended up leaving my new car at the service station again since they were not able to fix anything.

For the alignment issue, they said the issue might be with the wheel which might require replacement. They also took the car to another local alignment center (Not FIAT) and confirmed that alignment is all fine.
For the noise, they checked the car and confirmed that nothing due to rain or water. I suggested that they change the oil (I don’t mind paying) along with filter to see if the issues are getting resolved, but no difference. They said, this is common in diesel engine and you have to live with it which I cannot accept.

I hear that noise exactly at 1500 rpm – 1900 rmp. I am sure this is not a normal sound of diesel engine, should be some sort of gear box issue. If it is a common sound of a diesel engine, the same should be heard always, not just at the above rpm.

This evening (30-Aug), I heard from them that the alignment has been fixed (All wheels are fine,). I don’t know how? For the noise, they don’t have any answers.

Problems listed below for your quick reference
1. Car pulling to the left from day one
2. Strange sound (Knocking) from engine at 1500 rpm
3. Repainted rear bumper
4. Door handles replaced
5. Driver Seat belt holder broken (The bottom one next to the driver seat, door side)
6. 75hp model – Why gun metal alloy wheel? May be there is a reason behind
7. Overall - PDI not done properly

Having said this, this car is no more a new car for me, as it has already visited the service station (about 35 kms away from where I stay) multiple times in just 3 weeks. Even if at all they are going to fix all of the above, I am not happy about this car

I feel ashamed to share this with my people that my car has such issues and is lying in the work shop, because I know what response I will get “We told you not to go for Fiat as their service is bad, you did not listen”. So I had to tell them that one of my friend has taken it on a trip with his family.

Being a FIAT fan, I am very badly hurt.
As a customer, why should I compromise on all these when I am getting a brand new car? Do you think it is worth? Tell me one good reason, why should I take this car back from work shop?

WILL YOU ACCEPT SO MANY DEFECTS IN YOUR BRAND NEW CAR ?

I doubt, that this car was a left behind in your stock/yards with some existing defects which was pushed to me. As new EVO has been launched, you had to clear the old ones. OR the car had been used as a demo or something or that sort and went into issues.

How am I going to regain my confidence in FIAT again?

Note: I would have accepted all of these if I was new to driving (Probably would have not even noticed these).For your information, this happens to be our 6th car and I have been driving for about 15 years. I have not faced any these issue in any of the cars/brands I had before.

Hi FIAT & RDC,

As discussed over phone yesterday, the problem has not been rectified (still not even identified). The vehicle was in RDC workshop for four days and handed over to me without rectifying the problem. This is because, I wanted the vehicle back on Thursday night (irrespective whether the problem is fixed or not). This is not a surprise for me, as RDC is doing this right from day one I purchased this car (Aug 2014).

In Aug2014, this was the case when I had to leave the car in RDC workshop for approx. 20 days for wheel alignment problem and RDC was not able to fix it. Finally I had to change one of the tyre (On my cost) and the problem got fixed.

Now, for this problem RDC tried replacing

• All four injectors
• Pressure pump
• ECU
• Complete flushing of Fuel tanlk and Fuel line
• Reinstalled all Wiring (I mean, connected to ECU & Fuel system)

I am not sure, currently my car is holding all of the above new parts or RDC has put back the original (the one was already in there in my car).
After all this pain, now I get emails/sms from FIAT and RDC saying that the CR is closed as the problem is rectified.

Enough of fiddling with my car. Now that you are unable to even identify the problem for the past 1 year, what are the next steps? Please do not tell me that you are going to fix it and I do not want to try that any more.

My have a different job and running behind RDC is not one.

I want someone authoritative from FIAT (I mean, a decision maker) to talk to me to solve this problem.

Irresponsible Dealer of Fiat

This is the email I have sent yesterday to RDC Motor Chennai, India
***********************************
Regarding the telephonic call this morning around 10am.

You called me and said that you wanted the vehicle for inspection on Wednessday to which I did not agree. I insisted that one of an authoritative person from Fiat or RDC talk to me. You said that you will check with Mr. Lawrence and get back in 30 mins. But I have not heard anything from you.

I will not give my car to RDC workshop until you clearly tell me what the problem is and how will you rectify it. You claimed that you are involved into this issue only for the past 20 days or so and you requested me to give you another chance so that you will solve the problem. Form my perspective, I am running behind RDC for more than 1 year.

The main problem is - RDC did not do the PDI properly. Which means QUALITY CHECK was not done before the car was delivered. I am sure you will understand how big a mistake is this.

Note: Last Thursday (1/Oct/2015) when the car was delivered to me, The entire car was smelling diesel and driver says this - In the service station, by mistake diesel was spilled in my cars boot. He said that I will have to keep the car windows open for a day so the smell goes away. Also, you are giving me the car with almost empty tank and you are taking Rs.500 for diesel.

This is not the first time, also when you handed over the car (After keeping it for 20 days; in 2014 Aug/Sep) the tank was empty, but the service invoice showed almost 18lts of diesel as "GOODWILL".

These poor quality service is adding fuel to fire.

Please respond to this email with what solution RDC/Fiat is going to provide.

Re: Irresponsible Dealer of Fiat

I think you must have posted this in the wrong place as I don't get your point or what you are asking from the forum?

RDC Fiat is not able to rectify/identify Manufacturing defects


This is the email I have sent to Fiat India & RDC Motors.
***********************************************
PDI Not done (QUALITYCHECK not done properly)

Now that I have waited for more than one year and RDC Fiat is notable to even identify what the problem is… and going on fiddling/replacing partby part, I don’t want RDC Fiat to touch my car anymore.

Whenever I talk to RDC Fiat service manager Mr. Lawrence (Previously,Mr. Vivekanandan), they always claim that for every step they will have tocheck with Fiat. If they are not qualified enough to identify the problem whyare they been put in that position? And when I ask – “ Why have you not checkedwith Fiat for the past one year?”, NO Answer. On the other hand, no one fromFiat has come up and spoken to me to understand/solve these problems.

RDC points to Fiat and Fiat points to RDC …. End of the day,customers are fooled.

Note: I have not come up with problems after one year. I have beenhaving these problems right from day one.What this means, RDC Fiat has delivered a car with existing defects to me. Ihave patiently waited so long assuming that they will at least fix all theproblems which did not happen. Also the reason I waited for this long isbecause of the emotional bonding I had with Fiat. Now, that has completely goneand I clearly understand RDC Fiat is trying to cheat me, I am not for it and Iwill not wait anymore.

Please be informed - Since RDC and Fiat is unable to resolvethese problems (which was existing from when I took the car from the showroom),I have decided to visit the RDC Fiat showroom, Annanagar, Chennai, India (Fromwhere I bought this car) tomorrow (3/Oct/2015)evening. I need a solution on the same day (No more excuses). I am not going tostep out of the showroom without a reasonable solution.

When I mean solution, I don’t mean fixing of the defects inmy car. You have had enough time (more than one year) and you were unable to doanything.

So, please make sure any of your decision makers from Fiator RDC to be available during my visit.

Mind that this is not the official FIAT forum.

Since you are not asking for technical help, and I don't know the law there, I cannot help somehow. I think this is unacceptable for a new car.

Ask the guys here

http://www.teamfiat.com/forums/punto-1-3-mjd.51/

This is the India's Fiat Forum so maybe they can help you about the law part.

Re: RDC Fiat is not able to rectify/identify Manufacturing defects

What are the problems with your car in the first place? Listing them out here would help us understand or provide solution for them.

you wont tech guys in that teamfiat forum. Try, myfiatworld.com or myfiatworld.in

I dont know that happened at RDC, but did they check for the timing chain and the gearbox defects? these two things can cause it too.

Re: RDC Fiat is not able to rectify/identify Manufacturing defects

:yehthat:

Just remember fiat forum is independent to the Fiat brand run by owners and fiat fans

Fiat want more time to resolve

Hi All,

I as mentioned in my earlier post, I visited RDC showroom yesterday (3-Oct-2015) at 5:20pm and was there till 10:30pm. As requested by me, no one from RDC nor Fiat turned up (except the regular sales person in the showroom).

Anyways, had multiple conf. calls with Mr.Madhu (General Manager -RDC, Mr. Jacob (Regional Manager - Fiat), Mr. Lawrence (Service Engineer - RDC) and Manikandan (A...sistant General Manager - RDC). As this has now gone to the notice of management (RDC and Fiat), I thought I have to give them a chance to look into the actual problem and provide me the right solution. So, now it stands like this - Fiat & RDC will collect the car on 6/Oct/2015 morning for inspection and rectification. They will also, inform me on what the exact problem is and what their solution would be on the same day. Also, I have given them 3 additional days (ie. till 9-Oct-2015) to come up with a permanent fix to the problem. If they are unable to fix the defect, they will have to commit that they are unable to fix it and will discuss with me on furthur actions.

Also, Mr. Jacab (Regional Manager - Fiat) approach sounds a little negative which I do not accept. I mean, he is talking to me (from a remote location, over phone) and without checking the vehicle he assumes that this could be a common sound of any Punto 1.3 Emotion. He is joking! RDC is replacing part by part to fix this problem and Mr. Jacob is coming now with this kind of statement. Also, he talks as if I have not given enough time to Fiat to rectify this defect. The time I have given to RDC Fiat is actually not the time given to Fiat it seems. I think Mr. Jacob is going to blow this up even more bigger.

Please look into the emails below which I sent to them from RDC showroom
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Note: I was in RDC showroom till 10:30pm approx.. (3-Oct-2015). I left the showroom after a detailed telephonic conversation with Mr. Madhu (General Manager- RDC).

Mr. Madu,

Find below the content discussed over phone:

As discussed over phone, as per your request, I am okay to give one last chance to RDC & Fiat. You can take my car on Tuesday (6-Oct-2015) morning for inspection and rectification. Please update me on the same day evening on what the exact problem is and what are your steps to fix the problem.

You and Mr. Jacob request me to give just one day to inspect and fix the issue. But, I will give you four days (from 6-Oct-2015 till 9-Oct-2015). I want my car back on Friday evening (9-Oct-2015) with zero defects. If you are not able to fix the problem by 9-Oct-2015, then as agreed by you, you (RDC & Fiat) will own the responsibility of providing me a defective car and will discuss with me on further actions. This being said, there will not be any more tampering/repair works on my car after Friday evening (Which you have agreed to).

Note: as suggested by you, I do not need any stand by car.

Mr. Jacab (Reginal Manager – FIAT)

As per your statement “No doubt that we can’t solve that, we will do it”. If that is so, why RDC & Fiat was not able to fix it? At least identify what the problem is?

I just wanted to inform you that, the way you spoke to me this evening was not pleasing and I am disturbed. My Open Feedback – Please do not talk to any customer as if Fiat & RDC are two different entities. If RDC (Authorized Fiat service station) has looked into this for so long, Fiat is also equally responsible. You can never say that Fiat is just pitching into this issue and will need time to resolve.

Now coming back to the problem:

There is actually two ways to look into this problem.

1. The actual defect in the car

2. Why did this whole problem occur? I mean the Root Cause of all this problem

For Point 1:

The defect in the car that I hear a heavy knocking noise at 1500rpm which you have accepted and committed to resolve it by Friday (9-Oct-2014). Also note, as mentioned over the call, my car gives me a mileage of 10 or 11 kms/ltr in traffic hours and 13kms/ltr during non-traffic hours. In highways, I get only 16 on an average. Which is almost same as a petrol version. Actually, Punto 1.3 Emotion gives an average mileage of 13-14 during traffic hours and 16 during non-traffic hours. I am just bringing this up as this might be related to the noise. Please check this as well.

For Point 2:

As a customer, I have paid for a NEW CAR, but I have not enjoyed the new car so far. You are still fixing the defects. I have faced a lot of problems/difficulties due to this. Just because I am running behind RDC Fiat, both my personal and official life is very much affected. So please make me understand, what is the root cause for all these problems?

Below are my thoughts, please respond to this. Which of these you think could be the root cause?

1. Fiat did not do a PDI (Quality Check) before sending the vehicle to RDC

2. RDC did not do a PDI (Quality Check) before delivering the vehicle the customer

3. RDC or Fiat thought that the customer might not notice these issues

4. After, I brought this up to RDC & Fiat in 2014, RDC played around with this without taking this seriously with Fiat

5. Fiat did not provide enough support/authority to RDC to service the customer

6. RDC work shop engineers are not technically sound to identify the problem

7. Fiat did not provide enough training to RDC technicians

8. Communication did not flow to RDC’s and Fiat’s top management

9. Process deficiency in Fiat or in RDC

10. RDC was closing all the tickets (irrespective of whether the actual problem is fixed or not) to maintain SLA and to project to the top management that all customer issues are being resolve within the agreed SLA

Anyways, as agreed you can take my car on 6th-Oct-2015. I wish you identify and fix all problems. I hope that the fix you are trying to provide is the right one / permanent and will not give me any sort of trouble in the future directly or indirectly.

FIAT not able to rectify the defects for more than one year

[ame="https://www.facebook.com/fiat.india/posts/1213769418637716"][/ame]Hi All, Today was also a bad experience for me (As expected) Please... find below my email sent to the group from workshop ******************************************************* Hi All, Date: 6-Oct-2015; As mentioned I brought the car to RDC work shop at 9am. Still in RDC workshop: (Current Time: 4:25pm)

Below is the update:

As I thought, Mr. Jacob for name sake did some work (Something related to Gear) in the workshop and now claims that the noise is arrested. We went for a road test and the noise is so evident (I don’t see any difference).

As mentioned in my previous email, Mr.Jacob is pushing/ trying to convince, me that the noise is just a common sound. I strongly oppose this. As request by you all, I have given time and you come back saying this is not abnormal This is not acceptable. If it is normal, then why/how did RDC keep working on it so long?

Now, it is very clear that you are playing around with this and I don’t think that this will get solved smoothly. I do not want this car and I have not paid for a defective car.

HAVE YOU GIVEN ME A NEW CAR? Is this the quality of FIAT?

Now, I have only two options: ·

Replace the car – I mean, give me a BRAND NEW CAR (for what I have paid for) (or) ·

Repay the entire amount I paid

I also need a compensation for making me run behind you for more than one year for the same defects. Please do not try to convince me anymore and act fast before I take this to next level.

Ram

FIAT's filthy behaviour towards Indian customers. Fiat fans -Beware!

#‎fiat‬ ‪#‎fiatuk‬ ‪#‎fiatusa‬ ‪#‎myfiatworld‬ ‪#‎fiatforum‬ ‪#‎teambhp #rdcmotors
‬
In continuation to my post on 6th Oct 2015,

As you all know that, I gave FIAT & RDC another 4 days (Note: They asked for just one day) from 6th-9th Oct 2015. On 8th Oct 2015, I got a call from Mr. Mangesh (Head – CRM FIAT India) requesting for additional one day so as to send his technician Mr. Srinivasan (From FPT – Fiat Power Train; pune) to again inspect and come to a conclusion. I was called to the RDC workshop on 10th Oct 2015 and I did visit and still found the same NOISE and no proper response.

I mean, neither the defect was fixed nor Mr. Mangesh came for a discussion on other alternatives (As agreed by him). When I wrote an email on 11th Oct 2015, I got a response from Mr. KEVEN FLYNN (MD – Fiat india) saying that he will come back with a proposal before EOD of 12th Oct 2015. Till date no response form Kevin Flynn of FIAT. Can you just imagine a Managing Director not keeping up his word? and responding. That’s FIAT style may be.

“No wonder Why FIAT is not able to succeed in India”

In the meanwhile, Mr.Punnaivanam (Fiat India), called me on 12th oct 2015 and is claiming that, as per FIAT the NOISE I reported is actually not noise, instead it is just operating sound of any Punto’s engine. Also, he offered me that he can change the engine to satisfy me. I did not agree to it. He also commented that this noise might be because of my driving style. On 13th Oct 2015 afternoon, I get an email from Mr.Mangesh saying the same what Punnaivanam told me over phone.

Did you all completely understand what it means? I mean, how badly they are playing around. Look below my pointers.

The below is what they are saying:
• My car has no defect/abnormal NOISE. It is just same as any other Punto
• The Noise is due to my driving pattern. (Note: This is my sixth car and I have been driving for more than 15 years. This Punto happens to be my third FIAT).

Don’t you all think the above points itself is contradicting each other? Fiat is joking.

Please note, that Fiat is coming back with the above statements after they have taken enough steps to rectify the defect. I mean, they accepted there is an abnormal NOISE and carried the work. They have tried changing the below so far.
• All four injectors
• Pressure Pump
• ECU
• Drive Belt
• Tensioner
• Wiring removed and reinstalled
• Flushed the entire fuel line.
• Engine reset to factory settings.

If what I have been complaining is not actually a NOISE/defect, why would a so called authorized service center keep changing part by part? What this means, RDC Motors service team is not capable to identify and they were just playing around without even knowing what they were doing. Fiat is also covering it up.

Now comes another filthy act which FIAT & RDC carried out.

After I got an email from Mr. Mangesh (on 13th oct 2014 afternoon), I had my friend visit RDC. My car was not there. Mr.Lawrence (Service Manager – RDC Motors) claiming that he has taken the car for a road test. But, actually the car was taken to another Fiat dealer (Ramkay Fiat). Fiat & RDC are hiding my car and keeping it in a different dealer’s workshop. Once they understood that I came to know this issue, immediately they rushed my car out from Ramkay workshop back to RDC.

What is the need for FIAT & RDC Motors to take my car to Ramkay workshop (about 35 kms away)? After they have clearly communicated that the car has no defects. This clearly shows, they are indirectly buying time and in parallel working on the defect. Filthy move from Fiat & RDC; shame on FIAT for treating customers like this. I am unable to attach the picture of Ramkay's IN and OUT register.

Note: My car is still with RDC Fiat.

Mr. Mangesh is offering an additional 3 year warrenty and indirectly asking me to compramize with the defect. For what joy?

Re: FIAT's filthy behaviour towards Indian customers. Fiat fans -Beware!

Why have you not kept this with your other post ? This section is really for pictures of members motors.

I've read through your other thread, which takes a bit of working through.

Have you ever owned a diesel car before ? You do realise that a diesel engine is a hell of a lot noisier than a petrol engine don't you ? Also some diesel engines can "knock" at certain revs, as a diesel is a compression ignition engine rather than a petrol spark ignition. You will never get a silent diesel engine.
Why not take the offer of a new engine ???? After all an engine costs 000's and this seems like a gift horse if they are offering you one for free !!

In all honesty, and I truly mean no offence here, it seems to me like you are being a bit silly. It comes across that what you are after is either your money back ( meaning 1 year of free motoring) or a brand new car !!! Frankly speaking, get a grip on reality buddy. NO MANUFACTURER will agree to those terms, especially after 1 year. Your best bet would have been on day 1 by turning round and taking the car back and rejecting it, putting as few miles on it as possible.

As has been said on your other posts, this is a forum run by Fiat owners and has no connection with official Fiat sites. So all you are really doing here is posting a load stuff that we really can't help with. All replies are by ordinary owners, and have no legal weight.

Personally I would take the new engine.

Re: FIAT's filthy behaviour towards Indian customers. Fiat fans -Beware!

As mentioned above, it's a diesel. We had a diesel Punto a few years back, and they are noisier and you can get some odd noises coming from it.


You've been offered a three year warranty extension and a free engine on something that doesn't sound like there is a problem. I'd take it and run. They seem to be being more than fair and generous on this occasion.