Can a New Car Be Replaced If Problems Occur?
4 Answers
To replace a new car due to problems, it must be within the car's three-guarantee period and meet the conditions for return. When returning the car, usage compensation fees must be refunded. Below is an introduction to the replacement or return of a new car: 1. Compensation Fees: The calculation formula for reasonable usage compensation fees is: [(Car Price (yuan) × Mileage (km))/1000] × n. The usage compensation coefficient n is determined by the manufacturer based on factors such as the duration and condition of the car's use, ranging between 0.5% and 0.8%, and is clearly stated in the three-guarantee certificate. 2. Conditions for Returning the Car: The car can be returned if there is a failure in the steering system, braking system, body cracking, or fuel leakage. If serious safety performance faults are repaired twice without resolution or new serious safety performance faults occur. If the engine, transmission, or the same major component of the engine or transmission is replaced twice and still cannot function normally. If the same major component of the steering system, braking system, suspension system, front/rear axle, or body is replaced twice and still cannot function normally. 3. Conditions for Replacing the Car: The car can be replaced if the same fault is repaired more than five times. Within the three-guarantee validity period (the three-guarantee period is 2 years or 50,000 kilometers, whichever comes first), if the car's repair time accumulates to more than 35 days, or if repairs due to the same product quality issue accumulate to more than five times, the consumer can replace the car. Within 60 days from the date the seller issues the car purchase invoice or within 3,000 kilometers of mileage (whichever comes first).
Recently dealt with a similar case. According to the Automobile Three Guarantees Policy, if a new car experiences steering failure, brake failure, body cracking, fuel leakage, or major component issues with the engine or transmission within 60 days or 3,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), it qualifies for a direct replacement or refund. For serious faults beyond this period, the vehicle must undergo at least two unsuccessful repair attempts or accumulate over 35 days in repair time to be eligible for replacement. For example, a friend's new car had transmission noise—after the first two-week repair failed, the dealership replaced the entire car. It's advisable to immediately file a written report with the dealership, keep all repair invoices, and call the manufacturer's customer service with recorded evidence.
As a consultant who has handled hundreds of consumer rights cases, I must remind you: the probability of getting a vehicle replacement is indeed not high. According to the Three Guarantees Policy, the replacement process can only be initiated if the core components fail to be repaired after two attempts, or if the cumulative repair time exceeds 30 days. In a case I handled last month, the owner had to return for repairs 4 times due to continuous body vibration, taking 52 days before successfully replacing the vehicle. The key factor is whether the fault constitutes a safety issue—for example, brake failure is far more likely to warrant a replacement than a window malfunction. Maintaining complete repair records is crucial; always ensure the service center provides written documentation of the fault symptoms during each visit.
It's really frustrating to encounter issues right after picking up a new car. According to regulations, there are mainly three scenarios eligible for return or exchange: major component failure within 7 days of purchase; engine or transmission problems within 60 days or 3,000 kilometers; or the same recurring fault requiring 5 unsuccessful repairs during the warranty period. Last week, an owner discovered an oil leak and successfully exchanged for a new car within 180 kilometers. Quick tip: Test the car's performance by accumulating mileage soon after delivery. Always record conversations with after-sales service, and ensure repair orders document fault details comprehensively with signed confirmation.
