Do paint surface defects on new cars qualify as quality issues?
3 Answers
Paint surface defects on new cars are considered quality issues. Below is a detailed explanation regarding whether paint surface defects on new cars qualify as quality issues: Sales contract relationship: If a car has defects, according to the Contract Law, if the quality does not meet the agreed standards, the responsible party shall bear the liability for breach of contract as per the agreement. The affected party may reasonably choose to request the other party to undertake responsibilities such as repair, replacement, rework, return, price reduction, or compensation. Automobile Three Guarantees regulations: Article 20 of the "Regulations on the Repair, Replacement, and Return Responsibility of Household Automotive Products" stipulates that within the validity period of the Three Guarantees for household automotive products, if the conditions for replacement or return as specified in the regulations are met, consumers may request replacement or return from the seller with the Three Guarantees certificate and purchase invoice.
On the day of picking up the car, I noticed a small scratch on the door, and my heart sank. Of course, paint issues on a new car count as quality problems. After spending hard-earned money, it should be flawless. The manufacturer should have strict quality control during the inspection before leaving the factory, as the paint not only affects the appearance but also the rust-proofing capability. Last week, my neighbor found small stone chips when getting the license plate, and the dealer repainted the entire door without hesitation. In such cases, don’t hesitate—inspect every panel carefully upon delivery, and refuse to sign if any issues are found. Within the warranty period, such problems can be fixed for free. Remember to take photos for evidence and contact the sales manager immediately, standing firm to get it resolved. If the 4S store tries to evade responsibility, calling the manufacturer’s complaint hotline is far more effective than arguing with them.
As a professional frequently dealing with automobiles, assessing paint defects requires case-by-case analysis. Minor scratches caused by damaged protective layers during transportation are most common and typically don't constitute serious quality issues after dealer repairs. However, if rust spots or bubbling appear without collision impact, these indicate fundamental flaws in anti-corrosion processes that must be addressed through warranty claims. We recommend inspecting paintwork at a 45-degree angle using smartphone flashlight during delivery - this lighting angle reveals 90% of defects. If paint thickness gauge readings fall below 90 microns, demand immediate vehicle replacement. Remember to document all flaws on the delivery checklist to prevent future disputes. Industry standards require new vehicles to have uniform paint color without sagging to qualify as acceptable products.
