What Does Factory Defect Mean?
2 Answers
Factory defect refers to minor issues in the appearance or non-critical parts of the vehicle that do not affect its normal performance. Here are some precautions to consider when picking up a new car: Inspect the car body for any scratches or wear on the paint. It's best to check for color differences under ample sunlight. Examine the vehicle's identification plate, which is usually located on the driver's side door or in the engine compartment, and pay attention to the manufacturing date. Body defects not covered under the three-guarantee policy: During the three-guarantee period, if the cumulative repair time exceeds 35 days; if the same quality issue requires more than five repairs; if there are two repairs for serious safety faults; within 60 days from the purchase date or within 3,000 kilometers of driving, if the steering system fails, the braking system fails, the body cracks (note: the body, not the paint surface), or there is fuel leakage.
I just bought a new car last year, and shortly after driving it, I noticed moisture inside the right front headlight, which really annoyed me at the time. This kind of issue is what we call a factory defect, meaning it's a quality problem that existed before the vehicle left the factory. It might be caused by negligence during the manufacturing process, such as parts not being installed tightly or quality inspection steps being missed. For example, the poor sealing of my headlight was likely an issue during the assembly line production. This type of defect is completely different from transportation damage or self-inflicted collisions, and the responsibility lies with the manufacturer. If you discover such problems within the first few years of owning a new car, you can directly contact the 4S dealership to assert your rights. They usually replace the defective parts for free, as the manufacturer's warranty policy covers these factory defects. However, it's best to inspect the car thoroughly when taking delivery—spotting issues on the spot makes them easier to resolve.
