Is my Ranger a lemon?

My 2014 Ford Ranger is having one problem after another, and has been back to the dealership for repairs five times. First, the computer kept throwing up a warning light that would put the car into a sort of limp mode and reduce me to 60km/h with no turbo. They had the car for at least three weeks and in that time one of the head technicians from Ford came and even he couldn't figure out why, so they just put a new computer in it and the problem was solved for the time being. Then it did it again a few months later and this time it was because it had blown an intercooler. But recently it blew another intercooler and this time turbo as well, which was fixed after a week and a half, and then returned to me only to have it blow another turbo not even a week later. They now have my car again and have had it for nearly two weeks, and are waiting on a report from someone who is taking the turbo apart. I'm appalled at how this is all being handled and at what point do they write the car off as a lemon. Can they replace it or give me some sort of compensation, as I'm paying for a car I don't currently possess and with all the trouble and drama it's caused me when it has stuffed up has also cost me money.

Answered by CarsGuide

20 November 2015

Carsguide.com.au

We don't have lemon laws in this country like they do in the USA. If we did your car would most likely have been declared a lemon and you would have your money back or a new car. Unfortunately our consumer protection laws are pathetically weak and appear to favour the manufacturer more than the customer. They satisfy the requirements of the law by attempting to fix it, but they are clearly taking way too long. They could have built a new car for you in the time they have being trying to fix yours. At the very least you should have been given a loan car while they sort yours out. Call Ford's customer assistance people and tell them of your frustration. Alternatively you call Ford Australia President Graeme Whickman and ask him to intervene on your behalf.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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