[Resolved]  Tata Motors — Tata Motors Safari 2.2 VTT Dicor Timing belt problem

Address:

Bangalore, Karnataka

I purchased my Tata Safari in February 2009. After about an year and 3 months (sometime during May 2010) i received a mail from tata motors asking me to come for a timing belt issue that was there in this vehicle. This was more of a recall of the vehicle to correct the problem. I diligently got the problem rectified (at least that was my understanding when i got the vehicle back). however the same component failed in August of 2011.

I did not notice any jerkiness in engine or any issue with performance or anything but randomly the timing belt got cut. I had to tow the vehicle for service. I registered a complaint with Tata Motors and they said they will work with the service station and resolve the issue.

During the service of my vehicle i was informed my fuel injector has failed my alternator failed and when the vehicle was serviced i received a bill for almost 66K. when i asked TataMotors about the reason for other components to fail they did not provide me with any convincing answer but said the fuel injector failed because of bad fuel or diesel contamination. If this is really the case then there should all Safari diesel vehicles in bangalore facing this same problem. Also they did not tell me why my alternator failed.

Now i would like to understand in the first place, i was driving a faulty timing belt for almost 2 years. Can Tata Motors prove it that driving a faulty timing belt cannot fail on fuel injector (is the required pressure going to be maintained. are misfires going to be controlled correctly). Is the alternator going to continue to work fine with incorrect timing issues.

Also what was interesting is when i took the vehicle to service station i was given an estimate immediately for 60K. (How did the service guy know other components will or would have failed - Interesting). The service guy says in his experience he has seen these components not holding up if the timing belt fails.

When i spoke to TataMotors i was informed i should have taken extended warranty and this would have been covered. Now is this a scheme to sell extended warranty to customers and for those who opt out they will be given second class vehicle.

I have used TataSiera for 15 years before this and did not face a single problem (the main reason to choose TataSafari has my next vehicle). When i mention this to TataMotors or the service station they tell me the technology is different. So does that mean in the name of new technology TataMotors are delivering lower quality products that do not even survive 2 years as compared to my 15 years siera not having a single problem.

I need TataMotors to come clean and solve the issue. They need to accept the issue caused by the faulty timing belt and reduce my burden of the service cost. This problem i strongly believe TataMotors is aware of but not willing to accept. Imagine having to spend 66K plus all the services i have done regularly (about 4 services close 3K each), i am spending at a rate of 39K per year for a new vehicle which is outrageous.

TataMotors I have lost faith in your vehicle and i need justice done.