Consumer panel asks auto major, dealer to repair or replace defective vehicle free of cost

Rourkela: The district consumer disputes redressal commission (DCDRC), Sundargarh, has directed an auto major and its authorised dealer and service centre to repair or replace a defective vehicle engine free of cost and pay compensation to the complainant within 30 days.In its June 17 order, the commission asked the company, its authorised dealer in Sambalpur, and service centre in Bargarh to pay Rs 25,000 towards mental harassment and financial loss, along with Rs 10,000 as litigation cost. Failing compliance, the amount will attract 9% annual interest.The complainant, Suchitra Das of Lephripada, had bought the vehicle on April 7, 2023 on EMI. The vehicle developed trouble within a day of registration, when its engine seized near Hemgir.

The engine was replaced under warranty on May 9, 2023.However, Das told the commission that the vehicle continued to suffer repeated breakdowns involving the clutch plate, pressure plate and release bearing, forcing her to spend nearly Rs 1 lakh on repairs during the warranty period. On June 11, 2025, the engine again seized near Jharsuguda. The service centre later estimated Rs 3.15 lakh for repairs and declined warranty coverage, leaving the vehicle idle and causing losses.

The auto major, in its defence, maintained that the initial engine replacement was done free of cost and claimed the vehicle had no manufacturing defect, citing its subsequent usage of over 74,000 km.After examining the records, the commission held the opposite parties liable for deficiency in service, noting their failure to address the defect and their demand for repair charges, and ruled in favour of the complainant.