Engine died. Help

[msr]

I have 2011 Kizashi SLS. My car stalled on me in the middle of highway. I got it towed to Suzuki Service Center. They haven't yet given me complete picture but told me that I would need to replace the engine complete. I have been reasonably timely on oil changes and got both 30K and 60K servicing done. When I asked the service guy if my car is still under warranty, he said he doesn't know.

I dont have receipts for oil changes. I know the car has 10000 power-train warranty. If feels like the dealer wants to refuse to honor the warranty. Anything I can do. Any advice is very appreciated.

Thank you

[~tc~]

Be patient until they diagnose the problem, give them the opportunity to do the right thing.

In the mean time, read the warranty and know exactly what is covered and what is not.

[KuroNekko]

I wonder what caused the issue. How did the engine die? Was it like it lost ignition (quiet cut-out) or was there a sound and vibration like something really went wrong? Without a noticeable mechanical malfunction, it's hard to imagine why a new engine is needed. Regardless, I think it would be covered by the powertrain warranty that's 10 years/100,000 miles. Engine failures like this are rare and most likely a mechanical/electronic failure rather than a maintenance-related matter. In that regard, it should be covered by the warranty.

Like ~tc~ wrote, give them time to figure it out and keep us posted.

[msr]

I just heard back from the dealer. He said engine overheated so bad that some parts seem to have partially melted. Suzuki denied my claim . As a driver, I don't know what I could have done differently. I didn't notice the temperature going to red. No dashboard lights were on. What can I do?

Thanks

[bootymac]

Wow. I'd start by trying to get as many details as possible. The engine overheating and "melting" seems unlikely with all the sensors on cars.

[KuroNekko]

I just heard back from the dealer. He said engine overheated so bad that some parts seem to have partially melted. Suzuki denied my claim . As a driver, I don't know what I could have done differently. I didn't notice the temperature going to red. No dashboard lights were on. What can I do?

Thanks

What caused the overheating? It's hard to overheat to the point where you damage the engine without seeing some really clear signs from the gauges and even the engine itself. Was the head gasket blown?

[fjroman2]

It sounds to me like the dealer is trying to give you the old "ole"...any chance there is another dealer you can talk to? Where are you located?

[msr]

I am not sure what caused the overheat. Nothing got blown. Car just stalled.

I am in Miami. I talked to Suzuki customer support and the dealer. Suzuki customer support says, the claim is denied and that is it. The dealer says, he can't do anything because it is the company that declined the claim. I can't find any information on how to proceed. I can't get any written documentation on why the claim is denied either. I am still trying to reach DSM (dispute manager?) who apparently denied the claim.

I am completely shocked at this treatment. Any advice on how to proceed next?

Thanks a lot

[KuroNekko]

I am not sure what caused the overheat. Nothing got blown. Car just stalled.

I am in Miami. I talked to Suzuki customer support and the dealer. Suzuki customer support says, the claim is denied and that is it. The dealer says, he can't do anything because it is the company that declined the claim. I can't find any information on how to proceed. I can't get any written documentation on why the claim is denied either. I am still trying to reach DSM (dispute manager?) who apparently denied the claim.

I am completely shocked at this treatment. Any advice on how to proceed next?

Thanks a lot

I would personally have it towed from the dealership and have it examined by a reputable independent mechanic to see if Suzuki's claims are legitimate. The mechanic should also be able to determine what caused the overheating. The Suzuki J24B engine is nothing special. It's just like any inline 4 banger.

This all sounds like total bullshit that it's not something covered by the warranty. For this kind of catastrophic engine failure to silently occur, a critical component most likely failed.
Like I said, I'd first take the car to a good, reputable mechanic who has nothing to do with Suzuki. See what he says. Depending what what he says, I'll go at it with Suzuki. If it's something that should have been covered by the powertrain warranty and it's being denied, then hire an attorney. There are some who specialize in lemon laws and warranty claims.

Also, the following info would be helpful:
1) Vehicle mileage.
2) Oil change interval.
3) What major services have been done.
4) Any modifications to the car.

Best of luck and keep us posted. Just don't take Suzuki's claims at face value. They have every incentive to bullshit you out of your warranty.

[murcod]

MSR - do you have service records showing EVERY service has been completed on time by a qualified mechanic? This is the sort of evidence Suzuki will use to try and deny any warranty claim.

Your engine can overheat with little to no gauge indication. The coolant temperature sender relies on the coolant being in contact with it to read temperatures correctly- so if your coolant level drops below this sensor the gauge on your dash is next to useless. (The temperature sensor is usually located in the engine's head, so you don't have to lose a lot of coolant for it to be exposed to air.)

If your coolant level was low Suzuki could also be pointing the finger at you for not checking the fluid levels regularly (as per the owner's manual.)

Best of luck. Hopefully, none of the above applies and you can successfully fight them.

PS: It sounds like the first thing to do is contact them and get something in writing as to why your warranty claim isn't being honored.