Each time you take your vehicle into the manufacturer, ever notice how the repair invoices you receive are stated a specific way? Most often, it will start off by stating “customer states…” Also, ever notice how the repair invoices are worded in a way that is mostly true, but not 100% accurate? Inaccurate repair invoices written by car manufacturers is perhaps the biggest reason that consumers in Texas lose when filing a Texas Lemon Law claim or lawsuit.
Service managers and employees who work for the service department of each manufacturer’s car dealership have been trained, if not over-trained, on how to write these repair invoices. Why? This is to protect the vehicle manufacturer and dealership.
In case you decide to open a Texas Lemon Law claim or file a Texas Deceptive Trade Practices (DTPA) lawsuit, these entities will already be 100 steps ahead of you. They have been prepared to be sued before you actually have purchased or brought your vehicle in for repairs.
If you take your vehicle in for repairs and the service manager or agent fails to accurately document your concern on the repair invoice, then be prepared to escalate the matter to someone higher up at the dealership’s food chain. You will need to have accurate written documentation of the problems with your vehicle in order to have a strong case in the event you elect to pursue your claim under the Texas Lemon Law.
If the dealership refuses to accurately document your visit, you may let them know that poor documentation of your concern will be reflected in any “customer experience or satisfaction” surveys the manufacturer sends to you in the future. In fact, I would recommend going as far as writing both the dealership owner and the vehicle manufacturer a letter detailing your concern. Keep a copy of this letter; just in case it needs to be included as part of your evidence in court.