[Resolved]  Fiat Punto Active Diesel — Constant Car breakdown even after numerous services and repairs

Address: Delhi

Dear Sir,
I bought a Red Fiat Punto Active Diesel , on 26 Feb 2011, Registered under my Father’s name . Mr Bhaksar Basu, R/O 77 West Arjun Nagar, Agra-282001. With registration number- UP80 BU 8302 , Chassis number MCA 11815E07024384AMZ , Manufacturing year- 04-Mar-2011 from Ashok Auto Sales, Agra Kanpur Road, Agra.

We did take a lot of time, in choosing this car, over the swift, the polo, and the micra. And it topped our expectations, except for the fear of After sales service.

Though overall, content on our purchase, lately the problems faced by us, makes us regret our decision.
I have not clocked even 13000 kms, yet my car has spent more time in the service station then I have driven it, I would like to give a breakdown of my issues.

1. 03-11-11 Car Gone to Ashok Auto Sales, Agra, for service and repairs, Job card number 3476, Received it after a week.

2.The car breaks down in the middle of the highway, on the way to Delhi ,(the problem being the engine tanning belt broke off, and entered the engine.)

3.The car was sent to Auto Link Enterprises , Arjuna Asif ali Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070 on 08-12-11 for repairs, Job card number – JC-AutoLink –VK[protected]. I made a complaint on Fiat helpline on 28-12-12 , complaint number 1-[protected] as no answer came from the autolink people over the situation of the car even after 20days. I received the car after a month on 09-01-12. And the following items were changed under warranty(Alternator Compressor Belt, Rocker, Tappet, Cylinder Head Gasket, Cam Shafts, Oil pump, Seal Gasket).

4.On 14-01-12 The car breaks down on an official trip to Bijnor,UP ( a complaint was launched under the number 1-[protected]) the problem being excessive black smoke coming out, and no acceleration. After calling Mr Rajput from Tata/Fiat , I got emergency assistance at a tata service station in Bijnor,UP and I could finish my trip.

5. On 19-1-12 under the same above mentioned complaint number, the car was sent to Autolink Enterprise, Vasant Kunj again, Job card number –JC-Autolink- VK[protected] for checkup and repairs. I received the car on 21-01-12, evening though the bill given to me was dated 20-01-12, and the rear Shock absorbers, Gasket, Reat Strut were changed.

6.On 27-01-12. Once again my car breaks down at 10pm at night, on an official trip back to Agra, at the middle of the highway. (with the same problem of excessive black smoke coming out, and no acceleration.) After calling the emergency helpline, complaint number-1-[protected]. My car was towed to Tayal tata motors, Faridabad. And I had to take a cab back home at midnight, after being stranded on highway with luggage.
Now my car is kept outside the Tayal tata service station, and I will have to go 20kms from my home to sign on the job card. And wait for god knows how many days.

As u will note, that I have been facing so many problems, with the service. And even after constant checkup, I keep on facing the same problems, and the problems with the car has made me loose a lot of business, as being an interior architect, I have a lot of projects outside delhi, and I constantly need to travel out of station. And lately I have spent a lot of money, on cabs, as for the past three months , my car has stayed in the service station more then I have driven it. I take special care in maintaining my car, as it is a big investment for me, yet I do not understand why am I facing such problems.

Now, I am afraid to use my car, as in the back of my mind, I always have a fear of the car breaking down, in the middle of the road. These mishaps, not only are a huge trouble to me, but make my family members go through a lot of trauma and worry. And all this when my car is not even a year old!!. I feel cheated , and I feel trusting Fiat was the biggest mistake that I have ever done. The constant mockery from friends and family , over the cars total unreliability , and choosing a brand like Fiat over the competition, is an added insult to my injury.

Best Regards
Siddhartha Basu
([protected])
B-356 , 3 Floor,
Chittranjan Park, New Delhi-110017