Top automaker exposed to sell cars that pose safety hazards

Defective cars that pose safety hazards were among the cases exposed by China Central Television in its delayed annual “3.15” quality investigation program.

A car buyer surnamed Zhao from Henan Province bought a Baojun 560 sport-utility vehicle in October 2017 for 143,000 yuan (US$20,460).

In February 2019, the vehicle suddenly lost power on the road. The 4S shop said it was a gearbox problem. After replacing the gearbox, Zhao drove 2,000 kilometers. But in June 2019, the vehicle lost power again and gearbox problem occurred for the second time.

In August 2016, SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co had announced a recall of 12,485 Baojun 560 sport-utility vehicles manufactured between January 5, 2016 to July 13, 2016. At that time, the automaker said it will replace the harness and module in the gearbox to fix the problem.

However, Zhao said the replacement did not solve the problem. After losing power in June 2019, the 4S store repaired the gearbox but it did not end the problem.

Zhao claimed the car manufacturer said that after the warranty period, he would have to pay for cost of the gearbox. “If I choose to return the car, which cost me 143,000 yuan, I will only get 60,000 yuan back. The manufacturer’s defects should not be paid by the consumer.”

Other consumers also reported similar problem.

SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co said it has set up a special working group to investigate the matter immediately.