How do TSB's work?

[FL ST]

My understanding of TSB's is that if there is one issued you can take your vehicle in if it has that particular problem and if it hasn't been fixed, the dealer will fix it for free; regardless of if the warranty is still in effect.



Is this a correct understanding?

 

[2]

Nope, they are Technical Service Bulletins. They just tell the service techs how to fix a certain problem. These are NOT warranties. If you are out of warranty you will have to pay for these problems.

 

[FL ST]

So what if there is a recall on you vehicle and it's not under warranty, free fix?

 

[TRACket Paul]

Essentially, yes.

 

[Andy G]

Recalls, yes, they get free fixes. For life. You can even purchase the vehicle second hand and it will still qualify for a recall...assuming you are watching for the recalls to come up. Don't expect a phone call or letter if you purchased the vehicle used.



TSBs only get free fixes if you are under warranty......and if your dealer is shady, they may not even want to fix anything under warranty unless your vehicle is showing symptoms of the problem covered in the TSB.



cheers,

 

[Bill Ellis]

A TSB does not mean that all vehicles have a particular problem; only that a significant number have experienced the same problem and that a repair procedure has been issued. A recall means that the NTSB has ordered the manufacturer [safety related], or the manufacturer has taken it upon himself [usually reliability related], to repair a known defect in all subject vehicles.



Dealers are under no obligation to address TSB items on vehicles that do not display the symptoms detailed in the TSB. They are not going to fix things that aren't broke.