Elusive Vehicle Noises: What to Do When You Can’t Find the Fault

legal updates

More customers are reporting strange noises that seem impossible to trace. Learn practical steps to recreate, record, and address these elusive issues while protecting your business.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

It seems to be a more common issue now where consumers are raising concerns that are impossible to find. These are usually weird noises from dashboards, roofs, doors, you name it. They don’t always point towards a fault but often require investigation to determine whether it is a defect or just a quirk of the vehicle.

The first thing to do is to try and recreate the issue the consumer has reported. Whether you do this with the consumer in the vehicle or carry out any necessary test drives with a technician is up to you.

If no issues or noises are present, you should produce a report with the parameters of the test, such as the length of the test and the speed of the vehicle, and provide the consumer with a copy. They may want to try to recreate the noise while in the vehicle with you.

If you do find an issue or noise, this should also be noted in a report, detailing the parameters of the test when it occurs. This should help in tracking down the source.

Usually, rattles are found somewhere in the interior, which may require removing panels or the dashboard to work out where they are coming from. These tend to occur more commonly in newer vehicles where panels are brand new and may need some minor adjustments to avoid any further rattles.

If an issue is identified, it should be noted in the report with details of how the issue came about. If you have any queries about the findings, you can use our legal helpline to get advice on what you have discovered.

At this point, you should have the evidence needed to determine whether the issue is a fault and whether it was present or developing at the point of sale. This will steer you in the right direction to resolve any complaints your customers may have about a purchased vehicle.

If you need more in-depth assistance, you can send your documents to us and open a case for our legal team to review and get involved. Remember, our members also have access to software and resources to help manage these issues more efficiently.

WeRecruit Auto LtdPermanent Automotive Recruitment from an experienced and trustworthy recruitment partner.

We cover roles within all departments and sectors of the Automotive industry, and are here to listen to your specific needs and find the most suitable candidates to fit your business.

Kimberly StickleySolicitorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Don’t Get Soaked: The Habitation Checks That Stop Motorhome Rejections

Buyers are rejecting motorhomes for damp, leaks and unsafe cabins. Here’s what to inspect in the habitation area and why a simple pre-sale check can save you a costly Consumer Rights Act dispute.

Can You Claim What You Haven’t Lost? The ‘No Loss’ Principle Meets s19 CRA 2015

A live claim against a member raises a sharp question: if no money has changed hands and only deductions are in dispute, has the claimant suffered a recoverable loss?

To Repair or Not to Repair: that is the question

A customer drops off a car three months after purchase and asks for a refund. You might have a right to repair, but touch a spanner without clear permission and you could turn a winnable case into an unwanted rejection.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015: Bête noire or useful tool?

Section 19(14) isn’t a magic wand for consumers, and Sections 23 and 24 give traders real leverage. Here’s how to use repairs, disproportionality and usage deductions to keep disputes under control.

Sale or Return: Why “Private Sale” won’t save you from Consumer Rights Act responsibilities

Dealers using Sale or Return cannot hide behind “private sale” labels unless the agency position is made crystal clear from the advert onward. Miss that step and you risk CRA 2015 claims and a DMCCA 2024 breach.

30 Days to Hand the Keys Back: How the Short-Term Right to Reject Really Works

Think a new fault lets buyers walk away, no questions asked? Not quite. Discover why the burden of proof is on the consumer, and how dealers can stay one step ahead.

Don’t Get Caught Out: Why Your Car Warranty Won’t Shield You from the Consumer Rights Act

Think a watertight warranty protects you from refund demands? Think again. We explain how the Consumer Rights Act trumps any small print and what dealers must do to stay safe, or risk costly claims.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.