Dean C.
Purchased a Ram 2578K miles announced with no issues. Informed Openlane that the engine was noisy. They demanded that I take it to a Ram dealer for verification. Brought the vehicle to a ram dealer- the dealer said the vehicle needed an engine, offered a $1700 credit to fix the problem. The Ram dealer quoted $15000 to replace the engine.
Date of issue 11/14/2024
Auction Contact: Lowell
Last 8: EG217666
[Unresolved]
Arbitration was filed for defective vehicle (2014 Jeep Grand Chreokee 5.8) on or about 10/1/2024 for a major oil leak and upper engine noise. Numerous “P” codes were present with a scan tool. None of this was noted on the vehicle inspection report. As instructed, I got a diagnosis. Three mechanics, all licensed, stated that major engine component failures are imminent. Jeep/Dodge dealership said a new engine or complete rebuild is necessary due to possibly running the vehicle with very little oil. I presented this diagnosis to the arbitrator. The arbitrator said no and then self diagnosided and allowed me relief only to replace the lifters for $1,308.00. They said the major oil leak cannot be covered under arbitration (but this is most likely the root cause of the problem). This repair of course did not fix the problem. I am having to replace the engine for $8,600.
The condition of this vehicle was clearly misrepresented by the selling dealer. It even had undisclosed hail damage, which I failed to arbitrate. I was given no opportunity to reject the $1308.00 award. I paid $115 for the “As Described Guarantee”. I am a small dealer and a hit like this is very financially burdensome. I should of been made whole or allowed to unwind the sale and return the vehicle.
2 Reviews on “OpenLane”
Read my complaint that I filed with AAR. Openlane at times has sketchy inspections, and their arbitration policy and process is terrible. They are slow to communicate, and will just close an arbitration on you with no notice. They’ve gotten worse over time.
Openlane took care of the engine on 10/9.
Tony, that’s great to hear that Openlane compensated you for the engine on your vehicle.
In Sept I bid/purchased a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was deliver with some smoking, upper engine knocking and ticking noise and oil steadily dripping out of the lower engine somewhere.
Three different licensed mechanics inspected and said that major component failures are imminent. Most likely due to excessive running with very low oil. All mechanics said a complete engine rebuild or replacement is necessary. Arbitrator then “self ” diagnosed and I was awarded about $1300 for lifters and repairs. They would not give any recourse for the major oil leak, I was not given any chance to reject the offer. Of course this did nothing to fix the problem. Arbitrator was made aware of the continuing condition of the vehicle and would not continue arbitration.
So this has cost me over $8000 to replace the engine because the selling dealer clearly misrepresented the vehicle.
AACE Auto Sales