Chennai Court Orders Skoda to Pay Rs 16.73 Lakh Over Defective Kushaq Woes

The Chennai North District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission delivered a significant ruling against Skoda Auto India, ordering the company and its dealer, Gurudev Motors, to refund Rs 16.73 lakh to customer TS Rajamohan. The decision stems from a complaint regarding a faulty Skoda Kushaq purchased in March 2023, coupled with allegations of service negligence. The court also mandated a 9 percent annual interest payment from the date of purchase, to be fulfilled within 30 days, highlighting the financial and emotional toll on the customer due to unresolved vehicle defects.

TS Rajamohan’s ordeal began just three months after purchasing the Skoda Kushaq, when he noticed multiple issues, including a malfunctioning air conditioner, unusual noises from the wheels, a defective power window, and clutch problems. Despite reporting these concerns to Skoda India and Gurudev Motors, Rajamohan faced persistent issues even after servicing. The court noted that the vehicle, still under warranty, exhibited defects early in its lifecycle, pointing to manufacturing or quality control failures. Additionally, Skoda and the dealer’s refusal to provide detailed repair and service information further escalated the customer’s frustration, prompting him to seek legal recourse.

The situation worsened when a driver sent by Gurudev Motors for vehicle pickup allegedly drove the Kushaq recklessly, causing visible damage to the black panel. This incident, combined with the unresolved mechanical issues, underscored the dealership’s negligence and Skoda’s inadequate response. The commission, comprising members D Gopinath, Kavitha Kannan, and V Ramamurthy, criticized both parties for failing to offer a timely resolution, emphasizing that the defects surfaced within months of purchase, entitling Rajamohan to a full refund under consumer protection laws.

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The ruling serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in the automotive industry, particularly for brands like Skoda that position themselves as premium manufacturers. The court’s decision to impose interest reflects the financial burden Rajamohan endured while grappling with a defective vehicle. This case also highlights the growing role of consumer courts in India as a recourse for buyers facing unresponsive manufacturers and dealers, setting a precedent for stricter enforcement of warranty obligations.

Skoda Auto India now faces reputational and financial repercussions as this high-profile case draws attention to quality control and customer service standards. The mandated refund and interest payment underscore the court’s commitment to protecting consumer rights, particularly when trust in a brand is undermined by persistent defects and poor service. As the 30-day compliance period looms, the automotive industry watches closely, with this ruling potentially influencing future consumer disputes and manufacturer accountability.

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