Definition of TSBs/Service Campaigns/Recalls

[mcube3]

Hello all,Can anyone help me understand the difference between TSBs/Service Campaigns/Recalls? I've called 2 dealers about the Steering Comfort Adjustment (Tilt & Telescopic) Voluntary Service Campaign. One is telling me that they won't fix it if there isn't a problem. The other is telling me it is just a warranty extension. Anyone can help me here? Thanks!!

[driveforfun]

My is scheduled for next Wednesday. My understanding is that the steering wheel motor won't be replaced unless there is a problem. I'll get further clarification at the service visit. I have had no problems with my vehicle at all.

[cjre1]

mcube3,

Sure I can help. A recall is just that a recall which the dealer has to perform without any question.

A TSB/Service campaign is just that a TSB "Technical Service Bulletin". These are performed if the customer is having an issue that can be duplicated at the shop, if not, then it is up to the dealer to perform if they want to. This is not a mandatory thing to do.

Whatever is done under warranty the dealer has to justify the charge back to Infiniti. This is tricky and only so many can be done within one dealer each and every month. They calculate the total of cars they service, how many come in and how many are for recalls and TSB issues.

Example, My dealer didn't have too many TSB cars that came in for May, therefore, he took care of a TSB issue for me, that was not even my concern. I didn't even tell him about it and he did it anyway. I hear that other places do not even perform TSB work, unless the issue is present all the time.

[rontek]

As far ast the Telescopic Steering Adjustment goes, the notice I received in the mail listed specific states where they would replace the motor per the TSB. Apparently it is most prevalant in 'Warmer" climates. For states not listed, unless there is an actual failure, they are only extending the warranty to 72 months , 70,000miles on that part only. I can e-mail you the actual TSB if you like.

Ron

Also there are differences between TSB, Service Campaign and Service Recall

TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. It may or may not relate to a defective part, or a replacement part, although it can. Ususally it is a notification of an issue owners have complained about.

A Servcie Campaign is a voulantary notification to all owners of a specific model about a potential problem. It may impact some, but not necessaraily all owners, and may have stipulations related to performing the noted repair.

A Recall is the notification and repair of a particular issue for ALL vehicles in a particular model.

When you bring your car to the dealer, they will "usually" check for Campaigns and recalls. NOT necessarily TSB's

Make sense?

Modified by rontek at 9:43 PM 6/11/2009
Modified by rontek at 9:43 PM 6/11/2009

[mcube3]

Thanks everyone I now have a better understanding of them all.

[rayc325]

Speaking about the steering wheel problem... another strange thing happened at my visit today to the service dept..they told me they needed to order parts to take care of the steering wheel recall problem. Strange thing is..........they fixed it for me a month after I picked it up. The service writer says they need to do it again or it keeps poping up in their system??

[rontek]

it depends on how thourough the dealer is with their own system.I had my fuel pump replaced when it was a tsb. When it became a campaign, it popped back up in their system, and when I was in for an oil change they told me I needed it done. I told them to go back in their records and confirm, and when they did they realized it was done and marked the campaign complete. They go through so many cars, although we like to think they remember each of us and our vehicles personally, that is not always possible.

Ron

[driveforfun]

Carried my EX in today for service and the TSB. My Infiniti dealer, Crossroads Infiniti of Raleigh, replaced the fuel pump and steering wheel motors even though I was having no problems with either. The service manager told me that Infiniti was recommending that the items be replaced regardless of whether the vehicle owner was experiencing problems. Good move, and I am very pleased with the response.