ConsumerWatch: Carmakers May Not Tell You About Defective Parts

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- An East Bay man is stuck paying a large bill after learning his 2005 Chevrolet had defective cylinder heads.

Charles Bales said he learned about the problem after his truck began making strange sounds. "[It was] like a click, click, click when you first start it up and then it would go away," he said.

Bales then took the truck to a mechanic, where he was told Chevrolet had sent out a service bulletin four years ago. According to Bales, the bulletin advised dealerships to change the cylinder heads.

"If the head got a hole in it, it would lose anti-freeze then you lose your lubrication," he said. Bales then paid $4,500 for the repairs and parts since his warranty had expired.

"I wish they would've said you had this problem a long time ago, so as soon as it happens, you know," he said.

But consumer attorney Mark Anderson explains manufacturers are only required to send out notices if there is a safety hazard.

"Well it would be nice if the manufacturer sent out notices every time they learn there is a defective on the road but they don't," he said. According to Anderson, the only option is contacting the manufacturer and asking for what is called a "good will."

But when Bales asked for a partial refund, he was denied. Bales then contacted CBS 5 ConsumerWatch where our volunteers got him a $1,300 refund plus a $500 toward his next Chevy purchase. But after owning four Chevy vehicles, Bales says he's now shifting gears on a brand he once trusted.

"I'm not so sure I ever want to buy a Chevy again," he said.

Auto website Edmunds.com lets drivers find out if their vehicles have any service bulletins.

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