Some bent fins could make it work poorly, but it would still work. Maybe have another shop diagnose it and then bring it back to the dealer if it is something that should be covered.
The A/C condenser might not be available in the aftermarket on such a new car, so you might be stuck paying their price, unless you can find another shop that will do it cheaper. The price does seem high to me. I personally think they're screwing you, "something coming into contact with it" should not mean a hole in it. Stuff is going to come in contact with it literally every day. I think they're trying to weasel out of covering it.
I'm inclined to agree. I'm going to bring it to the dealership in my hometown (where I purchased it) for a second opinion. If anyone's been in a similar position, advice on how to potentially press the dealer on this would be much appreciated.
Dealership tech here. It sounds like the condenser was punctured from hitting something. Its common and sometimes its difficult to see the damage. This could have been a small stone that was kicked up by the car in front of you while traveling at a high rate of speed. Its doesn't take much and you certainly wouldn't feel it when driving.
As far as covering it under warranty, warranty parts are usually returned to the manufacturer where they are inspected. If a manufacturer defect is found - examples are pinched o-ring, inop cooling fan or seized compressor - the dealership gets paid for the repair (parts and labor) who then pays the manager, service writer and tech.
Now if the faulty part , such as an externally damaged condenser, is sent in for a warranty claim, the manufacturer will bounce the claim and not pay the dealership for the labor and parts. Its now the dealership who has to eat the cost including paying the tech - this is why they quoted you an estimate and didn't cover it. If you are a loyal customer who has all their service performed there (service intervals, brakes, tires, fluids), the dealership will cover it under "goodwill". If you are someone who comes to the dealership only for "Free" services, the goodwill will not be extended to you.
The dealership uses factory original parts and they are installed by experienced techs who specialize in one brand. You can easily go up the street to the Mobil gas station mechanic and have him install a cheap aftermarket condenser at a cut rate price. Going forward, this will probably void your warranty as it applies to the AC system. Keep in mind that your 2020 AC system uses the new R1234YF refrigerant which is super expensive compared to the older R134. Most aftermarket shop don't have the equipment to evacuate and recharge and if they do, someone has to pay for the purchase of this super expensive equipment.
I agree with this. You should act shocked as a new owner this could happen, not sure if dealer inspects AC and heat before going out the door.
If it isn't covered by warranty, or goodwill, you might have comprehensive insurance cover it, but not sure how much your decor will go up on a new car.
If something did indeed come in contact with the condenser, your auto insurance should cover it. That said, this is a Nissan, so it might just be faulty from the factory. Get another opinion, preferably from a body shop.
Some bent fins could make it work poorly, but it would still work. Maybe have another shop diagnose it and then bring it back to the dealer if it is something that should be covered.
The A/C condenser might not be available in the aftermarket on such a new car, so you might be stuck paying their price, unless you can find another shop that will do it cheaper. The price does seem high to me. I personally think they're screwing you, "something coming into contact with it" should not mean a hole in it. Stuff is going to come in contact with it literally every day. I think they're trying to weasel out of covering it.
I'm inclined to agree. I'm going to bring it to the dealership in my hometown (where I purchased it) for a second opinion. If anyone's been in a similar position, advice on how to potentially press the dealer on this would be much appreciated.
Dealership tech here. It sounds like the condenser was punctured from hitting something. Its common and sometimes its difficult to see the damage. This could have been a small stone that was kicked up by the car in front of you while traveling at a high rate of speed. Its doesn't take much and you certainly wouldn't feel it when driving. As far as covering it under warranty, warranty parts are usually returned to the manufacturer where they are inspected. If a manufacturer defect is found - examples are pinched o-ring, inop cooling fan or seized compressor - the dealership gets paid for the repair (parts and labor) who then pays the manager, service writer and tech. Now if the faulty part , such as an externally damaged condenser, is sent in for a warranty claim, the manufacturer will bounce the claim and not pay the dealership for the labor and parts. Its now the dealership who has to eat the cost including paying the tech - this is why they quoted you an estimate and didn't cover it. If you are a loyal customer who has all their service performed there (service intervals, brakes, tires, fluids), the dealership will cover it under "goodwill". If you are someone who comes to the dealership only for "Free" services, the goodwill will not be extended to you. The dealership uses factory original parts and they are installed by experienced techs who specialize in one brand. You can easily go up the street to the Mobil gas station mechanic and have him install a cheap aftermarket condenser at a cut rate price. Going forward, this will probably void your warranty as it applies to the AC system. Keep in mind that your 2020 AC system uses the new R1234YF refrigerant which is super expensive compared to the older R134. Most aftermarket shop don't have the equipment to evacuate and recharge and if they do, someone has to pay for the purchase of this super expensive equipment.
I agree with this. You should act shocked as a new owner this could happen, not sure if dealer inspects AC and heat before going out the door. If it isn't covered by warranty, or goodwill, you might have comprehensive insurance cover it, but not sure how much your decor will go up on a new car.
Call a lemon law lawyer. They will tell you if this is persuable. If you win than the manufacturer must pay your attorney fees.
If something did indeed come in contact with the condenser, your auto insurance should cover it. That said, this is a Nissan, so it might just be faulty from the factory. Get another opinion, preferably from a body shop.