A consumer commission in Himachal Pradesh has directed Tata Motors to either replace a Tata Harrier SUV or refund its purchase price of Rs 21.4 lakh after finding evidence of an inherent manufacturing defect. The ruling comes after the SUV reportedly suffered repeated steering-related issues and two separate timing belt failures within just 26,000 km of usage.
The case relates to a Tata Harrier XZA+ Dark Edition purchased in May 2022 by Palampur resident Dr Krishan Lal Kapoor, from JKR Motors Pvt Ltd, an authorised Tata Motors dealership in Himachal Pradesh. According to the complaint, the SUV started developing steering vibrations and knocking noises within the first 1,000 km. The power steering assembly was subsequently replaced under warranty, but the owner claimed similar issues resurfaced later.
Timing Belt Failed Twice
The dispute escalated after the Harrier allegedly suffered two major timing belt failures. The first incident occurred in August 2023 when the SUV came to an abrupt halt on the Hamirpur-Sujanpur highway. The owner stated that he and his family remained stranded for several hours before roadside assistance arrived and the vehicle was towed to a service centre.
After repairs, the vehicle was returned to the owner. However, a similar incident reportedly occurred again in March 2024 when the SUV had covered around 26,700 km. The vehicle once again stopped unexpectedly and required repairs. Timing belts are designed to last significantly longer under normal operating conditions. Premature failure can result in sudden engine shutdown and potentially cause extensive engine damage.
Expert Report Highlights Misalignment
An independent automobile expert appointed during the proceedings examined the case and noted that timing belts typically last between 90,000 km and 1 lakh km. The report observed that two timing belt failures before 30,000 km was highly unusual.
The findings also referred to an inspection that reportedly identified a misaligned timing bracket assembly. According to the expert, this misalignment could have been responsible for the repeated timing belt failures experienced by the vehicle. The commission observed that no equally strong technical evidence was presented to counter the expert’s conclusions.
Tata Motors’ Stand
Tata Motors and the dealership contested the allegations and stated that all issues reported by the customer were attended to under warranty. The company also argued that the SUV had already covered over 30,000 km, suggesting that the vehicle did not suffer from an inherent manufacturing defect. The dealership maintained that vehicle usage patterns and operating conditions can influence component wear and failures.
Commission Orders Replacement Or Refund
After reviewing the evidence, the commission concluded that the repeated failures of critical components pointed towards an inherent manufacturing defect. In its order, the commission observed that a consumer cannot be compelled to continue using a “structurally defective and potentially life-threatening” vehicle.
It directed Tata Motors to provide the owner with a new defect-free replacement vehicle of the same or upgraded model. Alternatively, the company may refund the full purchase price of Rs 21,40,775. The order also includes interest at 9% per annum from the date of filing of the complaint until payment. In addition, the commission awarded Rs 1 lakh towards compensation for mental agony and harassment, along with Rs 15,000 towards litigation expenses.