A consumer commission in Himachal Pradesh has directed Tata Motors to either replace the Tata Harrier SUV or refund the purchase price of Rs 21.4 lakh after finding evidence of an inherent manufacturing defect. The decision comes after the SUV reportedly faced repeated steering issues Two separate timing belt failures within just 26,000km of use.
The matter pertains to Tata Harrier XZA+ Dark Edition Purchased in May 2022 By Dr. Krishna Lal Kapoor, resident of Palampur from JKR Motors Pvt. Ltd., an authorized Tata Motors dealership in Himachal Pradesh. According to the complaint, the SUV started experiencing steering vibration and knocking noises within the first 1,000 km. The power steering assembly was later replaced under warranty, but the owner claimed similar problems resurfaced later.
timing belt failed twice
The controversy escalated after the Harrier reportedly suffered two major timing belt failures. The first incident occurred in August 2023 when SUV stopped suddenly On Hamirpur-Sujanpur Highway. The owner said he and his family were stranded for several hours before roadside assistance arrived and the vehicle was taken to a service centre.
After repairs the vehicle was returned to the owner. However, a similar incident reportedly Happened again in March 2024 When the SUV had run approximately 26,700 km. The vehicle once again stalled unexpectedly and required repairs. The timing belt is designed to last a very long time under normal operating conditions. Premature failure can result in sudden engine shutdown and potentially extensive engine damage.
Expert report highlights misalignment
An independent automobile expert appointed during the proceedings investigated the matter and found that the timing belt usually runs between 90,000 km to 1 lakh km. The report found that two timing belt failures before 30,000 km were highly unusual.
The findings also noted an inspection that allegedly identified a misaligned timing bracket assembly. According to the expert, this misalignment could be responsible for frequent timing belt failures in the vehicle. The Commission found that no equally strong technical evidence was presented to refute the expert’s conclusions.
Tata Motors stand
Tata Motors and the dealership disputed the allegations and said that all the issues reported by the customer were taken care of under warranty. The company also argued that the SUV had already covered a distance of more than 30,000 km, which showed that the vehicle did not have an inherent manufacturing defect. The dealership said vehicle usage patterns and operating conditions can affect component wear and failure.
Commission orders replacement or refund
After reviewing the evidence, the Commission concluded that repeated failures of critical components point to an underlying manufacturing defect. In its order, the Commission said that a consumer “cannot be forced to continue using”Structurally defective and potentially life threatening” Vehicle.
It directed Tata Motors to provide The owner has a new defect-free replacement vehicle of the same or upgraded model. Alternatively, the company may refund the entire purchase price of Rs 21,40,775. The order also includes interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of filing of complaint till payment. Additionally, the Commission awarded Rs 1 lakh as compensation for mental agony and harassment and Rs 15,000 towards litigation expenses.