Electric Car Wheel Rim Cracks After Two Days, Company Agrees Free Replacement
An electric vehicle owner received a free replacement of a cracked wheel rim and related parts after the Consumer Protection Board mediated between the buyer and the manufacturer, distributor, and dealer following the defect appearing just
On September 17, Supamas Isarabhakdi, a minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board, revealed that the board assisted a consumer whose electric vehicle suffered a cracked front wheel rim only two days after delivery. The Consumer Protection Board invited the manufacturer, distributor, and dealer to mediation with the complainant, resulting in all three companies agreeing to replace parts and inspect the vehicle at no charge. The complainant accepted the settlement and withdrew the complaint, with the board pledging to monitor the repairs until completion.
Isarabhakdi stated that the action aligns with the government's policy under Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul, which prioritizes consumer protection and inter-agency coordination. She aims for the Consumer Protection Board to be a reliable resource for the public, stepping in when product or service problems arise and coordinating with businesses to achieve fair resolutions.
Regarding this case, the complainant had purchased an electric vehicle that developed a cracked front left wheel rim while being driven. This caused the tire to lose pressure and sustain damage, prompting the complaint to the Consumer Protection Board. The board referred the matter to its third subcommittee on consumer complaint mediation to allow all parties to present facts, understand relevant rights and laws, and negotiate a solution collaboratively.
Following mediation, all three companies agreed to replace the wheel rim, tire, and brake caliper assembly, and to inspect the vehicle to restore normal operation at no cost to the complainant. This resulted in settlement of the dispute.
Isarabhakdi revealed that she has instructed Ranrong Poolphiphat, secretary of the Consumer Protection Board, to monitor the three companies' compliance with the agreement in full, including parts replacement and vehicle inspection, ensuring the consumer receives complete resolution as agreed.
"When consumers purchase a new vehicle, they naturally expect quality and safe operation," Isarabhakdi stated. "When problems occur, the Consumer Protection Board's role is to ensure people receive fair treatment. In this case, we brought all parties to negotiate and reached an agreement on resolving the problem without any cost to the consumer. We have directed close follow-up to ensure the mediation results in a complete and proper resolution for the public."
