Hi Alison,
I recently found out that an extended warranty may cover radio replacement. I'm not sure if you're already aware, but if you don't have a warranty, you can also contact The Motor Ombudsman—they may be able to help you dispute any charges with Vauxhall.
It’s still worth reaching out to Vauxhall directly one more time. When you do, consider referencing the points below to support your claim and show that you're informed about your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Be clear about what you're seeking—whether it's a repair, replacement, or compensation for any damage caused.
1. Satisfactory Quality (Section 9): Goods and services provided must be of satisfactory quality. If the file provided led to a malfunction of your radio, you can argue that the service (the file and instructions) was not of satisfactory quality, as it did not meet the expectations of causing no damage.
2. Fit for Purpose (Section 10): The service must be fit for a particular purpose. If you informed Vauxhall about your intended use (to upgrade or fix your car radio) and the file they provided caused issues instead, you can assert that it was not fit for purpose.
3. Misrepresentation (Section 2): If you feel that Vauxhall misled you about the file, you can argue that they failed to provide accurate information. Misrepresentation could be particularly relevant if they claimed the file was safe or effective for your radio.
4. Repair or Replacement (Section 23): If a product or service fails to meet the consumer rights standards, consumers have the right to request a repair or replacement. You can request that Vauxhall either fix the radio or provide a proper solution since the problem arose from their file and service.
5. Duty to Provide Information (Section 75): If Vauxhall failed to provide sufficient information regarding the risks or proper use of the file, you can argue that they did not fulfill their duty to inform you, leading to the current issue.
I'm sorry about the long message, but is not right we pay for something that isn't our fault.