In October 2005, I purchased a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2i saloon car from a VX dealer in Maldon, Essex (Y plate). The vehicle was sold having undergone all of the NetworkQ checks. Prior to agreeing to purchase the vehicle, I asked if the camshaft belt could be renewed (approx. 46,000 miles on the odometer at purchase) and to this the dealer agreed. When finally collecting the vehicle, I asked if the cam belt had been renewed and the dealer stated that the engine had a timing chain and not a toothed belt. It was therefore not necessary at all to change the chain. Eighteen months and 20,000 miles later, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure which was diagnosed as being a failure of the timing chain. There was no warning of the impending catastrophe. The car was going beautifully immediately before the chain snapped.
Since having had the car re-engined, I am finding out that timing chain failure is a common problem with the early Z22SE 2.2i litre petrol engines and to correct the problem Field Remedy 1532 recommends changing of the chain and lube oil spray nozzle. FR 1532 recall did not include my car’s chassis number but surely it should be on engine number and not chassis number! I am now finding that VX Customer Services is typically stonewalling me. Can anybody advise who, other than Customer Services, in VX to contact to try to claim some compensation? As this appears to be a common problem, naturally I feel let down by both NetworkQ and the Vauxhall dealer and very disappointed as it has cost me £2,300 to repair the vehicle. :cry:
