Opel Damaged My Car Key During Airbag Recall and Refused to Cover the Cost
On May 22, 2025, I visited Özkaymak Konya Opel Authorized Service for a voluntary airbag replacement recall. The airbags were replaced as scheduled, and I was informed that my vehicle was ready for pickup. However, when I went to retrieve it with the responsible staff member, she was unable to unlock the car—the key no longer worked. After several failed attempts, it became clear that the key had become faulty while under the service center's custody. When I initially delivered the vehicle, the key was fully functional; service staff used it without issue to access and inspect the vehicle. The key remained with them throughout the service. After the airbag replacement, the key malfunctioned, and although they took the vehicle back in, they were unable to repair it. I was then told that a replacement key would cost ₺15,000–₺20,000, and that I would be responsible for the cost. When I asked why—given that the key was working perfectly when I handed over the car—I received an illogical response: “The problem occurred while the key was in our possession, but it could just as easily have occurred while it was with you.” They even directed me to an unauthorized street locksmith. Despite my calm and reasonable explanations, the staff member began arguing loudly on the phone with what appeared to be another manager. At that point, I had two options: escalate the confrontation or seek an external solution, and I chose the latter for the sake of my two children. I am extremely dissatisfied and disappointed with Özkaymak Konya Opel Authorized Service. The service damaged my car’s key—a vital part of the vehicle—and failed to repair or replace it, instead referring me to an unauthorized provider. For this reason, I am officially filing a complaint.
