Opel Refused Free Timing Chain Replacement After Recall Inspection
I own a 2020 Opel Grandland 1.5 Innovation 130 HP with 84,000 km. As part of Opel Turkey’s free camshaft/chain replacement recall program, I visited the authorized Öztek Oto service center in Çekmeköy, Istanbul on February 13, 2026.
My vehicle stayed at the service center for the entire day. After inspection, I was told that no problem was found, so the timing chain would not be replaced.
However, on March 3, 2026, I started hearing a ticking noise from the vehicle, so I returned to the same service center. Through the customer representative Mr. K****, the technician E** Usta** inspected the car again. This time, they said that there is indeed a problem with the timing chain, but that it did not appear on the computer during the previous inspection.
When I told them that the chain should therefore be replaced, they explained that the replacement would have been free under the recall program at that time, but since the system had already been entered as “no issue found”, they could now only perform the replacement as a paid repair. They told me the cost would be around $3,200, and also stated that the required part is not currently in stock and only arrives occasionally.
It is completely unacceptable that the customer is expected to pay the price for the service center’s failure to correctly diagnose the issue during the initial inspection.
This situation has already wasted two days of my time, and the fact that the chain has not yet been replaced raises serious concerns about possible damage to other parts of the engine.
When a vehicle is brought in for a free recall service, the responsibility for incorrect or incomplete diagnosis should not be placed on the customer.
For these reasons, I request that my situation be resolved, and that the timing chain replacement and all related repairs be performed as soon as possible without charging me any fees, and without unnecessary delays waiting for parts.
I believe that the handling of this situation and the approach taken do not reflect the professional standards expected from the Opel brand.
