A district consumer commission in Karnataka has mandated that Force Motors and its dealer replace a bus purchased by a man or refund Rs 15 lakh due to an inherent manufacturing defect in the engine. This decision was made after the commission found significant engine issues shortly after the vehicle was acquired. Alongside the refund, the commission has ordered the companies to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs.

Details of the Purchase and Complaints

The complainant, Mugundappa, a professional driver, bought a Force Cityline passenger vehicle from the authorised dealer Arihant Motors on April 2, 2024, for Rs 16 lakh. He claimed that he financed the purchase through loans, intending to use the vehicle for his livelihood and to support his family. The vehicle was sold with a two-year warranty. but after approximately two months and 9,000 km of driving, Mugundappa encountered serious engine overheating and seizure issues.

On May 27, 2024, he took the vehicle to the dealer’s service centre and incurred a repair cost of Rs 5,200. Despite these repairs, the vehicle experienced further problems on June 10, 2024, when the coolant dried up, leading to another engine seizure. Mugundappa had to tow the vehicle back to the authorised service centre, where he alleged that it continued to malfunction.

Seeking a resolution, Mugundappa requested either a replacement vehicle or a full refund, including interest, compensation, and litigation costs. However, the dealer and manufacturer contended that the issues were due to driver negligence, claiming that he ignored low coolant warnings and used an unsuitable coolant, which led to the overheating. They maintained that the vehicle had been repaired under warranty and was ready for collection.

Findings of the Consumer Commission

The commission, led by President Sanjeev V Kulkarni and member S S Kadrollimath, reviewed evidence, including the complainant’s documentation and a mechanic’s report, to determine if a manufacturing defect existed. The commission noted that Mugundappa faced problems soon after the purchase and relied on the mechanic’s assessment of the vehicle.

In its findings, the commission stated, “Considering the repeated major repairs and service rendered by OPs and considering the expert evidence of PW2 and Ex. P15/Report, we hold that the complainant has proved that this purchased vehicle is having inherent manufacturing defect.” It concluded that the evidence presented by the complainant was more credible than the defence put forth by the dealer and manufacturer.

The commission also highlighted that the vehicle had been left at the dealer’s showroom since June 10, 2024, and that the complainant sought relief while the vehicle was still under warranty. They affirmed that Mugundappa had demonstrated a deficiency in service and that the vehicle had significant defects in its engine and gasket.

Final Ruling and Compliance Requirements

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Belagavi issued its ruling on September 30, 2026, partially upholding Mugundappa’s complaint. The commission directed Arihant Motors and Force Motors to either replace the vehicle with a new one of the same brand or refund Rs 15 lakh with an interest of 6 per cent per annum from April 2, 2024, until the amount is realised.

Additionally, the commission ordered the companies to pay Rs 10,000 for the complainant’s mental anguish and Rs 5,000 for litigation expenses. The companies were instructed to comply with the ruling within 45 days, ensuring that the complainant receives the relief as mandated by the commission.

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