WTF! I realize these are WAAAAAY old but im taking my car into a dealership for the first time (timing belt) and asked if they could check my car (MY02 WRX) for all the various TSBs (ABS, CC, seat rail), he said yes but I would be charged for labor because they are not "recalls" they are TSBs!!!!

WTF man!

Is it because the TSBs are so old?


-jacob

 

He is unfortunately correct, TSBs are not the same as recalls. Generally TSB repairs will only be performed for free if the car is under the 3/36 bumper to bumper warranty, beyond that you can expect to pay. Some dealers might make an exception and do a "goodwill" repair, this is more likely if you are a repeat customer and have had regular work done there. Don't expect to show up off the street out of warranty and get this treatment.
OTOH since you are paying them for the timing belt it wouldn't kill them to work something out with you.
Also the seat bolt was a recall not a TSB, so that should be free in any case and all it is is a replacement bolt, takes a minute. The ABS controller replacement should also be free as that was not mileage-dependent (I just re-read the letter I got, there is absolutely no mention of a mileage or time limit). The only reason they would be able to deny you this service is if you have modified your brakes in any way (aftermarket pads, rotors etc.).

 

Yeah, I just got done reading the note about TSBs VS Recalls on Scoobymods.

Still kinda sucks though as the CC issue should be a recall not a TSB IMHO.

I'm hoping they will be willing to work something out since I bought the car from them originally. I will def have them do the seat rail at the least.

 

Actually the cruise control IS a recall, and a quick one at that- a 30 second install of a small clip.
So none of the things you mentioned are items that they can charge you for.
If you are the original owner of the car you should have received the recall notices and can just show them to the dealer, otherwise they can run your VIN through their computer and verify any open recalls.

 

I am the owner, but since the loan is through my dad I had all the stuff going to his address, and if it isn't a bill my dad throws it away

I will talk to them when I go in, the guy was super busy and didn't really seem to have time to listen to be blabber about TSBs and recalls over the phone.

I would imagine it would be illegal for them to not perform a recall fix and hand the car back to me...