The ACCC has initiated legal action against Jayco Corporation, Australia’s largest caravan and recreational vehicle manufacturer.
The consumer watchdog alleges that the company breached the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by its conduct towards four customers who purchased defective Jayco caravans.
“The ACCC alleges that, between 2013 and 2015, Jayco acted unconscionably towards four customers by obstructing them from obtaining redress, such as a refund or replacement for their defective caravan, “reads the ACCC statement.
“Jayco allegedly did this despite knowing the caravans were defective and not functioning properly, even after repeated, and failed, repair attempts.”
ACCC Chairman Rod Sims also alleged that Jayco made ‘false or misleading representations’ to the four affected customers by claiming that it ‘had no role or responsibility’ to provide a remedy such as a refund or replacement vehicle.
“The numerous defects in the Jayco caravans sold to these four consumers became apparent at the time of purchase, or very soon after and included issues such as misalignment in the roof, which did not close properly and leaked,” Mr Sims said.
“Under the Australian Consumer Law, consumers are entitled to a replacement or refund if there is a major failure with their product. In this case, the ACCC alleges that the four customers were each entitled to a refund or replacement from Jayco because the defects could not be repaired or constituted a major failure.”
“Despite requests from the four customers for a refund or replacement, the ACCC alleges that Jayco repeatedly told these four customers that their only remedy available was yet another repair. This understandably caused a lot of distress for the customers.”
