Consumer complaint received 2024-03-16 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Lease
Issue: Repossession — Loan balance remaining after the vehicle is repossessed and sold
Company: SANTANDER HOLDINGS USA, INC.
State: OH

Complaint narrative:
I, XXXX XXXX, visited the Chrysler XXXX dealership in XXXXXXXX XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX and leased a XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX # XXXX ) through Chrysler Capital under my business name, XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, for business purposes. 

Subsequently, I listed my vehicle on XXXX, a peer-to-peer car rental platform similar to XXXX but for cars XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX. XXXX allows individuals to rent out their vehicles to others, providing an alternative to traditional car rental services and enabling owners to generate income from their unused cars. 

It is important to note that the main reason for my business investment in purchasing the XXXX was to utilize it on the XXXX platform. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a news alert regarding a recall for XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX due to a fire risk. XXXX, the automaker, announced the recall, stating that over XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  from the XXXX model years were affected. The recall advised owners not to recharge the vehicles and to park them away from structures and other vehicles until the necessary repairs were completed. 

Consequently, on XX/XX/XXXX, I received a notice stating that my vehicle was unlisted from XXXX due to the safety recall. As a result, I was unable to utilize the vehicle as a source of income. 

Upon receiving the official recall letter, I contacted the designated phone number and expressed my confusion and frustration regarding the contradictory nature of the recall. The recall advised owners not to recharge their vehicles and to park them outdoors, away from structures, due to the fire hazard. However, I believed that this should have been a stop-drive recall, as driving the vehicle with a known fire hazard posed a significant risk. The agent I spoke to was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation and recorded my complaint. 

In XXXX, I contacted the dealership from which I purchased the vehicle and spoke with the service manager, expressing my concerns. The service manager promised to research the issue and call me back, but I never received a return phone call. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I emailed my service advisor, XXXX XXXX, detailing my concerns and seeking guidance on potential steps to take. I expressed my discomfort in driving the XXXX due to multiple XXXX XXXX reported by other owners. However, I did not receive any response from XXXX or anyone else at the dealership. 

In early XX/XX/XXXX, I called the dealership again and spoke with the service manager, hoping for a resolution such as a replacement vehicle or lease release without penalty. However, the service manager had no answers and suggested contacting XXXX directly, mentioning that XXXX was reportedly offering assistance to affected customers. 

Due to the vehicle 's inability to be used for its intended purpose and the associated financial risks, I made my last payment in XX/XX/XXXX. 

I called XXXX corporate in XX/XX/XXXX, but unfortunately, they were unable to provide a solution or any options to address the situation. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, my XXXX was repossessed due to non-payment, without any consideration for the financial loss or inconvenience caused by the recall, both personally and professionally. 

Upon contacting Chrysler XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX, I was informed of the necessary procedures and payment required to retrieve my vehicle from its repossessed status. They did not offer any consideration for the financial burden caused by the recall, and I was informed that I would be responsible for the full value of the vehicle if I chose not to retrieve it. 

I am disputing this situation entirely and intend to take legal action to seek compensation for the pain and suffering it has caused, as well as the negative impact on my personal and business credit, and the loss incurred by my business.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation