Complain about a product or service

Import Tuner Magazine

Brenda of Simi Valley CA writes (10/4/01):

My son Bret bought his first car the end of July this year. It is a 1998 Honda Civic. He bought new tail lights from the above magazine that were advertised by a company called JCW Sport Compact by JC Whitney.

They are advertised as follows: "Lens assembly meets all DOT requirements. DOT number embossed on lens face leaves no doubt that your're legal!"

He was stopped and ticketed for these tail lights, and we have to go to court on Oct. 12. I contacted the magazine twice by e-mail and have had no response. I also contacted Department of Transportation (DOT) and they informed me that DOT does not issue any sort of number. I believe that this magazine should take responsibility for what they print.

I feel they should not only take back the lights, with full refund for all shipping and handling fees, but also should pay for any fines or court costs that my son will have to pay. I would appreciate your looking into this matter and let me know what I should do.

Brenda should be directing her wrath of JC Whitney, not the magazine. Publications can't possibly verify that every product advertised is as stated. Secondly, it's the motorist's repsonsibility to be certain that any modifications are legal in his or her state. Sorry.

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