Yesterday someone graciously pointed out to me that both of my tail lights were out. Fearing there was some more major electrical problem going on (especially because it’s a brand new car and I already had my A/C overhauled a month ago because it wouldn’t turn on), I took the earliest service appointment they could give me. I brought my car to the dealer this morning and had the following conversation with the service manager…
Me: My tail lights mysteriously stopped working, and I’m concerned it’s an electrical issue – especially because of the A/C problem I also recently had. It’s a new car.
SM (service manager): I doubt it’s an electrical issue because your middle brake lamp still works. Your tail lamps probably burned out.
Me: Both of them at the same time? That seems pretty odd.
SM: No, not really. I see this about a hundred times a week.
Me: A hundred times a week? Wow, that seems like a pretty major issue!
SM: Not really, it’s a pretty common problem.
So, what did we learn today folks? Apparently, common problems aren’t problems at all! Granted, I’m sure the “hundred time per week” was a little exaggerated, but even if it was only ten times per week I’d hope the repetition of the issue was being reported back to the manufacturer. Seems like a silly problem to ignore when “a hundred people per week” seem to be having it.
