It’s an exciting moment when you purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle, like a 2012 Dodge Durango. You expect a certain level of quality and completeness. However, sometimes the reality of used car buying can present unexpected hiccups, particularly when it comes to essential items like key fobs. A common point of frustration for new owners revolves around receiving only one key fob instead of the expected pair.
Many car buyers assume that a certified pre-owned vehicle comes with a complete set of accessories, including two key fobs. Looking at Chrysler’s certified pre-owned program documentation, it outlines included ownership materials such as the warranty manual, owner’s manual, operational key, and a CARFAX report. Notably absent from this list is a guarantee of two operational keys. This omission can lead to misunderstandings and disappointment at the dealership.
Dealership policies can vary, and it appears that some operate under the premise that if a vehicle arrives at the dealership with only one key, then only one key is provided to the new owner. While some dealerships might offer to program a second key at a discounted rate, this is not always standard practice and can become a point of negotiation – or contention – during the sales process.
Imagine the scenario: you’re promised a second key by the salesperson, only to arrive for your appointment to program it and encounter confusion and delays. Perhaps “the guy who programs them” isn’t available, or worse, no one seems to know about the promised key at all. This situation, unfortunately, isn’t uncommon and mirrors the frustration many buyers face. It highlights a disconnect between sales promises and after-sales service, particularly in pre-owned vehicle departments.
So, what can you do if you find yourself with only one key fob for your 2012 Dodge Durango after purchasing it as certified pre-owned? Firstly, revisit your sales agreement and any written promises made by the salesperson. If a second key was explicitly mentioned, this provides leverage when speaking with dealership management. Escalate the issue beyond the salesperson and pre-owned supervisor. Contacting the dealership manager directly to express your dissatisfaction and highlight the promised second key is a crucial step. Politely but firmly explain the situation and emphasize your desire for a resolution to ensure customer satisfaction.
If direct communication with the dealership manager doesn’t yield the desired second key fob, explore alternative solutions. Independent locksmiths or key programming services often provide more cost-effective options for obtaining and programming a new key fob compared to dealership prices. While the ideal scenario is receiving the promised second key from the dealership, knowing alternative avenues ensures you aren’t left stranded with just one key for your 2012 Dodge Durango. Always confirm the number of key fobs included before finalizing the purchase of a used vehicle to avoid potential post-purchase frustrations.
