Mahindra Thar's Right-Side Body Tilt: A Persistent Issue Without Resolution


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Mahindra Thar, a beloved off-road SUV in India, is celebrated for its rugged design, superior off-road capabilities, and iconic presence on the roads. However, despite its success, a persistent issue continues to haunt many Thar owners: the infamous right-side body tilt. This imbalance in the vehicle’s stance has been a concern for several days, with owners frequently raising complaints at service centers across the country. Yet, the issue remains unresolved, leaving many frustrated.

The Nature of the Problem

The right-side body tilt is noticeable when the vehicle is stationary or moving, creating a lopsided appearance. Owners have reported varying degrees of tilt, with some experiencing a slight lean, while others observe a more significant tilt, impacting not only aesthetics but also driving experience. While Mahindra’s service centers have acknowledged the issue, the solution remains elusive.

The most common hypothesis by the multiple Thar owners and the technicians from Mahindra service centers behind this tilt is the suspension mount offset in the chassis of the vehicle. As the suspension mount on the right side is slightly welded upper side compared to the left side. So that the seating of the helical spring deviates the vehicle load more towards right which leads the vehicle to lean on the right side. Over time, this unequal weight distribution may lead to the suspension on the right side bearing more load, causing the vehicle to tilt. This problem has been observed mostly in the newer generation of Thars which used to call as more refined versions.

Service Centers and the Struggle to Resolve the Issue

Mahindra’s authorized service centers have been on the receiving end of complaints regarding the body tilt for several months. Despite numerous efforts to fix the problem, no permanent solution has been found. Various attempts to address the issue have included:

1. Suspension Adjustments: Many service centers have attempted to fix the tilt by adjusting or replacing the suspension components, particularly on the right side. However, these fixes often doesnt solve the issue and convincing the owners that the tilt is within the tolerance limit as per the Mahindra standards.

2. Component Replacements: In some cases, the service centers have replaced springs, shock absorbers, or even entire suspension systems, believing faulty components may be the cause. Yet, even after these replacements, the tilt often doesnt solved suggesting a deeper structural issue mostly in the suspension mount on chassis which is stating as within tolerance limit.

3. Weight Balancing: Some service centers have tried to convince the customer to balance the vehicle by adding weight to the left side of the vehicle to redistribute the load. While this may offer a temporary visual fix, it does not address the root cause of the imbalance.

Owner Frustration and Lack of Manufacturer Clarity

For many Thar owners, the tilt issue has become more than a minor annoyance. The lean not only affects the vehicle’s aesthetics but may also influence handling, stability, and long-term wear on components. Frustrated by the inability of service centers to resolve the issue, some owners have resorted to aftermarket solutions like adding the buffer to compensate the deviation of suspension mount, while others continue to return to the service centers with little hope of a lasting fix.

Mahindra, despite being aware of the complaints, has not yet provided a definitive explanation or solution. This lack of clarity from the manufacturer has left many customers feeling ignored. Forums, Whatsapp Groups and social media platforms are abuzz with discussions among Thar owners, exchanging advice and venting frustration over a problem that has persisted for too long.

The Way Forward

The Mahindra Thar remains an iconic vehicle, but the right-side tilt issue threatens to tarnish its reputation. Owners are left wondering why a brand so well-regarded for its engineering and robust vehicles cannot solve a problem that appears relatively simple at face value. For Mahindra, acknowledging the issue with a comprehensive response, including a recall or redesign of key components, may be the only way to restore full customer confidence.

Until then, the body tilt remains a thorn in the side of both Thar owners and Mahindra itself. The passion for this vehicle runs deep, but so does the frustration over an issue that
refuses to be resolved
 

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