Out n About Nipper V2 Dodgy Brake

[McKTastic]

Bought our Nipper V2 in Nov but have only used it twice as DD was still in pram. The brake (V2) jammed a number of times today - the paddle moved so it was vertical but looking away from you rather than towards you as it does when it's on & working. It then wouldn't budge back at all so we had to manually manoeuvre the metal rods that seem to attach it to the wheels. Total PITA. Love the buggy in every other way - anyone else had any issues?

There is a known brake issue with the V2 which may well be this. Contact your retailer for help.

Thanks TiggyW - internet search didnt turn up too much info! - will call retailer tmrw. Hope it's nothing major as it took ages for buggy to arrive!

Anyone else had similar issues?

Yes, we have had the same issue. Waited ages for the buggy to arrive and within a week, the brake had broken! It was sent back for repair and lasted a bit longer because we were ridiculously careful with it but 2 months later the same thing happened and we are now waiting for a refund. Such a shame as I did a lot of research before going for the Nipper V2 and can't find a suitable alternative. I imagine most people will have this problem so OutnAbout will have to change the mechanism because it's so unsafe not to have a reliable brake.

Goatwillow. What are you going to go for now? (nosey)

Am REALLY hoping we don't have to send it back but as you say a dodgy brake is dangerous. We too took ages to choose it (& deliberately passed up on v1's when they were reduced so we could get the new 'improved' model!) Fingers crossed tis resolved soon!

We did exactly the same and have considered getting a second hand V1 but I find I use the carseat adaptors a lot as my baby is still only 4 months old and can't do that with the V1. We are considering Baby Jogger City Elite, Mountain Buggy Swift or Phil & Teds Explorer but there seem to be disadvantages with each! Baby Jogger and P+T's are heavier and less manoeuvrable than the Nipper - although fold more easily and the Mountain Buggy requires seat cover to be taken off when using the carseat which would be too much of a hassle to do regularly! And they are all more expensive!

Buggy only went back to OutnAbout yesterday so am still hoping that they will offer to change the break mechanism but realise that this is unlikely and probably take too long - we need a buggy quite urgently!

I'd be grateful for anyone else's ideas on possible alternatives!

McTastic - hope your Nipper survives - but I guess what you don't want is for it to break as soon as it is out of warranty! Good luck!

We too have had problems with the brake. The plastic support in the middle of the brake bar seemed to start moving after a few weeks which meant one side of the brake no longer engaged. I reported this to out n about who said they hadn't heard of that many problems and had no plans for a recall. We then contacted the retailer we bought the buggy from (Tesco Direct) who exchanged it for a new one the very next day without any fuss or questions I am hoping this one lasts as it is a great buggy otherwise and I couldn't get hold of a version 1.

Finally been in touch with retailer. Since I last posted the fault has been intermittent. Have only started using buggy regularly as wee McKT not overly keen on frwd facing yet - getting better! - & when we have we've been using buggy with wrist strap firmly attached. Want it fixed properly so have been told it's to go back to the manufacturer - courier will pick up/drop off to house - we just need to box up.

I love everything else about buggy. Am wishing we'd bought it from a big retailer (ie Tesco Direct) rather than supporting a local firm as it seems from reading posts here they'd be better at doing a straight replacement. Does anyone know what we're entitled to re refund/replacement if it's only a few months old? And if we do agree to send it back to get fixed do I send whole thing (hood/wheels etc attached) or just chassis?

TiggyW -You may have answered this for me before when you kindly pm'd me re original post. I deleted your response after I read it & baby brain remains so apologies if this is asking same.

If you Google for Which and some terms like am I entitled to a repair or refund then they have a good website. Sorry but I can't do it for you at the minute.
But under the Sales of goods act in the first six months you have the right to refuse a repair or replacement and to ask for a refund. The shop is equally entitled to keep a bit for wear and tear but is unlikely to do so. I always send the whole thing back. But have a read so you are sure of what you are saying but I had a similar situation recently and so I know this is correct. I think if you accept a repair though then you can't then change your mind.

I agree re wishing had bought it from a big retailer - I have learned my lesson! We sent the whole buggy back (apart from accessories) for the first repair and after it went wrong the 2nd time, eventually got a refund. Have now got a Phil & Teds Explorer from Mothercare -excellent price matching so ended up only paying slightly more than for the Nipper! Really pleased with the P&Ts, the only difference is that it's slightly heavier but I don't really notice that any more & generally you can tell that it's slightly better quality than the Nipper.

My out n about v2 also has dodgy brakes. It's only had light use for the last couple of months. We went to the shop we bought it from today who have said they will contact the manufacturers who will want to repair it leaving me with no pushchair for however long it takes to repair. Which will pretty much leave me housebound with newborn twins and a toddler- not impressed. Wish they could just replace it instead!

Under six months old, I believe you have the right to refuse a repair and can demand a full refund....I am not sure but you may be able to get a new one. The Which? Website has a really useful page about your rights if your item is broken.

I spoke to Trading Standards last week who said that it was reasonable for the retailer to be allowed to try & repair fault (via the manufacturer). They advised me to write my concerns down, agree to the brakes being inspected to see what's wrong with them (before I agree to any repair) & to ask retailer what they'll do next if matter not resolved. They were pretty clear that this was the right course of action which has made me a bit bce I'd rather just get my money refunded & have a rethink!

Really annoying that there's a prob after thoroughly looking into our purchase & having to wait so long for the new model!

Will try again to find the Which report to see if there is another option.

Ours was repaired the first time, whole process took around a week which did feel like ages to be without a buggy. The second time OutnAbout agreed to a full refund. We bought the buggy through a v small retailer (internet) and I won't be making that mistake again with this type of purchase. Mothercare will issue a replacement buggy if yours needs to be repaired and has 2 year guarantee. I expect if you speak to OutnAbout directly they will give you a refund as this is obviously a common problem and it probably won't belong before you're needing to get it fixed again. Good luck!