Is Cash in Lieu of Repairs taxable income?

Last year, I bought an RV for $75,000 that turned out to have some cosmetic defects.  Since it was determined to be impractical to have them repaired, the manufacturer offered to cut me a $4500 check for the approximate value of the repairs, which I accepted.  Part of the money was used to pay down my loan for the RV, while the rest was used for other expenses.  I received a 1099-MISC for the check, which severely dropped my tax refund when entered. 

 

Since the check was more of a partial refund and not for compensation of any work I performed, should it not be considered taxable income?  My argument is that it shouldn't since in exchange for gaining $4500 cash, I bought something that is now determined to be worth $4500 less than what I paid.  If so, how would I go about correcting this?