Has your Dodge Ram been in the shop more than it’s been on the road? If so, you’re probably wondering if it’s just some bad luck, or is it that your truck is actually defective. Maybe you’ve even heard about something called the Dodge Lemon Law, but you’re not exactly sure what it means or if it can help you.
This article is here to help people just like you. We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions truck owners have when their vehicle starts acting up. What is the Lemon Law? How many times does a car need repairs before deeming it a lemon? Can you get a refund or replacement?
These are fundamental questions, and we’re here to give you real answers. Let’s dive in!
What is a Lemon Under the Law?
A “lemon” isn’t just any truck with problems. It’s a vehicle with substantial defects that persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. While specific definitions vary by state, a truck qualifies as a lemon in California if it meets the following conditions:
- It must still be under the manufacturer’s warranty
- The defect appeared within a certain timeframe after purchase (typically 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first)
- The issue must significantly affect the use, value, or safety of the truck
- The dealership has made multiple attempts to fix the problem without success
or
- Your vehicle has been in the shop for over 30 days for warranty-related repairs.
How Many Repair Attempts are “Enough” Under Lemon Law?
California law doesn’t give a fixed number, but two attempts for a serious safety issue is generally enough. For less life threatening issues, you can qualify with four or more repairs attempted for the same defect or if your truck has been in the shop for over 30 days.
What are the Most Common Issues Covered by Ram Lemon Law
Below are some of the most reported defects that could lead to a Lemon Law claim. These problems affect the value and safety of your vehicle, and if the dealership can’t fix them after a few tries, you have a right to explore legal options.
- Transmission slipping, jerking, or failing to shift
- Engine stalling, hesitation, or misfires
- Steering system failure or pulling to one side
- Brake system malfunctions
- Electrical issues like dashboard warning lights or power failures
- Problems with the air conditioning or infotainment systems
What Should I Do if I Think I Have a Lemon?
Begin the Lemon Law Dodge Ram process by gathering all essential documents. This includes repair orders, service records, purchase agreements, and warranty paperwork. If you’ve had any email or text communication with the dealership about the problems, make sure to keep those as well.
It’s also important to keep a detailed log of every issue you’ve experienced. It could be as simple as a note on your phone, just make sure you track how each problem impacts your daily life. Record dates, current mileage, and how the dealership responded to your concerns.
Finally, speak with a lemon law attorney. In most cases, they can quickly determine whether you have a valid claim. The best part is that legal representation comes at no cost to you, because the consultation is free and the automaker covers your legal fees.
Can I File a Claim Without a Lawyer?
You can try, but it’s like going into a football game without a coach. The automakers have legal teams ready to deny or drag out your case, so it helps to have an expert in your corner. Lemon Lawyers understand the process, know what documents to organize, and can help you get a better settlement.
Does California’s Lemon Law Offer Any Settlement Options?
California’s Lemon Law is one of the strongest in the country. If your truck qualifies as a lemon, you could get one of three resolution options.
One of the most popular options is the Dodge Lemon Law Buyback. This means the manufacturer would repurchase the truck and reimburse you for certain expenses. Generally, the refund will cover the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and monthly payments you’ve made. Essentially, the goal is to get you back to where you were before buying the defective vehicle.
As an alternative, you might have the option to receive a replacement vehicle of similar model, value and features. This option is ideal for those needing reliable transportation but no longer trust their current truck due to the ongoing issues.
In some cases, rather than returning the vehicle or receiving a new one, you may choose to negotiate a cash settlement. This allows you to keep the truck while receiving monetary compensation for the repeated repairs and inconvenience you faced.
What Happens to the Lemon Truck After a Buyback?
You might wonder: “If Dodge buys back my truck, what do they do with it?” In California, when a vehicle gets repurchased under the Lemon Law, it doesn’t simply disappear. Instead, it goes through a few specific steps:
- It gets branded as a “Lemon Law Buyback” – This is a permanent label that goes on the title and registration. Anyone who tries to sell or buy that vehicle later will see the Lemon status.
- The defect is part of the disclosure – By law, the manufacturer or dealership must tell the next buyer the vehicle’s previous condition. This protects future buyers from unknowingly purchasing a problematic truck.
- The truck is usually repaired (again) – Before reselling it, Dodge will often attempt another repair to fix the issue that led to the Lemon Law claim.
- It’s resold (usually at a discount) – Many buyback vehicles end up on used car lots or auctions, sold at a lower price because of their history. Some buyers are okay with that as long as the problem is minor or already fixed.
So your truck doesn’t go to the crusher, but it won’t fly under the radar either. That “Lemon Law Buyback” stamp follows it for life.
Dodge Ram Lemon Law FAQ List
Here’s a quick summary of the most common questions owners ask:
Does my truck need to be brand new to qualify?
No, it only needs to be under a factory warranty.
What if the dealership keeps saying they can’t find a problem?
That still counts, but you must keep your service records.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
You have four years from when the issue first appeared.
Will I have to pay for an attorney?
Not if you win because Dodge pays your legal fees in such cases.
Can I file a claim for a leased or used Ram truck?
Yes, if it’s still under the original warranty.
Your Truck, Your Rights, Your Resolution
Now that we’ve answered the most common questions about the Dodge Ram Lemon Law, you should feel a bit more confident. The truth is that dealing with a faulty truck can be frustrating for anyone, but your situation isn’t hopeless. You’ve got options, and the lemon law is one of them.
Hopefully this guide has answered some of your questions, but if you’re still unsure about anything, Reach out to a Quill & Arrow LLP lawyer. They will answer your questions, explain the entire process, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions