Luxury vehicles naturally come with high expectations, but your new Land Rover will always meet them. Drivers are often surprised when they discover their lemon doesn’t provide the experience of luxury, power, and status advertised in the commercials. For some unlucky owners, their Land Rover becomes less of a statement and more of a burden.
If you’re constantly battling repairs and breakdowns, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement. It’s important to know that qualifying isn’t as simple as just filing a complaint, you need to meet certain legal criteria and document your case carefully. You may even need to push back against Land Rover’s team of corporate lawyers.
In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know to determine if your SUV qualifies, and how you can take action.
What Makes a Land Rover a Lemon?
Not every vehicle with a problem automatically qualifies as a lemon. The Land Rover Lemon Law requires that the defect be notable, meaning it affects the car’s safety, use, or value. If your infotainment system occasionally lags, that might be annoying, but it’s not necessarily enough to get you a refund. However, if your vehicle won’t start, stalls in traffic, has experienced braking failures, or suffers from major electrical malfunctions, you might have a legitimate case.
Another key factor is the number of repair attempts. If your Land Rover has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue, and the dealership can’t fix it, you might have a strong claim. California has specific guidelines for this, including:
- Two or more repair attempts for an issue related to safety concerns
- At least four attempts for issues not involving the safety of the driver
- Leaving your car at the dealership for 30+ days due to repairs
Common Land Rover Defects That Could Qualify Your Vehicle
Land Rovers have a reputation for frequent mechanical and electrical failures. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, you might have a Range Rover Lemon:
- Transmission Failures: Delayed shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure.
- Electrical System Problems: Touchscreen malfunctions, faulty key fobs, and random warning lights.
- Engine Stalling or Failure: Sudden shutdowns while driving or trouble starting.
- Brake Malfunctions: Soft or unresponsive brakes, premature wear, or brake failure warnings.
- Air Suspension Defects: Inconsistent ride height, sudden collapses, or rough handling.
If your Land Rover has these persistent issues, and the dealership hasn’t been able to fix it, you could qualify for a refund or replacement under the Lemon Law.
How to Qualify for a Refund or Replacement
Qualifying for a buyback may seem like a complicated process, but you only have to follow these simple steps to make sure you have a valid claim:
Keep a Record of Every Repair Attempt
One of the most crucial pieces of evidence in a Lemon Law case is your repair history. Every time you take your Land Rover to the dealership for a fix, it’s essential to obtain a copy of the repair order. This document should clearly state when you brought the vehicle in and the exact issues you reported. It must also include the attempted repairs and the total number of days your car remained in the shop.
Even if the dealership insists they “can’t find anything wrong,” always ensure they document your complaint. A written record proves the problem existed, even if the mechanics failed to resolve it.
Understand the Range Rover Lemon Law in Your State
Understanding how Lemon Law works in your state is key to building a strong case. While many state lemon laws share common principles, the specifics vary. Some states require that the manufacturer gets one final opportunity to fix the issue before you can take legal action. Others define a lemon based on the number of repairs attempted or how long the vehicle has been out of service.
For instance, in California, a car is a lemon if the automaker has tried and failed to repair the same issue. However, these repair attempts typically must have occurred within the first 18,000 miles or 18 months. Other states may have different thresholds, and knowing these details can make all the difference when pursuing a claim.
Notify Land Rover (and Give Them a Last Chance to Fix It)
Before escalating your case and taking legal action, you must formally notify Land Rover’s corporate office that you have a lemon. This usually means submitting a request for a final repair attempt, which is best done in writing.
When you contact the manufacturer, make sure to include:
- A detailed history of all repairs
- A summary of how the defect affects your car’s use, safety, or value
- A request for either a refund or replacement under Lemon Law
At this stage, Land Rover may either offer another repair attempt or begin negotiating a potential settlement. In some cases, they might acknowledge the severity of the issue and offer compensation, while in others, they may try to delay or deny your claim.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney
If Land Rover refuses to cooperate or dismisses your complaint, it’s time to seek legal help. This is where an experienced Lemon Law attorney can make all the difference. Many cases that initially seem hopeless have been resolved in favor of the consumer once they hired legal representation.
Since most lemon law attorneys work on contingency, you won’t have to worry about legal fees unless you win. Even better, if your case is successful, Land Rover may have to cover the legal fees.
After the initial consultation, your attorney will review your repair history and handle any communication with the automaker. They will also help you file an official claim and push for the best possible outcome under the Range Rover Lemon Law. If your Land Rover truly meets the definition of a lemon, legal action can often speed up the process and get you the compensation you deserve.
What You Can Expect from a Buyback or a Replacement
If your Lemon Law claim is successful, you may receive compensation in one of three ways:
- A Full Refund: This usually entails the manufacturer buying the car back from you and returning everything you paid for it. The refund includes the total purchase price of your Range Rover, taxes, registration fees, and any finance charges.
- A Replacement Vehicle: Land Rover may offer a replacement car of a similar make and model. This option can be beneficial if you still want a Range Rover, but you’re tired of dealing with defects.
- Cash settlement: Here, you receive some money to cover repair costs, any diminished value of the vehicle, and inconvenience you experienced. You get to keep the car and any remaining warranty, and if you later sell the car, you don’t have to label it a lemon.
Don’t Let Land Rover Get Away with Selling You a Lemon
If your Land Rover meets the criteria for a lemon, don’t let the manufacturer keep you in the dark. You paid for a high-end SUV, and you deserve a vehicle that works as promised. Document your repairs, become familiar with your state laws, and seek legal help.
If you don’t know who to reach out to, consider the attorneys at Quill & Arrow LLP. We are well-versed in the Lemon Law realm, and we have extensive experience fighting on behalf of consumers. With our help, you can achieve justice and move on with your new, reliable ride.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions