When you spend your hard-earned money on a vehicle, the very least you can expect is to go from point A to point B without issue. Unfortunately, not every Land Rover works as advertised, as many owners have reported. These drivers have confronted Land Rover and demanded a permanent solution to their issues, all with nothing to show for it. They’re left feeling frustrated and concerned for their safety and financial loss.
It’s a good thing the story doesn’t end there for consumers in California. When smart owners discover that they own a lemon, they reach for the Lemon Law, allowing them to push back against the manufacturer. Before we get started, it’s important to know that qualifying for Land Rover Lemon Law relief isn’t automatic, and you’ll want to follow the right steps if you want to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available.
This guide aims to explain everything you need to know about the California lemon law, so keep reading to learn more and get the compensation that you deserve.
Step 1: Recognizing the Signs That You Have a Range Rover Lemon
Let’s look into the first step: not just any annoying issue qualifies for a Lemon Law case. The problem must be serious enough to affect your safety or the vehicle’s use or value.
For instance, a faulty Bluetooth connection or occasionally slow touchscreen responses might be frustrating. However, that doesn’t count as an issue serious enough to deem your SUV a lemon. But if you’re dealing with engine failure, braking issues, transmission problems, or electrical malfunctions, that’s a different story.
Land Rover vehicles have a history of reliability concerns, and some of the most common defects include:
- Repeated engine stalling or failure to start
- Transmission problems like rough shifting or slipping gears
- Brake malfunctions leading to dangerous situations on the road
- Electrical system failures, including touchscreen blackouts and sensor glitches
- Suspension issues, especially with air suspension failures
If your Land Rover has one or more serious defects that the dealership can’t fix, you may have a strong Lemon Law claim.
Step 2: Take Your SUV in for Repairs (And Keep Every Receipt)
The second major requirement for a Lemon Law claim is giving the manufacturer a fair chance to fix the issue. This means you must take your Land Rover to an authorized dealership and allow them to attempt repairs. Doing this is critical because the number of repair attempts plays a huge role in determining the quality of your case.
When you take your vehicle in for repairs, make sure you do the following:
- Clearly describe the problem to the service department. Be specific. Don’t just say, “It feels off,” but explain exactly what happens. Does the engine hesitate when accelerating? Do the brakes make a grinding noise? The more details you provide, the harder it is for the dealership to claim they “couldn’t find anything wrong.”
- Make sure the dealership documents every visit. This is why you must always ask for a repair order or invoice after each repair. The repair order must contain the date you brought the vehicle in, the problem reported, repairs attempted, and if the issue was resolved.
- Outside of the dealership’s paperwork, keep a personal record and write down your notes. Keep track of how often the issue happens, any warning lights that appear, and what difference the repairs make.
Step 3: Read Through Your State’s Lemon Law Criteria
Keep in mind that Lemon Laws vary by state. As such, the specific number of repair attempts needed to qualify differs depending on where you live. Some states say a vehicle is a lemon if the same issue occurs four times without a fix, while others allow as few as two repair attempts for serious defects.
In California, for example, a Land Rover is presumed to be a lemon if:
- The manufacturer attempted to fix the same issue four times, or
- The vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 days due to repairs, or
- Two failed attempts to repair a major safety defect, like faulty brakes or steering.
Once you understand your state’s requirements, you’ll know if you meet the legal threshold for a claim.
Step 4: Notify Land Rover and Demand a Solution
Since you’ve documented multiple repair attempts that haven’t yielded results, it’s time to formally notify the carmaker. This step is very important before proceeding with legal action, because it shows you gave them ample opportunity to fix your vehicle.
When notifying them, your letter should include your vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN. You should also add a summary of all the defects and how they impact the SUV’s safety, use, or value. Include a list of repair attempts with the dates of any dealership visits. Most importantly, you must also inform them about your demand for a buyback, replacement, or cash compensation under the Lemon law.
Send this letter via certified mail so you have proof that Land Rover received it.
Step 5: Hire a Lemon Law Attorney
More often than not, Land Rover won’t just voluntarily hand you a check. In many cases, they delay, deny, or offer lowball settlements, hoping you’ll give in or give up. That’s why it’s advisable to turn to a Lemon Law attorney specializing in going up against the auto manufacturers.
A lemon lawyer can negotiate with Land Rover on your behalf and file an official claim if they don’t comply. They will help you secure a full settlement that fairly compensates you for your troubles. Lastly, since most attorneys work on a contingency basis, they do not charge you upfront. If you win the case, the manufacturer typically has to pay your legal fees.
What Comes Next? Understanding the Outcome
If your Range Rover Lemon Law claim is successful, you may receive the following depending on the specifics of your case:
- A buyback, where Land Rover repurchases your SUV and refunds your payments
- A replacement vehicle of the same or similar value
- A cash settlement to compensate you for the defect and loss of value
Don’t Let Land Rover Off the Hook
When you discover that your Land Rover is a lemon, it’s time to begin the journey that ends with holding them accountable. Carefully document the issue and follow the steps discussed above. If you do this, you’ll soon find yourself in control of your situation. If the automaker tries to play games, don’t stress. Just reach out to the lawyers at Quill & Arrow LLP, and they will help you push back against the carmaker’s antics. Our lawyers have dedicated their practice to defending Range Rover Lemon owners, which means they have the experience and expertise needed to win against the large auto corporations. So call or stop by the office today so we can set you on the right path to a fair resolution.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions