Imagine getting home after a long night’s drive thinking everything is going swell. Then you wake the following morning, go to start the car, and you hear a noise that wasn’t there the night before. All of the sudden every time you switch gears, it slips back.
You’re a reasonable person, you know these things happen, so you take the car to the dealership. They fix it, but on your way home, the problem returns. This happens over and over until you’re past frustrated. You finally begin to suspect what this means; You might own a lemon. Is there a way to confirm that you own a lemon vehicle? What are the signs to look out for, and where do you go from here?
In this article we’ll cover those questions and more as we explore everything the lemon law entails. Let’s dive right in!
Problems Start Early
Lemon vehicles often show signs of trouble very early in their life. If your car displays notable issues within the first couple of months after ownership or within the first few thousand miles, that’s a red flag.
Note that this doesn’t mean vehicles can’t have minor issues that need adjustment. However, if major problems occur early on and they aren’t fixed right away, it’s a clear sign of a lemon.
Multiple Unsuccessful Repair Attempts for the Same Issue
One of the clearest indicators that you have a lemon car is repeated repair attempts for the same problem. In the scenario above, you’ve taken your vehicle for multiple repairs without a resolution, and that’s typically all the proof you need that the car is a lemon. Sometimes, however, it’s not quite as straightforward, so let’s discuss California’s “reasonable repair attempts” rule.
Under the California Lemon Law, manufacturers are allowed a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. This could include two attempts for severe safety defects, or can be at least four attempts for non-safety-related defects. If your vehicle has been at the repair shop for 30 days or more within the warranty period, it may also qualify.
If your vehicle ticks these boxes, it’s time to consult a Sacramento Lemon Law attorney to explore your legal options.
Defects That Affect the Car’s Safety
Safety should always be the top priority when driving, as automobile accidents aren’t something to leave to chance. If your car poses a serious risk to your safety or the safety of other road users, it’s a strong sign you may have a lemon. Some common safety-related defects include:
- Brake Failure: Your car’s braking system malfunctions or fails, and you don’t know what that means. Look no further, as it’s a clear sign of a dangerous situation that qualifies as a lemon.
- Steering Problems: A defect in the steering system can make it difficult or impossible to control the vehicle. This may increase the risk of accidents, which means your car is defective.
- Airbag Issues: Everyone expects their cars to deploy airbags during a collision—not before, not after. If these airbags fail to deploy when necessary, the potential damage from the crash increases.
- Engine Stalling: An engine that stalls for no reason while driving can lead to accidents. This is especially true if driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
If your vehicle experiences any of these defects without any reprieve after several repair attempts, you’ll want to start the search for the best Lemon Law lawyer Sacramento can provide.
Vehicle Spends More Time in the Shop than on the Road
Another strong indicator that you own a lemon is if your car is frequently at the repair shop for extended periods. If your vehicle has spent a long time at the dealership service center due to persistent problems, it may be a sign of a larger issue that can’t be easily resolved.
The 30-Day Rule
The Sacramento Lemon Law includes a 30-day rule, which states that your car may spend a cumulative of 30 days or more in the repair shop within the warranty period. If this occurs, your vehicle may be considered a lemon. The best part is that this rule applies regardless of whether the 30 days are consecutive or spread out over multiple visits. If your car spends more time at the shop than on the road, consult a Lemon Law attorney in Sacramento ASAP.
Defects That Lower the Vehicle’s Value and Occurred During Warranty
While some defects may not directly impact safety, they can still reduce the value of your vehicle. A vehicle’s resale value is often affected when persistent problems keep recurring. If the manufacturer cannot fix these issues, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim. Some common issues that may reduce the car’s value include transmission problems, persistent engine issues, electrical system failures, etc.
Note that these issues must have occurred while the car was within the warranty to qualify under the California Lemon Law. Whether the warranty is basic, powertrain, or extended, the problems must arise and be reported during this time frame. Even if your vehicle’s warranty has expired, you can still pursue a claim if you reported the defects and the dealer attempted repairs during the warranty period.
Manufacturer Refuses to Acknowledge the Defect
In some cases, a manufacturer or dealer may refuse to acknowledge the defect or downplay the issue. Some may even claim the problem is “normal” or that there is no defect at all. If you’ve experienced this and the problem persists despite repairs, it could be a sign your vehicle is a lemon.
Manufacturers usually do this to deny responsibility for vehicle defects or to delay repairs until outside the warranty period. However, under the law, they must repair, replace, or refund your vehicle if it has persistent problems. If the automaker refuses to take responsibility, the skilled Lemon Lawyer Sacramento provides you will fight for your rights and hold the manufacturer accountable.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Lemon
If you recognize some of these sour signs in your vehicle, here are the steps to take:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all problems. Note down the repair attempts and all communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
- Continue to Seek Repairs: Give the automaker a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issues. Always get repair orders and include them in your records.
- Consult a Lawyer: Make your complaints to an attorney so they can evaluate your case and help you become familiar with the Lemon Law. They’ll guide you through the entire process of seeking compensation.
Check For Signs Today!
Recognizing the signs of a lemon vehicle early on can save you so much time, money, and frustration. If you’re experiencing persistent issues or any of the above signs with your car, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal advice. The best Lemon Law attorney Sacramento, CA can provide will make sure you understand your legal rights and options. With our legal team’s representation, we can help you figure out if your car is a lemon. If it qualifies, we’ll work nonstop to make sure you get a satisfactory resolution to your lemon woes. Reach out for a quick, free consultation today!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions