Likely Lemons: Be Aware of These 15 Problematic Vehicles
July 3, 2017- Categories: Lemon Law
California’s lemon law was designed to shield consumers from the risk of acquiring a faulty vehicle. If warranty issues arise and the dealer is unable to perform the repairs, the manufacturer must provide its customer with a refund or replacement vehicle. The manufacturer is also on the hook for the customer’s incidental expenses, including the cost of hiring a lemon law attorney. There is just one problem – the law does not require manufacturers to reimburse customers for their time and inconvenience. Thus, if possible, it is always better to avoid purchasing a lemoncar in the first place.
Below you will find a list of common lemon vehicles produced from 2015 to the present. This 3-year period is significant because the lemon law applies only to defects covered by factory warranty (warranties typically last 36 months/36,000 miles). So, if you currently own or lease one of the vehicles listed here, you should understand that the lemon law probably still applies to your car. On the other hand, if you are shopping for a new or late-model vehicle, you may want to avoid these vehicles altogether.
Neale & Fhima is available to answer your questions about a specific vehicle or the lemon law in general. If you believe you may have a lemon law case and need a lemon law case assessment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert guidance and support.
1) 2015 Kia Sedona – Kia redesigned the Sedona to make it less “minivan-ish,” but created new problems in the process. A temperamental electrical system is one of them.
2) 2015 Chrysler 200 – This midsized sedan is a notorious lemon. Owners of the 2015 model have reported the engine shutting down without warning.
3) 2015 Lexus NX 200t/300h – The NX is often criticized for being a spruced-up Toyota RAV4. Unfortunately, the one thing it did not inherit from the RAV4 is reliability.
4) 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport – Owners or potential buyers of this luxury compact SUV may want to review internet forums discussing many common problems.
5) 2016 Fiat 500L – This larger version of the popular hatchback city car is known to have issues with its drivetrain and suspension. If you’ve been involved in a train injury, consult a qualified train injury lawyer for assistance.
6) 2016 Ford Fiesta – Subcompact cars appeal to cost-conscious drivers. However, it’s important to note that a transmission prone to slipping in the Fiesta could pose safety concerns, potentially leading to accidents or injuries. In any unfortunate event, having access to slip and fall legal representation can help protect your rights and explore potential compensation.
7) 2016 Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon – Large, truck-based SUVs remain popular. Unfortunately, these models, which can sometimes be involved in accidents, may exhibit steering vibration or power equipment failures. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s essential to consult a truck accident attorney for expert guidance.
8) 2016 Lincoln MKS – A midsized luxury car should offer a balance of performance, comfort, and reliability. The MKS falls short in the last category, according to owners.
9) 2016 Jeep Renegade – This miniature Jeep would not fare well on California’s Rubicon Trail. Its quirky 9-speed transmission causes problems on regular streets, too.
10) 2016 Chrysler Town & Country – Given this minivan’s poor reputation for reliability, it should come as no surprise that the T&C was discontinued for 2017.
11) 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage – According to Consumer Reports, this economy car has a “vibrating three-cylinder engine that delivers…a raspy chorus of lament.”
12) 2017 Dodge Journey – The Journey has been around since model year 2009, with only minor updates. Buying a vehicle with outdated technology is asking for trouble.
13) 2017 Toyota Tacoma – Rear differential problems (leaking, noise, and/or failure) plague the 2017 model of this ordinarily reliable compact pickup.
14) 2017 Cadillac Escalade – Spending $80,000 on an SUV should buy peace of mind in terms of avoiding auto repairs. That is not the case with the 2017 Escalade.
15) 2017 Maserati Ghibli – The Ghibli is a high-end Italian luxury sedan known more for its looks than its reliability, as evidenced by multiple recalls of the 2017 model.
Did you know that Neale & Fhima offers complimentary lemon law evaluations by telephone? Call (888) 506-0899 from anywhere in California, or submit the form below to schedule a callback.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
