Is Your Vehicle’s Defect Covered by the Lemon Law?
May 10, 2019- Categories: Lemon Law
May 10, 2019
If you bought a car, new or used, that is still under the original factory warranty, you are protected by the California Lemon Law. The lemon law mandates that auto manufacturers offer protection for new and used vehicles that were bought during the factory warranty period.
If the manufacturer cannot repair a defect that has a substantial effect on the value, safety or use, it is required by law, after a certain number of attempts or period of time, to replace the vehicle or buy it back from you.
However, many people do not understand the defects that are covered by the California lemon law. This post should help to clarify that point; and if you have questions, contact the California car defect lawyers at Neale & Fhima for more information.
Defects the Lemon Law Covers
As stated earlier, the lemon law covers substantial defects that affect value, safety or use. Some of the problems that you can usually be compensated for include the following:
- Major engine defects
- Balky or poorly functioning transmission
- SRS and airbag system
- Braking problems, including brake warning lights
- Air conditioning that is non-functional
- Sunroof
- Door locks
- Power seats
- Navigation system issues
- Turbocharger malfunction
- Lack of power
- Most electrical problems.
There are other problems often covered by the lemon law that you might not expect, such as factory paint defects (affects value), windshield wipers (affects safety), and even problems with fueling the car properly and safely.
However, remember that the lemon law covers only substantial defects. Non-substantial defects include those that are merely consumer complaints about the vehicle — things such as minor problems with seat-covering wrinkles, small pieces of trim that fall off, or poor fuel economy.
Also, remember the California lemon law covers only vehicles that are still under the original factory warranty. Many new vehicles come with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, but your warranty may differ substantially. The car is still covered even if it is used, although it gets more complicated if you buy the vehicle used in a private sale rather than from a dealership (contact Neale & Fhima if you are in this situation).
Note that if your vehicle has an extended warranty, it does not necessarily qualify for additional lemon law protections. If it is a certified used vehicle from a dealership and has an extended warranty, you still may qualify under the lemon law. Talk to a California car defect lawyer to be certain.
Contact a California Car Defect Lawyer Today
Can you handle a lemon law claim on your own? Yes, but why would you want to? Your chances of a successful claim are nearly always better with an attorney. You do not need to pay legal fees for using a California car defect lawyer, so you have nothing to lose. The California lemon law attorneys at Neale & Fhima are experienced in these cases and can help you to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
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 ]
