Chevy has a long and storied history of muscle cars, family sedans and dependable pickup trucks, so a consumer who purchases a defective Chevy is sorely disappointed. If you find yourself in this spot, a skilled Chevrolet lemon law attorney may be able to help fix the situation. After repeated and fruitless visits to the mechanic, you might be ready to give up. Don’t. There is a legal remedy.
A Chevy lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima is familiar with these kinds of cases, and we know just what to do. Our firm has a 99% record of success on our clients’ behalf. We know that you were excited when you first purchased your Chevy Blazer, Equinox, Malibu, Cruze or Silverado, and you had visions of using your Chevy for a family vacation, sending a child off to college, or getting work done around the farm. Buying a defective vehicle is a disappointment and a headache.
But we can help – California has one of the most consumer-friendly lemon laws in the nation that ensures your protection. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if you purchase a defective Chevy vehicle, you are legally entitled to a refund, or the vehicle can be replaced at Chevrolet’s cost. However, you must prove that it’s a lemon according to legal guidelines, and that’s where a skilled Chevrolet lemon law lawyer can help. If it turns out that you do have a Chevy lemon, you can either 1) have Chevrolet repurchase or replace your vehicle or 2) negotiate a cash settlement with Chevrolet. Find out more in: What to Do if You Have a Lemon.
If you have questions about whether your Chevy qualifies, call a Chevy lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima at (949) 661-1007. We offer a free initial consultation.
Is Your Chevy a Lemon?
A “lemon” is a car, truck, utility vehicle or SUV that is defective. It does not really function properly. Whether it’s squealing brakes, radio screen blanking out, an engine that burns too much oil, or a wide range of other mechanical or electrical problems, these Chevys have spent too much time at the mechanic’s garage and not enough time on the road. To determine whether you have a Chevy lemon law claim, find out if your new vehicle is still under the original Chevrolet warranty. If it is, you’re on the right track. If you own a used vehicle, then you will need one of three specific warranties to have a Chevrolet lemon law claim (these are detailed below). Before being eligible to file a claim, you need to have made a “reasonable number of attempts” to get your new vehicle repaired. Find out more in: Do You Have a Lemon?
The Lemon Law in California states that your Chevy must have “nonconformities,” which are defined as any defect or malfunction that is covered by Chevrolet’s original warranty. Nonconformities significantly restrict the safety, use or value of the vehicle. There are many defects that could affect the vehicle’s safety, but there is no requirement under the law that the defect actually endangers you. So, if the car has a defect with its automatic mirrors, the mere fact that they work unpredictably could be enough to be the basis of a lemon law claim.
Common defects that affect safety include:
- Won’t start
- Steering issues
- Poor acceleration
- Braking problems (not just squeaking)
- Fuel gauges and speedometer don’t work
- AC does not work
- Battery dies regularly
- Door locks don’t work
- Transmission is not smooth during starting and stopping.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, you may have a Chevrolet lemon law claim. Talk to a Chevrolet lemon law attorney for an informed legal opinion about whether your vehicle qualifies. Call us at (949) 661-1007.
How Does Chevrolet Lemon Law Buyback Work?
Our attorneys, can file a claim on your behalf, expect resistance because auto manufacturers work hard to defeat lemon law claims and reduce financial payouts. But we are aggressive and know how to win. We are not intimidated by the manufacturers’ attorneys, and we are determined to secure the best possible outcome on behalf of our clients.
To prevail in a Chevy lemon law claim, you will have to show that you made “reasonable attempts” to have a dealership or mechanic make repairs. That’s why it’s important that you have proof that you did this: keep all receipts, work orders and used parts from each one of your repair appointments. State law does not define “reasonable attempts” with precision, but there are some guidelines. The California new-car Lemon Law says you may have an eligible Chevy in the following circumstances:
- The Chevy had a minimum of two repairs attempted for a defect that could lead to death or serious injury if it is driven. Defects also must impair the value of the Chevrolet’s use, value or safety.
- You brought the Chevy car or truck to the dealership at least four times to remedy the same defect — over and over.
- The Chevy has been at a dealership for repairs of the same defect for at least 30 days since you acquired it.
Even if your claim does not fit in with the guidelines above you may still have a claim. Guidelines are further discussed here lemon law claim. Find out more in: The Lemon Law Claims Process.
If you think you have a case, don’t delay. The statute of limitations on a Chevrolet lemon law claim is four years, so you need to take action sooner rather than later. If you have purchased or leased a lemon, start collecting copies of your repair bills and call Neale & Fhima today.
What About Chevy Lemon Law and Used Cars?
Some used cars are covered under California’s Lemon Law, depending on whether your Chevrolet has one of three specific warranties. These include:
- Transferred New Car Warranty
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty
- Lemon Law Buyback Warranty
A skilled Chevy lemon law attorney can help you determine whether your used Chevy has one of these qualifying warranties.
Neale & Fhima Is Here to Help
If you have a defective Chevy, you should talk to one of our lemon law attorneys today. You don’t have to put up with the headache and repeated trips to the repair shop. Call Neale & Fhima at (949) 661-1007 for a free consultation or tell us your story online. We’re here to help you solve this problem.