Ford Lemon Law Lawyer

NEALE & FHIMA HAS A 99% SUCCESS RATE IN LEMON LAW CASES

Ford Motor Company is known as a reliable American auto manufacturer with a storied history and longstanding tradition. But what if you bought one of the Ford lemons out there and are frustrated with an unreliable vehicle that’s always in the shop?  If your Ford Taurus, Escape, Ranger, Mustang, Mach-E F-150 or Lightening turns out to be a clunker, there may be a legal remedy.

A Ford 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 in lemon law cases!  We understand how excited you were when you first purchased your vehicle and how upset you are now. 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 Ford vehicle, you are legally entitled to a refund, or the vehicle can be replaced at Ford’s expense. However, you must prove that it’s a lemon according to legal guidelines, and that’s where a skilled California lemon law lawyer can help.

If it turns out that you do have a Ford Lemon, you can either:

1. Have Ford repurchase or replace your vehicle
2. Negotiate a cash settlement with Ford.

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Is Your Ford a Lemon?

A “lemon” is a car, truck, utility vehicle, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or other vehicle type that is defective.  Whether the problem started immediately when you drove the vehicle off the dealership lot or it began many months later, or even years later, the defect is chronic, and mechanics can’t seem to fix it.

From radios that don’t work to an engine that burns too much oil, to transmission or battery malfunctions there are many types of mechanical and electrical problems that can render a vehicle defective. These cars and trucks have spent too much time at the repair shop, often leaving the owners frustrated.

Before being eligible to file a claim, you need to have made a “reasonable number of attempts” to get your new vehicle repaired. While the law is somewhat vague about how many trips to the mechanic constitute a “reasonable number” of repair attempts, you need to give the dealership an opportunity to fix it first before commencing legal action.

The lemon law in California states that your Ford must have “nonconformities,” which are defined as any defect or malfunction that is covered by Ford’s original warranty or another Ford warranty, such as a Certified Preowned (CPO) warranty. Nonconformities significantly impair 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:

• Engine issues
• Steering issues
• Suspension defects
• Poor acceleration
• Braking problems
• Fuel gauges and speedometer don’t work
• Electrical issues
• Navigation or Radio defects
• Battery dies regularly or drains irregularly
• Door locks don’t work
• Transmission issues.

How Does a Ford Lemon Law Buyback Work?

The process starts by filing a legal claim against the manufacturer. Our attorneys can do this for you. We 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 Ford lemon law claim, you will have to:

• Show that the defect compromises the use, value, or safety of your vehicle
• Make “reasonable attempts” to have a dealership or mechanic repair the defect.

Is There a Time Limit on Filing a California Lemon Law Claim?

Yes. The statute of limitations under California’s lemon law is four years or four years from the date you knew or should have known the vehicle was a lemon. Generally, the sooner you file, the better.

What About California’s Lemon Law and Used Cars?

Some used cars are covered under California’s lemon law, but not all. Lemon law protections for used cars are a bit different than for new cars, so the best way to find out if your used car qualifies is to talk to our California lemon law lawyer.

Why Should I Choose NEALE & FHIMA?

We know that there are a lot of lemon law lawyers in California to choose from, but we believe Neale & Fhima stands head and shoulders above the rest.  That’s because we have an outstanding pattern of success in handling lemon law claims for our clients!

We have a winning track record, and our attorneys are among the best and the brightest.  The team at Neale & Fhima is committed to each client’s case, and we give you our full attention.

Here are a few of the reasons you should choose us:

• Many years of experience.  Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience representing clients throughout California.
• Our lawyers win cases.  Neale & Fhima enjoys a 99% success rate. We think this says a lot about the skill of our attorneys. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of any particular case, you can take comfort in knowing your claim is being handled by lemon law lawyers who have a track record of success.
• We value client relationships.  High-volume law offices tend to think of clients as nothing more than a case file. The file gets passed around until it ends up with a paralegal or junior associate who just wants to finish it and move on. Neale & Fhima is different. We enjoy getting to know our clients. It also helps us craft settlement agreements that meet their individual needs.
• We know the law.  California’s lemon law is a fine example of how the state legislature can empower consumers. When it comes to clarity, however, the text of the statute leaves much to be desired. Our attorneys understand the quirks of the statute, as well as the many court opinions interpreting it. We put this knowledge to work for you.
• No Surprises. A handful of manufacturers control most of the U.S. auto market. We repeatedly go up against these same companies. This allows us to anticipate how they will respond to claims involving specific models and mechanical defects. Our attorneys will share how these insights can impact your claim, so you are never in the dark about what to expect.
• Free Consultations.  We will always discuss your situation with you in a free initial consultation before you make any decisions about a claim.

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Which Lemon Law Remedy? The Choice is Yours.

A successful lemon law claim puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes time to select the form of compensation. Here are the two primary remedies:

Option A: Repurchase

The manufacturer will take possession of the vehicle and issue you a refund of the purchase price (reduced by the value of your use of the vehicle prior to the first repair attempt). If you financed the vehicle, the manufacturer will refund the payments and down payment and pay off the loan. You will also receive a refund of registration fees, taxes, etc.

Option B: Replacement

The manufacturer will take possession of the vehicle and provide you with a new one. It must be an identical or substantially similar vehicle. The manufacturer will pay the registration and taxes on the new vehicle, but you will not receive a refund of fees or finance charges paid on the original vehicle. This option requires the consent of both parties.

In some circumstances, we may be able to negotiate an additional option called a “cash and keep.” This would allow you to retain possession of the vehicle and receive a cash payment to compensate for the defect.

Common Lemon Law Mistakes and Traps to Avoid

Many Ford lemon law claimants miss out on the results they deserve because of seemingly simple mistakes. Unfortunately, these “small” errors can carry heavy consequences for your case and must be avoided at all costs. They include:

• Refusing to hire a California lemon law attorney
• Reaching agreements with manufacturers without sound legal advice
• Consenting to arbitration
• Allowing a non-dealer mechanic to work on your vehicle while it is under warranty
• Taking your vehicle for repairs too many times
• Discarding records of repairs and other important vehicle documents
• Diagnosing the problem with the vehicle by yourself.

The above are only a few of the numerous mistakes lemon law vehicle owners face when seeking remedies for their losses. Sometimes, they are rip-offs by manufacturers aimed at exploiting unsuspecting claimants. The most effective way to protect yourself from these traps and mistakes is by engaging the services of a dedicated Ford lemon law lawyer.

Our competent California lemon law attorneys at Neale and Fhima APC understand the tactics manufacturers employ.  What’s better is that we know precisely how to put them in their place.

Am I Required to Agree to a Lemon Law Arbitration in California?

Contrary to what manufacturers want you to believe, arbitration isn’t compulsory under California’s lemon law. Moreover, based on our experience, we generally advise our clients against agreeing to arbitration.

During arbitration, the claimants take their case to an arbitrator (or a panel of arbitrators) to decide on their legitimacy. Generally, these arbitrators should be independent professionals who would arrive at a fair decision for both parties. However, this is often not the case in reality.

Arbitrators are typically paid for their services by the manufacturers. Sadly, our observations have shown this creates a bias in their favor. Since the arbitrators are more likely to dance to the tune of their sponsors, your chances of a fair settlement are very slim.

Again, arbitration doesn’t allow for adequate discovery of documents. So, you have fewer opportunities to compel the other side to produce documents or release information that could prove your case.

You aren’t required to have a Ford lemon law attorney representing you during arbitration. While manufacturers present this to be an advantage to you, it really isn’t. Many times, the manufacturers will have attorneys acting as their representatives while you have no solid legal team to back you up.

In summary, filing a lemon law case in court affords you a higher chance of success than opting for arbitration.

Have There Been Any Ford Lemon Vehicle Recalls?

Yes, Ford has a very long history of vehicle recalls from as far back as the early 1900s. In fact, Ford has been named the most-recalled automaker of 2022, with a total of 67 recalls. These recalls have affected numerous models and were due to a wide range of issues, including fire risks, seat belt issues, fuel injector problems, and lightbar faults.

The purpose of recalling a vehicle is to ensure that automobiles that pose a safety risk don’t remain on the roads. Regardless, recalled or reacquired automobiles can be resold to a willing buyer in compliance with government regulations.

FAQs

What documents do I need to provide when pursuing a Ford lemon law case for my vehicle in California?

Documents needed to pursue a Ford lemon law case in California include a lease/purchase agreement, warranty information, repair receipts/orders, evidence of the correspondence between you and the dealership, etc. Compiling paperwork for your case can be tedious, but our dedicated team of compassionate lawyers is always ready to help.

What happens to my Ford Lemon Law case if the warranty has expired?

You can still pursue a Ford lemon law case even though your warranty has expired. However, you would need to meet some requirements, including providing proof that the fault started while the warranty was valid. A California Ford lemon law lawyer at our law firm can evaluate your case to determine your eligibility.

How long should I expect the lemon law buyback process for my Ford vehicle to last?

Just like many other types of compensation cases, there’s no definite timeline for completing a lemon law buyback process in California. However, with experienced and dedicated Ford lemon law attorneys from Neale & Fhima, you can be sure of a timely resolution.

What are my chances of winning a lemon law case in California?

Your chances of a successful lemon law case in California depend on a wide range of factors. They include the caliber of your attorney, availability of compelling evidence, and whether you give in to arbitration.  Our Ford lemon law attorneys will review your case to determine its validity and chances of success.

Are there more questions on your mind? We’re eager to answer them when you dial 855-394-0447 to speak with us.

Call the Experienced Ford Lemon Law Lawyers at Neale & Fhima Today

There’s no doubt that California lemon law cases can be complex and overwhelming. The good news, however, is that you don’t have to navigate the hurdles all alone. Our qualified Ford lemon law attorneys are always ready to guide you through your buyback process with ease.

If you are having difficulty with repairs at the dealership, contact our nearest office for a consultation. We have locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dana Point, Irvine, and San Diego. Alternatively, you can call 855-394-0447 to speak with us from anywhere in the state.

Either way, the consultation is free, and we look forward to serving you.