Honda Lemon Law

Honda is undoubtedly one of the top-selling automakers in the world, and these Japanese cars are very popular in California. The company manufactures more than 14 million engines annually, and Honda-built engines have won more Indy 500 races than any other manufacturer. With a track record like that, it seems unlikely that Honda could produce a lemon. Unfortunately, that’s not so.

Like all automakers, Honda Motor Company is subject to California’s lemon law. If you’ve purchased a defective Honda that continues to have mechanical and electrical problems, no matter how many times you take it to the mechanic for repairs, it may be time to call a Honda lemon law attorney. The skilled lawyers at Neale & Fhima have decades of experience successfully litigating lemon law claims on behalf of clients, and they can do the same for you. Don’t get stuck with a Honda lemon.

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if you purchase a defective Honda, you are legally entitled to a refund, or the vehicle can be replaced at Honda’s cost. At Neale & Fhima, we fight Honda Motor Company to enforce the lemon law rights of people living in California. Honda lemon law applies to both new and used vehicles. Remember that the lemon law extends to other transportation products Honda manufactures, like watercraft, ATVs, motorcycles, and SUVs. If you’ve had issues particularly with their motorcycles, it’s not just the lemon law to be mindful of a motorcycle accident lawyer can provide guidance on related concerns. The law also covers vehicles in Honda’s luxury brand, Acura.

A “lemon” is a car, SUV, truck, or other vehicle that does not work right. These vehicles are chronically damaged, whether it’s a faulty engine, poor suspension, a faulty transmission, electrical problems, or many other mechanical and electrical problems. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to such defects, it might be time to consult with a car accident lawyer to understand your rights. They can’t be acceptably repaired despite frequent trips to the mechanic. To determine whether you have a Honda lemon law claim, check to see whether your vehicle repair visits occurred while the vehicle was under Honda’s original warranty or Certified Pre-Owned Warranty. If they were, you probably have a claim. If you own a used vehicle, you need one of three specific warranties for a Honda lemon law claim. These warranties are listed below. Either way, you need to have made a “reasonable number of attempts” to get your Honda repaired before filing a legal claim.

Why Choose Neale Fhima, California Lemon Law Attorney?

When faced with a situation where your newly purchased Honda vehicle turns out to be a lemon, the California lemon law provides strong consumer protections. However, navigating the complexities of lemon law cases can be overwhelming, requiring the expertise of an experienced Honda lemon law attorney. Neale Fhima, a prominent California lemon law attorney, has a proven track record of successfully handling lemon law cases involving Honda vehicles. Here are some reasons to choose us to handle your lemon law case;

Expertise in Lemon Law

We focus on consumer protection, particularly lemon law cases. With an in-depth understanding of the California lemon law statutes, regulations, and case precedents, we are well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of lemon law cases involving Honda vehicles. Our expertise ensures that your case will be handled efficiently and effectively, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Resources and Support

Lemon law cases often require thorough investigation, expert opinions, and robust legal arguments. With our lemon law firm expertise, we have the resources and connections to build a compelling case on your behalf. From collaborating with automotive experts to gathering relevant evidence, our comprehensive approach ensures no stone is left unturned in advocating for your rights as a consumer.

Vigorous Representation

Dealing with manufacturers and their legal teams requires a tenacious and resolute approach. Our Honda lemon law lawyers are known for their assertive advocacy on behalf of clients, ensuring that manufacturers are held accountable for their defective products. This determination is crucial in Honda lemon law cases where manufacturers might attempt to downplay defects or delay a resolution.

Client-Centered Approach

Our Honda lemon law attorneys strongly emphasize client satisfaction and personalized service. We recognize that each Honda lemon law case is different and requires a tailored approach. We work closely with clients to understand their concerns, gather relevant evidence, and develop a strategy that aligns with their goals.

Is Your Honda a Lemon?

California law sets down specific guidelines to determine whether your Honda is a lemon. It’s not enough to be frustrated because there’s a small dent in the door or a bit of discoloration on the carpet. The defect needs to be somewhat more significant, and it has to be something that impacts the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Find out more in Do You Have a Lemon?

Following are some examples of defects that could trigger a Honda lemon law claim:

• Check-engine lights
• Steering issues
• Braking problems
• Electrical malfunction
• Fuel gauges and speedometer don’t work
• Door locks don’t work
• Transmission malfunction
• Poor acceleration
• AC does not work
• Radio or navigation malfunction
• Transmission is not smooth during starting and stopping
• The battery dies regularly.

The Honda lemon law requires that “nonconformities” must be present, which are defined as any defect or malfunction that substantially impairs the vehicle and is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Nonconformities compromise the use, value, or safety of the Honda. Find out more in What to Do if You Have a Lemon.

How Does a Honda Lemon Law Buyback Work?

Once you successfully prove that you have a lemon, your options are 1) to have the manufacturer repurchase or replace your vehicle or 2) negotiate a cash settlement with Honda. California has one of the most extensive lemon laws in the nation to ensure consumer protection. When you hire Neale & Fhima, our Honda lemon law lawyers will help you look at your options to make an informed decision.

The first step is to determine that your warranty is still in effect. Remember, service contracts do not count. Then, check your paperwork to determine whether you have made a “reasonable number” of repair attempts. The next step in the process is to file a claim against Honda. One of our Honda lemon law attorneys can do this on your behalf.

The statute of limitations under California’s lemon law is four years from the date you knew or should have known the vehicle was a lemon, but  so the limitations period may be extended years after the 4 year deadline. If you have purchased or leased a lemon, start collecting copies of your repair orders and call a Honda lemon law attorney right away.

Will Honda Buy Back My Car?

Yes, Honda will buy back your car if you meet all the guidelines that include:

• possessing the appropriate warranty
• establishing that your vehicle has “nonconformities” and
• making unsuccessful attempts to have the vehicle repaired.

How Can Neale & Fhima Help Me After I Buy a Lemon?

Here is how Neale & Fhima can provide valuable guidance and support after you buy a lemon vehicle.

Expert Evaluation of Your Case

When you suspect that your newly acquired Honda is a lemon due to persistent defects affecting its safety, value, or performance, we can help you assess the merits of your case. We have in-depth knowledge of the California lemon law and can analyze the specifics of your situation to determine if your vehicle qualifies for protection under the law.

Comprehensive Documentation and Evidence Gathering

One of the critical aspects of a successful lemon law case is having comprehensive documentation of the defects, repair attempts, and the impact these issues have had on your vehicle’s performance and value. We can guide you on how to document the defects, repair visits, and other relevant details properly. This documentation is essential for building a strong case against Honda.

Effective Negotiations and Communication

Our California lemon law attorney’s experience negotiating with automakers and their legal representatives allows us to advocate on your behalf effectively. After reviewing your case and gathering evidence, we will engage in negotiations with Honda to seek a resolution that is fair and favorable to you. Whether it’s obtaining a replacement vehicle, a refund, or another satisfactory outcome, we will work to achieve the best possible result.

Honda Lemon Law and Used Vehicles

Some used Hondas are covered under California’s lemon law, depending on whether your car has a warranty. If you have one of three specific warranties, then you may be protected. A Honda lemon law attorney can explain all of this in greater detail. Here are the three types of warranties that qualify:

Transferred New Car Warranty

As a buyer of a recent model used Honda, you may have a copy of the manufacturer’s new-car warranty. When a titled Honda is sold to a new owner and the vehicle is still under its original warranty period, the warranty protections transfer to you for the duration of that period.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty

“Certified Pre-Owned” Hondas have more protections than typical used cars. Only authorized Honda dealerships can sell CPOs, so if you bought your vehicle elsewhere, this warranty will not apply to you. Certified Pre-Owned means that these used Hondas have been inspected, repaired, and resold; therefore, they come with a CPO warranty.

Lemon Law Buyback Warranty

If you buy a used Honda that was once a lemon (but Honda repaired it and resold it), then you should have received a “lemon law buyback warranty.” Honda is required by law to provide new owners of these buyback lemons a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty covering the lemon’s defect.

Additionally, if the dealer provided an express warranty at the time of sale, this may support the basis of a lemon law claim. If all of this sounds confusing, that’s understandable. Your best bet is to consult a Honda lemon law attorney to find out whether your used car qualifies.

Honda Lemon Law FAQs

How many repair attempts are required to qualify under the lemon law?

A vehicle must have undergone a reasonable number of repair attempts for the same defect to potentially qualify as a “lemon” under the California lemon law. Generally, this involves four or more repair attempts or two or more attempts for issues that could result in death or serious injury if the vehicle is driven. If you or someone you know has been affected by a vehicle defect while on the road, consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer can provide guidance on your rights and possible legal avenues.

Can I file a lemon law claim if the issue is not safety-related?

You can still file a lemon law claim if the issue is not safety-related but substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. The defect does not need be life-threatening to warrant protection under the lemon law.

Should I go through arbitration before pursuing legal action?

While manufacturers often offer arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution process, it is not mandatory to go through arbitration before pursuing legal action. You can choose whether to participate in arbitration or proceed directly to court.

Contact a Honda Lemon Law Attorney Today

Honda manufactures some powerful engines and reliable cars. But you might have a legal remedy if you have been unlucky enough to purchase a Honda lemon. The Honda lemon law in California is a powerful tool that can be used to demand that Honda replace or repurchase your defective vehicle or even give you a cash settlement. To learn more about your legal rights, contact a Honda lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima today at 888-407-2955 for a free initial consultation.