Vehicle Problems Covered Under Lemon Law
Exactly What Problems Are and Are Not Covered under California’s Lemon Laws?
- The brake system
- Engine operations
- Transmission system
- Suspension system
- Steering system
- Coolant system
- Electrical system
- Mechanical doors and latches
If these have been the subject of repeated repairs, you may wish to talk to an experienced, passionate, and knowledgeable attorney about your possible case. We can help you understand your vehicle’s defects as well as your options for legal action. To meet our team, get your questions answered, or to request a private, complimentary case evaluation, contact us today.
Defining a Material Defect
If a defect affects a vehicle’s use, it means that you cannot drive the vehicle in the way that it was intended to be driven.
If a defect affects a vehicle’s value, it means that you can’t sell the vehicle for the price that it would be worth if not for the defect.
If a defect affects a vehicle’s safety, it means that the vehicle can’t be driven without putting the driver, their passengers, and others on the road in danger.
A Sampling of Vehicle Defects or Symptoms of Defects Often Covered by Lemon Law in California
- Engine Stalling
- Engine Not Starting
- Engine Overheating
- Hard Starting Engine
- Rough Running Engine
- Lack of Power
- Engine Misfires
- Transmission Slipping
- Transmission Jerking
- Transmission Hesitation
- Hard Shifting From Transmission
- “Surging” of Engine
- Car “Pulling” To One Side
- Engine Vibrations
- Brake Vibrations
- Steering Vibrations
- Blown Fuses
- Black Smoke from Exhaust
- Turbocharger Malfunctions
- Check Engine Light Coming on
- Airbag Light Coming on
- ABS Light Coming on
- Other Warning Lights Coming on
- Defective Brakes
- Premature Brake Wear
- Abnormal Brake Noises
- Defects in the Suspension
- Oil Leaks
- Fuel Leaks
- Transmission Fluid Leaks
- Coolant Leaks
- Power Steering Leaks
- Electrical Malfunctions
- Engine Running Hot
- Malfunctioning Headlights or Tail-lights
- Malfunctioning Turning Signals or Brake Lights
- Defective Airbags
- Premature Tire Wear
- Uneven Tire Wear
- Flickering Dash Lights
- Malfunctioning Air Conditioning
- Malfunctioning Windows, Doors, Etc.
- Abnormal Noises
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. You could have problems that qualify your vehicle as a “lemon” which do not appear here. As we stated above, any defect that affects the use, value, or safety of your car may be covered by your warranty and may qualify you for a replacement vehicle or a refund.
If your vehicle is covered by a written warranty and you have had a repeated problem with one or more of the symptoms listed above (or other problems or symptoms), we’d like to hear from you. Please use our FREE Evaluation Form for a free consultation. Even if you are unsure whether your defect is covered by your warranty, or whether your defect is a material defect, we can examine the evidence in your case and explain to you our thoughts on whether you might own a lemon.
Never Drive an Unsafe Vehicle
Understanding Your Warranty
The issues and problems above are included in most car warranties. However, there may be exceptions if:
- The defect is due to a traffic accident or another form of abuse or misuse by the driver.
- The defect is related to an aftermarket part, such as a custom suspension.
- The defect is the result of common, everyday wear.
- You did not properly maintain your vehicle.
Understanding Repair Attempts and Shop Time
It is vital to keep records of this repair work. Keeping and making copies of both your drop-off repair orders and your pick-up repair documents is imperative to building a case against your manufacturer – and proving that they have not been able to fix your car. Even if you have not kept a full record of repairs, you may ask your dealership for a copy of your file or for their record of warranty claims they’ve made to the manufacturer regarding your vehicle.