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Defective vehicle parts that are being replaced may have a lemon law claim

On Behalf of | Oct 7, 2024 | Firm News

Are you stuck waiting for a replacement part for your vehicle? This situation can be frustrating, especially when your car is new or under warranty. In California, The Lemon Law protects consumers facing such issues. If your vehicle has a defect the dealer cannot fix within 30 days because the necessary part is unavailable, you could have a valid lemon law claim.

Case study: 2023 Jeep Wranglers and delayed ABS control module replacement

For example, consider the case of the 2023 Jeep Wranglers, which have an ongoing issue with the ABS control module. This component is under an engineer review and on hold until November 16, 2024, meaning dealers cannot obtain the part needed to fix the vehicles. Due to the extensive delay, owners of these vehicles could potentially have a strong lemon law claim.

California’s lemon law: The basics

Lemon laws are legal provisions that protect buyers of vehicles that do not fulfill the required standards of performance and quality. Here are some key points about the lemon law in California:

  • It applies to new cars purchased with a warranty
  • The law covers defects that affect the use, value, or safety of the vehicle
  • The manufacturer must have a chance to fix the defect

If repairing a significant defect takes more than 30 days, the law often sides with the consumer.

When does a delayed part qualify for a claim?

Not all delays will qualify for a lemon law claim. Here are a few scenarios where you might have a strong case:

  • The vehicle is under warranty
  • The defect is significant, affecting the vehicle’s use, safety, or value
  • The dealer has acknowledged the need for a part replacement.
  • The wait for the part exceeds 30 days without a reasonable explanation

You may have a lemon law claim if your situation matches any of these scenarios.

How to proceed with your claim

If you find yourself in this situation, consider taking the following steps:

  • Keep detailed records of all communications with the dealer
  • Note all dates related to the defect, including when it was first reported
  • Get a written statement from the dealer acknowledging the part delay

These records will be crucial in building a strong lemon law claim.

Understanding your rights under The Lemon Law can be challenging. If you believe you have a valid claim due to a delayed part replacement, an experienced lemon law attorney can help.