Lemon laws serve as a protective shield for consumers, offering a recourse when they find themselves stuck with a vehicle that has persistent defects affecting its use, safety, or value. However, navigating a lemon law claim can be akin to traversing a minefield, with manufacturers often deploying a variety of defenses to deny such claims. Understanding these defenses and knowing how to counter them effectively can make the difference between winning and losing your case. The Burden of Proof The “burden of proof” defense is a critical and common strategy used by manufacturers in contesting lem ..read more

Lemon laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase vehicles that fail to meet standards of quality and performance. However, myths and misconceptions about these laws abound, leading to confusion and potentially preventing individuals from exercising their rights. In California, one of the states with the most robust lemon law protections in the United States, it’s particularly important to understand the facts. That’s why we’re going to debunk five common myths associated with California’s lemon law.  Myth 1: Lemon Laws Only Apply to New Cars One of the most pervasive myths is tha ..read more

Navigating the murky waters of a lemon claim can be daunting for many consumers. A lemon claim is essentially a formal complaint lodged by a vehicle owner against the manufacturer of a vehicle that fails to meet quality and safety standards despite multiple repair attempts. The process doesn’t just stop at filing the claim; it unfolds in several stages, involving meticulous documentation, negotiation, and, sometimes, legal action. Below, we will demystify what happens after you file a claim, guiding you through each step of the process. How to File a Lemon Claim Filing a lemon claim involves a ..read more

In a recent automotive industry development, Ford has issued a recall for over 80,000 SUVs, specifically targeting the 2018-2020 models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, due to significant seatbelt defects. These SUVs have seat belt pretensioners in the front seats that may lock the seat belts unnecessarily. This recall highlights a critical safety concern that could potentially compromise passenger security in the event of an accident.  Ford has provided a statement regarding the nature of the defect, explaining the technical aspects and potential risks associated with it. Accordi ..read more

In an announcement that has left many truck owners concerned, General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for over 820,000 of its trucks due to a significant fault in the tailgate mechanism. Affected trucks include Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500s and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500s of model years 2020-2024.  The automotive giant has identified a problem where the electronic tailgate release switch may short-circuit because of water leaks. This leads to the tailgate unexpectedly unlatching while the vehicle is in PARK. This recall affects a broad range of GM’s lineup, underscoring the widespread ..read more

California’s lemon laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease defective new vehicles covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. However, not all defects will trigger the protections of the lemon law. Understanding what constitutes a qualifying defect is essential for consumers looking to navigate their rights under this legislation. What Makes a Car Qualify for a Lemon Law Claim? In California, a defect qualifies for a lemon law claim when it substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. This means the defect must be significant enough to affect the vehicle’s operatio ..read more

When it comes to protecting consumers from defective vehicles, both federal and state laws play crucial roles. In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act serves as the federal lemon law, while states like California have enacted their own laws tailored to provide additional protections for their residents. Understanding the differences between the California lemon law and the federal law is essential for consumers looking to navigate their rights and remedies when dealing with a “lemon.”  Federal Lemon Law: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enacted i ..read more

Purchasing a new car is a significant investment, filled with the excitement of driving off in a vehicle that promises reliability and performance. Unfortunately, not all purchases go as planned – some cars just don’t work. In such cases, lemon laws can be a beacon of hope, offering a pathway to compensation or a vehicle replacement. However, the success of a lemon law claim heavily depends on the quality and thoroughness of the documentation provided by the car owner. Below, we’ll explore why documentation is crucial for lemon law claims and how to effectively document car problems to ensure ..read more

Used car retailer CarMax recently got in hot water with automotive safety advocacy groups after the company settled a lawsuit with 36 states for just $1 million. The retailer was initially sued by the attorneys general of these states on allegations that it informed consumers that recalled vehicles with unrepaired safety defects were “safe.”  CarMax allegedly has a “125-point inspection” through which it puts all vehicles before selling them. However, this inspection apparently does not include identifying and repairing manufacturing defects for which manufacturers have issued recalls. Gr ..read more

Buying a brand-new car like the Ford Escape is exciting, but recent recalls have stirred concerns among owners. Ford is grappling with a series of recalls, particularly affecting 2022-2023 Escapes, that have made this popular model a problem for buyers.  If your car is subject to any of these recalls, it’s crucial to get the problem addressed as soon as possible for your safety and financial well-being. Below, we’ll discuss the recent recalls, potential issues such as engine fires, gas leaks, and oil leaks, and how to determine if your vehicle is affected. Additionally, we’ll discuss the ..read more