When you’ve purchased a new vehicle, you naturally expect all of the basic functions and optional extras you’ve paid for to work as expected. Unfortunately, sometimes vehicle manufacturers put a car on the market with a defect. As today’s electronics become more complex, these flaws often occur in a vehicle’s electrical system. Fortunately, you may have a legal option for a California lemon law buyback.
A California lemon law attorney can help you recover your purchase price through a refund of your purchase price and expenses.
What Types of Electrical Problems are Common in California Lemon Law Claims?
A vehicle’s electrical system functions like the body’s nervous system, controlling all aspects of its performance and safety. When an electrical defect occurs in a car, the results range from frustrating to dangerous. Common vehicle electrical problems named in California lemon law claims include the following:
Ignition and alternator problems
Sensor and control module problems
Burning odor
Wiring problems
Dashboard warning light malfunctions
Repeated blown fuses
Rapid battery draining
Sudden engine shut-downs
Advanced driving-assistance errors
A vehicle may qualify for a lemon law claim in California if it is still under its manufacturer’s warranty and has electrical problems. A California lemon law lawyer can evaluate whether your specific situation meets the legal threshold for a claim.
When Is a Vehicle With an Electrical Problem Eligible as a Legal Lemon?
A vehicle with an electrical problem can end up spending more time in the dealership repair shop than on the road doing its job transporting you and your loved ones. You can demand accountability from the manufacturer of your vehicle under the following circumstances:
It’s still under factory warranty
It has four or more failed repair attempts for a persistent electrical problem, or two or more failed repair attempts for an electrical problem that’s a safety hazard, or
It’s spent 30 or more non-consecutive days in a repair shop
If your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim, you have the right to a replacement vehicle or a buyback. Often, car buyers choose the buyback option rather than selecting a replacement vehicle from the same manufacturer. A lemon law attorney in California can guide you through the process of pursuing either option.
What Is a Buyback in a California Lemon Law Claim?
A lemon law buyback is a legal remedy applied to manufacturers in California lemon law claims, including for vehicles with recurring electrical faults.
If the defect is covered under the car’s warranty, a successful lemon law claim requires the manufacturer to refund the buyer’s purchase price, including the down payment, monthly payments, and licensing and registration fees. Then, the manufacturer schedules a meeting for the owner to return the vehicle to a local dealership. If the vehicle is later resold, it must include a lemon law disclosure to the new owner.
In some cases, the buyer may also recover a settlement for their financial losses, such as rideshare and taxi costs, rental car fees, and towing expenses.
If your vehicle has recurring electrical problems, don’t wait to explore your legal options. Contact a California lemon law lawyer at Young & Young APC today for a free case evaluation and learn whether you may qualify for a buyback, replacement vehicle, or other compensation.
