Lemon Law Blog

It’s time for another defect alert–this time around, it’s the BMW 335i.  Many distressed drivers are calling into the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline complaining about fuel pump failure. This is nothing new–the manufacturer is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty on the part, and the message boards have repeatedly covered the issue.  But when the part fails, it does put the driver in significant danger, with the car limping along, and possibly stalling.

If you sense that you are having problems with your fuel pump, get to an authorized BMW dealership as soon as possible.  Make sure that you receive a repair invoice when you pick up the car which clearly outlines the problem you complained about.  Even if they say the  problem is due to bad gas (which we all know is not true), they need to provide an invoice. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP TRACK OF THESE PAPERS.  You may need them down the road.

If you find that you are repeatedly back to the BMW dealer with fuel pump problems, drop us a line or give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your situation.  We have been actively resolving these claims.

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Imagine buying one of those hot new Chevrolet Camaros.  You are cruising down the highway, enjoying every minute, when all of a sudden, the car won’t go into first gear or reverse.  The dealership identifies the problem and points to the clutch slave cylinder.  Apparently, there are a number of Camaros across the nation with the exact same problem. The good news is they know how to fix it; the bad news is you are going to be without your car for a little while….well more than a little while…..over a month….at least….maybe two months….but we will give you a loaner.

As a result of the troubling economy, closed factories and less dealerships, many consumers are hearing the term “National Back Order”  There is nothing you can do, other than sit back and wait the days, weeks, months until your part comes in and your car is fixed, right?

WRONG!  When you purchase a car with a manufacturers warranty, it is supposed to guarantee that your car is fixed efficiently and effectively and if it is not, you are entitled to recourse.  Under each of the State Lemon Laws we handle, you are entitled to file a claim if your car is out of service for an extended period of time, and that includes if a part is on back order.  In addition, these days do not have to be consecutive.

Under Pennsylvania Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under New Jersey Lemon Law, it’s 20 days within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under Delaware Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 12 months of ownership.

Under Massachusetts Lemon Law, it’s 15 business days within the first year.

Under Maryland Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 15 months of ownership.

Under Ohio Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first year of ownership.

Under New Hampshire Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the manufacturers warranty period.

Under Connecticut Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under New York Lemon Law, it’s 30 days wtihin the first 24 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).

AND, EVEN IF THE CAR IS FIXED, the consumer still may be entitled to significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the car, PLUS they get to keep the vehicle.

For more information on what what you should you do if you are waiting for a part on national back order, drop us a line or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

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As we have previously discussed, the Garden State government has been working hard to expand upon the NJ Lemon Law, and yesterday Governor Corzine signed the Bill that made the expansion a reality.

Up until now, the New Jersey Lemon Law, named the second most effective lemon law in the Country by the Center for Auto Safety, covered consumers who suffered a repetitive defect that first occurred within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever came first. The Law also covered consumers whose cars were in the shop 20 days within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles.

The NJ Lemon Law has now expanded that parameter from 24 months/18,000 miles to 24 months/24,000 miles, thus taking into account the fact that most drivers are on the road approximately 12,000 miles annually.

In addition, our improved New Jersey Lemon Law states that manufacturers only have one repair attempt to fix a defect which could cause serious bodily harm or death.

This is a huge coup for those who purchase or lease or register their cars in New Jersey. And remember, under New Jersey Lemon Law consumers are entitled to completely cost-free legal representation. 

If you have any questions pertaining to the New Jersey Lemon Law and the representation it provides, please feel free to e-mail us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

UPDATE:  Click here to read the press release on the NJ Lemon Law Expansion.

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