Lemon Law Blog

I always love these blog entriees where we can share many of our success stories.  This July was quite busy at 1-800 LEMON LAW.  Take a look at just some of the settlements and judgments reached this month, and we still have 15 days to go!    We have said it before–we know that the State Lemon Laws and federal Warranty Laws sound too good to be true, but they do provide completely free legal help.  if you feel you have a potential lemon law or breach of warranty claim, please call us at 1 800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or visit us at our website, www.lemonlaw.com.

Here’s just some of what we accomplished in the last two weeks.  Many of these cases were settled in 30-60 days!

2011 Kia Sorrento — Client receives brand new car — Millersville, MD

2008 Cadillac CTS purchased used, has 26,000 miles — Client receives $4,500 plus keeps the car — Laurel, MD

2007 Chevy Suburban with 63,000 miles — Client receives $4,000 plus keeps the car — Lansdale, PA

2008 Ford F350 with 54,000 miles — Client receives $4,000 plus keeps the truck — Hudson, NH

2009 Ford Escape with 27,000 miles –Client receives $5,500 plus keeps the car — Bear, DE

2007 Chevrolet HHR with 33,000 miles– Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! –Lancaster, NY

2008 Buick Lacross with 23,000 miles — Client receives $4,500 plus keeps the car — Mt. Pocono, PA

2007 Jeep Wrangler — Client receives $5,300 plus keeps the car — Hamilton, NJ

2010 Chevrolet Malibu — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps the car — Somers Point, NJ

(and another result just like this in Baltimore, MD!)

2010 Ford Escape — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps the car — Coraopolis, PA

2008 Dodge Avenger with 26,000 miles — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Mount Braddock,  PA

2008 Saab 9-3 — Client receives $8,500 plus keeps their car — Philadelphia, PA

2008 Dodge Caliber — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Glenolden, PA

2006 Toyota Avalon with 58,000 miles– Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — New York, NY

2010 BMW 328i — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Bethlehem, PA

2009 Ford Escape — Client receives $8,500 plus keeps their car — Wellsboro, PA

2007 Land Rover Sport with 45,000 miles — Client receives $4,500 plus keeps their car — Fort Lee, NJ

2008 Ford Edge — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps their car — Bayonne, NJ

2006 Hummer H3 with 41,000 miles — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps their car — Norristown, PA

2008 Subaru Tribeca with 39,800 miles — Client receives $5,000 plus keeps their car — Altoona, PA

2010 Cadillac SRX — Full repurchase! Clients gets all their money back! — Melville, NY

2009 Chevrolet Impala with 26,000 miles — Client receives $4,000 plus keeps their car — Irwin, PA

2009 GMC Sierra — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Ford City, PA

2006 Cadillac CTS, bought used, has 39,000 miles– Client receives $4,600 plus keeps their car — Philadelphia, PA

2005 Kia Sorento with 55,000 miles — Client receives $5,500 plus keeps their car — East Greenville, PA

2010 Subaru Impreza — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps their car — Toms River, NJ

2008 Nissan Rogue — Client receives brand new car — Purchased in OH

2008 Hyundai Tuscon — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Pottstown, PA

2009 Pontiac G8 — Client receives brand new car –Jackson, NJ

2004 Mitsubishi Gallant (6 years old!) — Client receives $3,500 plus keeps their car — Philadelphia, PA

2009 Acura TSX (leased!) — Client receives $8,000 and continues with lease — New York, NY

2010 Hyundai Accent — Client receives brand new car — Reading, PA

2008 Nissan Rogue — Full repurchase!  Client gets all their money back! — Norwalk, CT

2007 Kia Rio with 35,600 miles — Client receives $5,000 plus keeps their car — Medina, OH

2006 Cadillac STS with 40,000 miles — Client receives $7.300 plus keeps their car — Southington, CT

2008 Honda Odyssey with 40,000 miles — Client receives $7,560 plus keeps their car — North Wales, PA

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan — Client receives brand new car — Cherry Hill, NJ

2009 Dodge Caravan — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Purchased in PA

2010 Dodge Nitro– Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Absecon, NJ

Kimmel and Silverman is proud to have provided cost-free lemon law and breach of warranty help to over 58,000 consumers since 1991 and we would love to help you.  As our jingle goes: “Driving A Lemon?  Make The Call to chases1-800 LEMON LAW!”

Popularity: 18% [?]

It always happens as the Spring flowers bloom and the weather gets warmer.  Consumers start to get the itch to go car-shopping, to get behind a hot new set of wheels and head out on the open highway.  And with their burning desire comes their repeated calls to the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline, asking that age-old question “How can I prevent myself from buying a lemon?”

Alas, there is no answer to that question….any car can suffer a repetitive non-conformity.  That being said, we do still feel research can be extremely beneficial when you are out on your shopping excursion.  We urge you to always take a trip down the information superhighway before heading to the dealer, and one pit stop we always recommend is the annual Car Complaint Index, compiled annually by Consumer Advocate Jack Gillis and the good people at the Center for Auto Safety.

We have been promoting Mr. Gillis’ efforts for years because we were always being asked which cars receive the most complaints.  Mr. Gillis and his team take a look at the thousands of complaints filed each year with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.  They then create a ratio looking at the number of complaints filed to the number of cars sold.

Now it’s important to note that these complaints are subjective, based solely on the opinion of drivers, and therefore the index should not be the end-all, be-all when deciding what car to buy.  But, if you find that the car is on the index, and you notice similar complaints on automotive forums and in consumer magazines, that could be a red flag.

So, what cars on this year’s list?  Click here to connect to the 2010 Car Complaint Index and if you’d like to read some of the complaints, be sure to visit NHTSA’s complaint database.  Lastly, Jack Gillis’ Ultimate Car Book is always an awesome read, especially if you are getting ready to buy.  To buy a copy, click here.

Popularity: 22% [?]

In the wake of the massive Toyota recalls comes some stressful news from Nissan and General Motors.  Both manufacturers are announcing pretty extensive recalls on some of their most popular models.

Let’s start with Nissan, who has announced a recall of 539,864 vehicles due to faulty brake pedal pins and fuel gauge components.   Those models affected by the brake pin recall include 2008-2010 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and the high-end Infiniti QX56.There have been three reported instances of brake pedal pins partially disengaging, causing a loss of normal braking activity and Nissan has centered the problem on the supplier’s part.  All Nissan vehicles currently on sale are free of this problem.

The fuel gauge recall affects 2005-2008 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56 models, as well as an Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra models produced between January and March 2006 or between October 2007 and January 2008.  Vehicles at higher mileage may have fuel gauges which incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank.  This may result in the vehicle running out of gas even through the gauge does not read empty.

Owners of all recalled Nissan models will be notified in March.  For more information, contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-NISSAN1 for Nissan or 1-800-662-6200 for Infiniti.   In the meantime, if you have previously reported these problems and the issue was never repaired properly, feel free to contact us to determine if you are entitled to remedy under State or Federal Law.

On the General Motors front, the manufacturer is recalling 1.3 million vehicles due to faulty steering systems.  This comes as no surprise to us as we have received countless calls, and have resolved well over a thousand cases, pertaining to faulty steering systems in Chevrolet, Pontiac and GM models.

The recalled models include 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalts and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 models.   The sudden loss of power steering can occur at any time and consumers are urged to not wait for the recal notice if the problem happens.  They are to report to an authorized manufacturer’s dealer immediately for assistance.

When the power steering problem occurs, drivers will hear a chime sound while a power steering indicator lights up on the dashboard.  The vehicle will be difficult to steer, especially under 15 miles per hour.  The problem has so far resulted in 14 reported accidents, although we have seen many occurrences of this.  For more information on the GM recall, call 800-222-1020.

If your power steering goes out three or more times during your original or extended manufacturers warranty, you have rights and it is important to look into them to determine the remedies you are entitled to.  For more information, please call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or send us an e-mail.

Popularity: 25% [?]

It’s time again for us to provide a roundup of recent refunds, repurchases and replacements.  Under the State Lemon Laws and the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, all of our clients receive completely cost-free legal help, with the manufacturers covering the legal fees ON TOP OF what our client receives.  We are very proud of our efforts and encourage you to reach out to us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or via e-mail  if you think your vehicle may qualify for remedy.   Here we go….

2008 Dodge Dakota, Replacement Vehicle  — Newark, DE

2008 Audi A5, $6,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Jenkintown, PA

2009 Chevrolet Impreza, Replacement Vehicle — Telford, PA

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, $5,000 plus client keeps their car — Cranbury, NJ

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, Complete Refund — Greenwich, CT

2008 Buell Blast Motorcycle, Replacement Bike — Aberdeen, MD

2009 Infiniti G37, Complete Refund — Randolph, NJ

2007 Cadillac Escalade (70,000 miles), $5,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Bloomfield, NJ

2008 BMW 5-series, Replacement Vehicle — Perrysburg, OH

2008 Chrysler Sebring, Complete Refund –Somerville, MA

2008 Ford Ranger, $8,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Spring Grove, PA

2008 BMW 335i, $18,500 cash plus client keeps car and receives 7 yr/100k extended warranty- West New York, NJ

2008 Ford F250, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their truck — Rome, NY

2009 Honda Accord, Replacement Vehicle — York, PA

2009 Chevrolet Silverado, Replacement Vehicle — New Galihee, PA

2007 Audi Q7, Replacement Vehicle — Middletown, DE

2007 Pontiac G6, Complete Refund — Oceanside, NY

2008 Jeep Patriot, Complete Refund — Uniontown, PA

2005 Land Rover Range Rover, $6,500 cash plus client keeps car — Richboro, PA

2009 Dodge Challenger, Complete Refund — Brick, NJ

2008 Jeep Liberty, Complete Refund — Clarksville, PA

2008 Smart Car Cabriolet, Replacement Vehicle — Findlay, OH

2007 Hyundai Entourage, Complete Refund — Holbrook, NY

2006 Suzuki Forenza, Complete Refund — Elkins Park, PA

2009 Volvo S80, $7,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Frederick, MD

2008 GMC Arcadia, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Boston, MA

2007 Toyota Camry, Complete Refund — Pikesville, MD

2008 BMW 335i, Replacement Vehicle — Old Bridge, NJ

2007 Mercedes Benz ML320, Complete Refund — River Vale, NJ

2009 Mazda 6, $6,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Elizabeth, NJ

2009 Audi A5, Replacement Vehicle — Hamilton, NJ

2008 Jeep Wrangler, Complete Refund  — Pisacataway, NJ

2009 Audi S5,  Replacement Vehicle –Boston, MA

2008 Mazda CX7, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Monroeville, PA

2008 Dodge Ram, Complete Refund –Rural Valley, PA

2007 Moto Guzzi Motorcycle, Complete Refund — Flemington, NJ

2007 Chevrolet Silverado, $6,850 cash plus client keeps their car –Brooklyn, NY

2007 Jeep Compass, Complete Refund — Lancaster, PA

2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, $8,000 cash plus client keeps their SUV — Oliver, PA

2007 Hyundai Veracruz, Replacement Vehicle — Glassboro, NJ

Driving a lemon?  Join the more than 60,000 distressed drivers who have made the call to 1-800 LEMON LAW!

Popularity: 16% [?]

Every day, we receive numerous inquiries both on-line and on our 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline from distressed drivers with one simple question–Do I have a case?   To figure out whether you are entitled to remedy under State Lemon Laws or Federal Warranty Statutes, answer these three questions.

1) Do you have an original or extended manufacturers warranty?

2)While under warranty, were you back to an authorized manufacturers dealership three or more times for the same problem?

3) Has your car been in the shop an extended period of time, either because a part needed is on national back order, or because the service advisor can’t address the nature of the problem? 

If you answered yes to question #1 and yes to at least one of the other two questions, chances are strong that you are entitled to remedy under either your State’s Lemon Law or the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.  Now, in order to determine exactly what type of claim you have, and what type of remedy you are entitled to, it is best for you to contact us or another lemon law firm.  

Many consumers are hesitant to fight for their rights, because they feel that they will be stuck in a pile of red tape, or the dealer will refuse to continue to repair the car under warranty.  The fact of the matter is that your claim is against the manufacturer, not the dealer, and in many instances, it requires very little time and effort on your part.  If you feel you may have a potential claim, feel free to reach out to us to discuss your situation.  One quick call could provide tremendous results for you and your family.

Popularity: 8% [?]

We continue our “Get To Know Your Lemon Law” series with the Ohio Lemon Law. 

The Ohio Lemon Law applies to new cars, noncommercial motor vehicles, motor homes and recreational vehicles that suffer a nonconformity; a defect or condition, which substantially impairs the use, value or safety; that cannot be repaired after three attempts by an authorized manufacturer’s dealership. The first repair must occur in the first 12 months or 18,000 miles whichever comes first.  The Law also covers cars that in the shop 30 or more calendar days during that period, either consecutive or not.

In addition, the OH Lemon Law also provides an additional protection that you do not see in other lemon laws, such as Pennsylvania Lemon Law.  The Law covers you if you have been in the shop for 8 total repair attempts in the first 12 months/18,000 miles, regardless if they are for the same or different problems.

And like the newly amended  New Jersey Lemon Law, the OH Lemon Law  covers consumers for conditions likely to cause death or serious bodily injury that are not fixed after the first repair attempt.

Like the other Lemon Laws we have previously covered in the blog, the Ohio Lemon Law provides completely cost-free representation through fee-shifting provisions which ensure that if the consumer prevails, the manufacturer must pay all attorneys fees on top of that the consumer receives.  Possible remedies include a complete repurchase, a new car, or a partial refund to reflect the diminished value of the car (in this scenario, the consumer keeps the car.)

And remember, even if you do not fall under the parameters of the OH Lemon law, free help may still be available through the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. 

If you think you may have a potential claim under the Ohio Lemon Law, drop us a line and tell us about it.  We will be glad to discuss the situation with you and see how we can help.

Popularity: 9% [?]