Lemon Law Blog

This year, we have handled numerous lemon law claims with regards to the Jeep Commander (#6 on this year’s car complaint index) and the Pontiac G6.  Now comes word from consumer affairs.com that NHTSA, The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation which could lead to a recall of 136,444 Commanders and 176,968 Pontiacs.

Jeep Commander drviers have been complaining of stalling incidents with simultaneous loss of lighting systems including headlamps. NHTSA has also received 19 complaints of power steering from Pontiac G6 drivers with two incidents resulting in accidents.

If you find that you are experiencing problems with your Jeep Commander or Pontiac G6, it’s very important to keep all of your reapir invoices and keep a log when you are experiencing problems.  If you bring your car in the shop three or more times, you could be entitled to significant remedy under State or Federal Law.  Feel free to contact us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

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Every month, we will be highlighting some common trends we are seeing in our lemon law claims.  We have successfully handled numerous cases with the following problems.  If you find that you are experiencing these problems, and you have been back in the shop 3 or more times for the issue, please contact us to see if we can help you receive a new car, or a full or partial refund:

TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS in 2005-2006 Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum , Chrysler 300, and Jeep Commander models

WATER LEAKS in Jeep Wrangler models (we have handled hundreds of these pertaining specifically to the 2008 model)

SEVERE VIBRATION (known as “Death Wobble”) in 2005-2008 Jeep Wrangler models

VIBRATION in 2006-2007 Chrysler Pacifica models

BRAKE FAILURE in 2006-2007 Dodge Dakota models

2005-2006 Harley Davidson models are having problem with the bikes charging

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT in 2006 Kia Spectra models

BRAKES AND ROTOR FAILURE in Nissan Titan and Armada models

BRAKE PROBLEMS with Kia Sedona models

For more information on lemon law help, call us at 1-800-LEMON-LAW or visit our website.

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Attention TV viewers in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware–

Think you know everything about the lemon law? Test your knowledge and you could win a $50 WAWA gas card. Watch the 10! show the next five Thursdays at 2pm on NBC10 for your chance to win.

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We are very proud of our website. Since it’s inception over ten years ago as the first site dealing specifically with lemon law and breach of warranty rights, we have provided information to more than 20 million visitors.  We have been recognized by many organizations for providing comprehensive and useful information to both distressed drivers who already have a lemon car and potential car-buyers who are looking to buy a car without being taken for a ride.

That being said, it often surprises us when folks reach out to us for assistance and information, and then proceed to tell us that they think they will be able to handle it on their own through the dealership.  That would be okay–if the dealer was the defendant, but they are not.  In most cases, dealerships have NO authority to offer a consumer a buy back or an MSRP to MSRP swap (not a trade, but a swap). In addition, most consumers have

**NO access to the manufacturer’s legal counsel.  Sure, you can call the customer service hotline and receive a case number, but what does that mean?  And, who are you talking to on the other line? In most cases, this is a pacifier.

**NO true knowledge of the last chance letter we frequently see on websites. Consumers should not send a last chance letter on their own.  Why are you only giving the consumer one last chance to fix the problem, when there is no guarantee that you will get a new car or buyback.  This is a law; it is not a guarantee.  Plus, you are creating a hostile environment between you and the dealership.  You need to speak to a lawyer first before issuing such a letter. 

**NO access to technical service bulletins, recalls, or case study to determine if the problems you are experiencing are common among the masses.  Plus, law firms offer ASE-certified experts who will write expert reports on cars and their conditions–at NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.

**NO ability to enforce the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.  Yes, dealers are required to discuss the Lemon Law with you when you purchase a car.  But, if your problems fall outside the lemon law provisions, ask them about the Mag Moss and they will stare at you like you are speaking another language?  Do you think the dealer is going to offer you thousands of dollars to reflect the diminished value of the car? No and they are not required to.  If you have a car with 50,000 miles on it, what can a dealer do for you?  An oil change, a monthly payment, at the most an extended warranty, but you are entitled to SO MUCH MORE.

Our goal is to educate you about your rights so that you will enforce them if you need to.  However, the beauty of these laws is that they offer provisions which put you on EQUAL FOOTING with the billion-dollar manufacturers?  These provisions provide completely free legal help, either through us or another Firm.  Take advantage of them.  Let those who are more knowledgeable help you.  I can’t tell you the number of folks who tried to do this on their own, failed, and then virtually voided their rights.  If you are going to fight, make sure you have someone in your corner who knows how to battle. OK, I’m stepping off my soapbox now.

A quick programming note for viewers in the Delaware Valley–Craig Kimmel will be discussing the 2008 Car Complaint Index and the Center for Auto Safety’s Best Bets tonight on the Fox 29 News at 5.

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Certainly, we have all heard of the lemon law at one time or another.  Every State has one and they are designed to protect car owners when their ride turns sour.  But, what if you fall outside the lemon law provisions?  Perhaps, you live in Pennsylvania, and your problem occurred at 13,000 miles, rather than 12,000? Or you have a used car with a manufacturers warranty and the check engine light just will not go off?  Is the manufacturer off the hook?  Is the consumer out of luck?  The answer is no.

There’s a little known Federal law called the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, that’s not discussed by car dealerships when you purchase your car.  It’s a statute that is not heavily promoted or publicized but it applies to cars, or any products that cost over $25 and are covered by a manufacturers warranty.  What is says is that if you find that you have to get your car repaired three or more times for the same thing, it means that the warranty has not proven to efficient or very effective. 

And for that reason, you could be entitled to monies that reflect the diminished value of the car as a result of the problem. So, that darn window motor that’s been replaced, the air conditioner that hasn’t been blowing cool air,  the water leak in the trunk that was finally fixed after four tries, or that nav system that’s gone through quite a few upgrades could mean thousands in your pocket PLUS**You get to keep your car**Your warranty remains completely in effect and they still have to fix your car. **Your car is not branded in any way (like the lemon law)**You do not disclose that you received this money when selling or trading your car.  **Like the Lemon Law, the Magnuson Moss provides a provision which entitles consumers to completely free legal help, so they are on equal footing with the manufacturers. And unlike the lemon law, this law can apply to used cars.

You read this right–This is free money and it applies to any car or truck which is still under an original or extended manufacturers warranty. If you think you may be entitled to money under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, click here and we will be glad to contact you to further discuss your claim.  

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We are seeing a lot of 2008 Jeep Wrangler and Patriot vehicles with water leaks.  Regardless of whether you have a hard top or a soft top, this should not be happening, no matter what your service manager says.  If your Jeep has been leaking, and you have been in three or more times to get the matter repaired, contact us immediately. Under your State’s  lemon law and/or State Federal Laws, you could be entitled to a new car or refund and help is free! 

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