New vehicles have never been more expensive.
According to the Automotive News/Catalyst IQ tracker, new-vehicle prices recently climbed past a record that had stood for nearly three years. The tracker hit $51,820 on June 26, surpassing the July 2023 record, and then continued climbing to close the first half of the year at $51,974. That is a 4.9% increase from a year earlier.
For California consumers, that matters.
When a vehicle costs $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, or more, every repair visit feels more frustrating. You are not just losing time. You are paying a premium price for a vehicle that should work properly. If your expensive new vehicle has already been back to the dealership at least twice for the same warranty defect, it may be time to seriously consider a lemon law claim.
Today’s vehicle market is putting enormous financial pressure on buyers and lessees. Prices are rising across many segments. Compact sedans have reportedly seen some of the largest increases, with prices up 12% from a year earlier. Redesigned models such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota RAV4 also posted sharp year-over-year increases.
Even with these price hikes, vehicles are still selling quickly. Consumers are paying more, monthly payments are stretching budgets further, and many buyers are locked into long-term loans or leases.
That makes repeated warranty defects even more unacceptable.
If you bought or leased a new vehicle and it keeps returning to the dealership for the same problem, you may have rights under California’s lemon law.
A common misconception is that a vehicle has to be completely undrivable before it qualifies as a lemon. That is not true.
In many cases, if a vehicle has been subject to at least two warranty repair attempts for the same defect, it may be worth having the case reviewed. The issue could involve the engine, transmission, electrical system, infotainment system, brakes, steering, air conditioning, battery, charging system, safety features, or any other defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
The key question is whether the manufacturer or dealership has had a reasonable opportunity to repair the problem and failed to do so.
That does not mean every vehicle with two repair visits automatically qualifies. But it does mean the situation is serious enough that consumers should not ignore it, especially when they are paying record-high prices for the vehicle.
When vehicle prices are at record highs, a lemon law claim is not just about frustration. It can be a financially savvy way to recover money tied up in a defective vehicle.
Depending on the facts, a successful California lemon law claim may allow a consumer to pursue:
– A vehicle repurchase, including reimbursement of qualifying payments, down payment, registration, and other recoverable charges;
– A cash settlement; and
– Payment of attorney’s fees and costs by the manufacturer.
– For many consumers, this can be a practical way to avoid continuing to pour money into a vehicle that has already proven unreliable.
If your vehicle has been in for repeated warranty repairs, start gathering your repair orders now. Those documents are critical. They show the dates, mileage, complaints, repairs attempted, and whether the dealership verified the concern.
You should also keep records of your lease or purchase agreement, payment history, registration, towing expenses, rental car expenses, and communications with the dealership or manufacturer.
The more expensive vehicles become, the more important it is for consumers to protect themselves. If you paid a premium price for a new vehicle, you should not have to accept repeated defects as part of the deal.
Vehicle prices are at record highs. If your new vehicle has had at least two warranty repair claims for the same defect, bringing a lemon law claim may be one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.
You paid for a reliable vehicle. If the manufacturer cannot repair it under warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, California’s lemon law may give you a way to recover substantial money and move on from the problem.
Joseph Kaufman & Associates helps California consumers pursue lemon law claims against vehicle manufacturers. If your vehicle has been back to the dealership multiple times for the same issue, contact us to find out whether you may have a claim.
This post is attorney advertising. Every case depends on its own facts, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Please fill out the form below including any documentation you have regarding your vehicle’s issues and repairs. A lemon law attorney will review your info and set up a free consultation to let you know if you qualify for lemon law help.
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