Defective New Cars and Trucks

Defective New Cars and Trucks

Purchasing a new car or truck takes time and research. You want to trust that the vehicle you buy will operate smoothly and take you safely from one location to the next. Before you finalize the transaction, you may have taken several different vehicles on test drives, asked your family and friends for their recommendations, and researched the safety and reliability ratings for each car or truck that caught your eye. Once you drive your new vehicle home, the last thing you want to discover is that it contains a defect or malfunctions in some way. Unfortunately, errors made during the manufacturing or assembly process can lead to significant functional problems, some of which may jeopardize your safety. If you believe you have a defective vehicle, also called a “lemon,” on your hands, you may be entitled to certain legal remedies under California’s lemon laws. Reach out to the dedicated and experienced lemon law attorneys at Lemon Law Partners, LLP, to arrange a free case evaluation so you can better understand your legal rights and options for resolving this issue.

California Lemon Law Protects Consumers From Defective New Cars and Trucks

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act extends legal protections to consumers who have been sold faulty, defective, or unsafe products. Defects in a 2016-2024 new car or truck may qualify for coverage if the issue or defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. In order for a new car or truck to be considered a lemon, a “reasonable” number of repair attempts must be made to fix the underlying problem. Generally speaking, a reasonable number of attempts usually means at least four trips to the dealership have been made. However, if the defect poses a substantial safety risk, you may only need to show that two repair attempts have been made in order to qualify for relief, such as a replacement vehicle or refund. If you are struggling with a persistent issue in the new car or truck you purchased, reach out to our Berkeley office to discuss the details of your situation. Together, we can determine the most strategic path forward to resolve this frustrating situation.

Common Defects Found in Newly Purchased Cars and Trucks

Since we opened our practice, we have helped consumers resolve their lemon law cases and obtain the remedies they deserve. Persistent issues in new cars and trucks may involve any part or system in the vehicle. Below are just a few of the defects we see most frequently in newly purchased cars and trucks.

  • Engine failing to start or stalling
  • Loss of engine power
  • Engine struggles to maintain a strong pull
  • Unresponsive gas pedals
  • Diminished acceleration or sudden acceleration/deceleration
  • Vehicle shuts off while in motion
  • Car or truck loses torque or suffers from other steering system problems
  • Sudden and jerky movements
  • Transmission grinding and faulty transmission issues
  • Electrical system problems (i.e., malfunctioning door locks, headlights, windshield wipers, etc.)
  • Exhaust system emits black smoke
  • Braking system defects
  • Excessive tire wear
  • Excessive noise and vibration
  • Recurring fluid leaks
  • Defective batteries
  • Bubbling paint
  • Convertible top issues/failure to close or open properly

In addition to this list of defects, new cars and trucks may experience countless other recurring problems. If you are struggling with ongoing functional and safety issues in your new vehicle, you have every right to seek a replacement vehicle or refund from the manufacturer. At Lemon Law Partners, LLP, we have successfully helped hundreds of clients located throughout California obtain their desired outcomes. If your newly purchased car or truck is exhibiting recurring issues, call our office to arrange a free case evaluation. We’re ready to assess the specifics of your case and help you decide the most appropriate course of action.

Empowering You to Excercise Your Consumer Rights

Manufacturers have the obligation to ensure that the products they sell are not defective. Unfortunately, defects and errors do happen. If you have a lemon on your hands and the manufacturer is refusing to honor your request for a replacement vehicle or refund, litigation may be necessary. Our dedicated and experienced team of lemon law experts are ready to defend your best interests and exercise your legal rights at every turn. We will help you gather documents, prepare paperwork, and communicate with the manufacturer to ensure that you receive the remedies you’re owed. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about the financial impact of pursuing your replacement or refund request. Once we’ve resolved your case, you won’t owe us a cent—the manufacturer must cover our fees and costs. We encourage you to schedule your free case evaluation with us today to learn more.

Defective New Cars and Trucks

For years, Lemon Law Partners, LLP, has been helping California consumers understand their legal rights and resolve their lemon law cases. Headquartered in Berkeley, we also serve clients in Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and all of California.

We invite you to call our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.

(510) 944-0336