Lemon Law for California

Build Dates : October 22,  2007 - May 22, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V396000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20080829
Date Received by ODI: 20080814
Date Added to Databse: 20080814

Manufacturer’s Involved: JAGUAR CARS LTD
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: JAGUAR CARS LTD
Manufacturer Campaign Number: J007

Component: SEAT BELTS:REAR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 7918

Summary:

Jaguar is recalling 7,918 my 2009 XF vehicles. The rear safety belt d-ring assembly may not rotate properly around the safety belt anchorage mounting bolt. If the assembly is not held together when tightening, the d-ring and/or washer can separate from the shoulder of the spacer, allowing these parts to be partially clamped by the spacer, forming a burr on either the d-ring or the washer and subsequently limiting proper rotation of the d-ring.

Consequence:

In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the outboard rear safety belt d-ring and, if necessary, the d-ring assembly will be removed and any burrs on the d-ring or washer filed flat. The d-ring assembly will then be reinstalled to correct the condition. The recall began on August 29, 2008.

In regards to a motor vehicle, a “lemon” is an automobile which has a defect or combination of defects which cannot be or are not repaired within a reasonable time period or in a reasonable number of repair attempts. These defects may range from the transmission or engine to mechanical repairs or issues with a car’s navigation system or windshield wipers.

Lemon vehicles common misconception is that yours must “qualify” as a lemon in order for you to seek financial relief. State-specific lemon law standards vary, and what may qualify as grounds for a lemon law claim will depend upon your particular case. For this reason it is always recommended that you consult a lemon law lawyer in your area to see if your vehicle might be a lemon.

Lemon law applies to your case in different ways, depending on your state. However, the general purpose of lemon laws is to give consumers the opportunity to take legal action against manufacturers or dealers who create or sell defective automobiles. The majority of lemon law claims settle out of court. This means that the dealer  and/or manufacturer  will give a cash settlement to the consumer or may work out another method of resolving the claim without a judgment in court being necessary. The desired result is to free the consumer of the lemon without the consumer suffering any losses.

If you were lied to or mislead by the manufacturer or dealership, it may be possible for you to take additional legal remedies, including financial damages of up to three times your losses. The right lemon law lawyer will determine how your state’s lemon laws can protect you and bring the responsible party to justice, regardless of your particular situation.

Build Dates : 20060601 - 20070430

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V190000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20070523
Date Received by ODI: 20070502
Date Added to Databse: 20070502

Manufacturer’s Involved: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 07066

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:COMPRESSOR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1896

Summary:

On certain medium duty conventional and tilt cab trucks equipped with 7.8l diesel engines and air brakes, the air compressor may not build enough air pressure to support the air brake system.

Consequence:

If this condition were to occur while the vehicle was stationary (brakes applied) the air brakes would remain applied and prevent the vehicle from moving. If this condition were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, the dual system air pressure gauges would register the drop in pressure. If the pressure continued to drop, the low air pressure warning buzzer and warning lamp would activate as designed, warning the driver to move the vehicle to a safety location. If the driver ignores these warnings and continues to drive the vehicle, and if there was a continued loss of pressure, the rear spring parking brakes would automatically apply, preventing the truck from being driven.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the air compressor head. The recall began on May 23, 2007.

A“new motor vehicle” is covered by CA lemon law (including the chassis cab of a motor home, a dealer-owned vehicle, a “demonstrator”, or other vehicle sold with a manufacturer’s new car warranty) that:

• is used or bought for use primarily for family, personal, or household purposes, or

• under 10,000 pounds has a gross vehicle weight and is bought or used primarily for business purposes by any person or business to which at least one1 but not more than five motor vehicles are registered in California.

In addition, the motor vehicle must have been:

• originally leased  or purchased at retail in California 2 , or

•  leased  or purchased by a full-time active duty member of the Armed Forces who was stationed or residing in California at the time of purchase or lease or at the time the claim is filed.

The lemon law does not cover any portion of a motor home designed, used or maintained primarily for human habitation; a motorcycle; or a motor vehicle that is not registered under the Vehicle Code because it is to be operated or used exclusively off the highways.

Build Dates : June 20, 2007 - October 25, 2007

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V521000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20081104
Date Received by ODI: 20081007
Date Added to Databse: 20081007

Manufacturer’s Involved: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number:

Component: AIR BAGS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 204361

Summary:

Nissan is recalling 204,361 my 2007-2008 Altima, Altima Hybrid, 350z, 350z roadster, my 2008 Altima Coupe, Rogue, My 2009 Murano, and Infiniti my 2007-2008 g35 Sedan, my 2008 g37 coupe and ex35 passenger vehicles equipped with continental automotive systems’ occupant classification system (ocs) control units. A varistor in the ocs control unit located in the passenger seat cushion may have been manufactured out of specification. Under certain conditions, this could cause an interruption of signal between the ocs and the air bag control unit (ACU).

Consequence:

This could result in the passenger air bag being suppressed which could fail to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will test the signal between the ocs and acu systems using a special tool to check that it is functioning as designed. If necessary, the seat cushion (containing ocs hardware) will be replaced with a new one manufactured to specification. The recall began on November 4, 2008.

Consumer Law Partners has decades of combined experience successfully dealing with the Lemon Law in California-hundreds of clients have had their cases successfully resolved through the firm. Our goal is to do whatever is right for our clients. With a clients  dealing  history and working with them in a professional manner to achieve the best possible results, Consumer Law Partners is a law firm that recognizes that nothing is more important than the relationships we establish with our clients and community. We bring our expertise  and experience  to you absolutely free of charge, regardless of the outcome of your case.

The Lemon Law does not require attorney assistance, but, because it requires that the manufacturers of vehicles pay the attorneys fees of the consumer, some law firms will provide their legal services completely free of any out-of-pocket cost to the consumer. Accordingly, the best action  course is to seek out a competent law firm that will honor the “fee clause” of the Lemon Law and provide their legal services to you free of charge.

Build Dates : February 20, 2006 - May 17, 2006

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V356000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20061009
Date Received by ODI: 20060919
Date Added to Databse: 20060920

Manufacturer’s Involved: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 078

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 790

Summary:

On certain minivans equipped with adjustable brake pedals, the stop lamp switch wiring harness may be out of position. An improperly positioned stop lamp switch wiring harness could make contact with the u-joint assembly of the steering column. Repeated contact may eventually cause the wiring harness insulation to chafe.

Consequence:

Chafed insulation could cause a short of the wiring harness resulting in the loss of brake lights, engine stalling, or an inability to start the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the wiring harness for chafing and repair it if necessary. Also, the dealer will secure the wiring harness to prevent future contact with the u-joint assembly. The recall began on October 9, 2006.

The Lemon Law in California is set up so that the purchaser of a vehicle can seek a refund or replacement of their vehicle so long as the vehicle has:

• Been taken in for service on more than four (4) occasions for a defect that substantially impairs the use or value of the vehicle;

• Been taken in for service onmore than two (2) occasions for a defect that is likely to cause serious injury or death; or

• Been in service for more than thirty (30) cumulative calendar days.

A legal presumption that the vehicle is a lemon it created in case any one of the above requirements is met, and you may be entitled to one of two options, at your choice:

1. A new vehicle, which is similar, or the same to the one you own and a refund for miscellaneous costs associated with the vehicle ;

2. A complete refund, including license, tax, registration, miscellaneous costs associated with the vehicle, and all the payments made on the vehicle.

Both of these are a mileage offset subject , which is calculated according to a set formula we will be happy to explain to you.

Build Dates : 20060401 - 20070430

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V190000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20070523
Date Received by ODI: 20070502
Date Added to Databse: 20070502

Manufacturer’s Involved: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 07066

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:COMPRESSOR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1896

Summary:

On Certain Medium Duty Conventional And Tilt Cab Trucks Equipped With 7.8l Diesel Engines And Air Brakes, The Air Compressor May Not Build Enough Air Pressure To Support The Air Brake System.

Consequence:

If this condition were to occur while the vehicle was stationary (brakes applied) the air brakes would remain applied and prevent the vehicle from moving. If this condition were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, the dual system air pressure gauges would register the drop in pressure. If the pressure continued to drop, the low air pressure warning buzzer and warning lamp would activate as designed, warning the driver to move the vehicle to a safety location. If the driver ignores these warnings and continues to drive the vehicle, and if there was a continued loss of pressure, the rear spring parking brakes would automatically apply, preventing the truck from being driven.

Remedy:

Dealers Will Replace The Air Compressor Head. The Recall Began On May 23, 2007.

Make sure you know the company, paying  and authorizing  your claims. You should look for a company that handles all aspects claims and allows you to use the repair facility of your choice (dealer, national chain, local mechanic). The claims should be paid via  corporate credit card immediately to the repair facility , with no need to lay out money for repairs. They should cover all parts, labor and even sales tax (if applicable) with no limit on the number of claims you may have.

You’re never buying double coverage with most extended warranties.  The earlier you purchase it, your extended car warranty will be less expensive. The price for protection rises, as the vehicle accrues  and ages  mileage. Due to increasing parts  and labor  prices, prices may also rise . You will be offered the lowest price and longest term the newer your vehicle is. By locking into today’s low prices you can save money  and protecting yourself from tomorrow’s rising repair rates. The company usually takes into account the time left on your manufacturer’s warranty, if any, and takes over after it expires.

Make sure that the company you are considering will pay the full, posted labor rate to the repair facility and not just the hourly rate designated by the repair guides. Also, review the contract to verify if it is the administrator’s sole discretion as to the types of parts that can be used when repairing your vehicle. These extended car warranty contracts hidden clauses usually mean out of pocket expenses for you later on.