Lemon Law for California

Build Dates : June 01, 2005 - February 20, 2006

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V149000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20060626
Date Received by ODI: 20060503
Date Added to Databse: 20060503

Manufacturer’s Involved: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: CHRYSLER LLC
Manufacturer Campaign Number: F18

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 44367

Summary: 

Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.7 liter engines and mk25e braking systems may exhibit inadequate clearance between the rear brake tubes and the exhaust gas recirculation tube. Contact between the brake tubes and exhaust gas recirculation tube over an extended period of time may cause the brake tubes to wear through and cause a brake fluid leak.

Consequence: 

This can result in a decrease of braking force and the potential for an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: 

Dealers will inspect the rear brake tubes for damage and replace them free of charge. A clip will also be installed to secure the brake tubes to the right front shock tower to maintain proper clearance to the exhaust gas recirculation tube. The Chrysler recall began on June 26, 2006. 

One of the key documentation elements to a Lemon Law case is the “repair order” and “invoice.”  Most states’ Lemon Laws use the number of times you visited the dealer to get a particular defect corrected in determining whether a vehicle qualifies as a “lemon.” 

Dealers can create a problem by what is known as the “open” repair order. An example of this is when a customer has a “repair order” written (and gets a signed copy of it) and the dealer calls and says “we had to order a part, come on by and pick up your car, we are going to hold the repair order ticket open until the part comes in.” This is where you say “no”. If the car is available to drive, but parts are on order, then you need have the dealer close out that repair order and give you an invoice when you pick up the vehicle. You are entitled to a closed repair invoice that accurately reflects what the dealership did to diagnose your written complaint, what parts are on order, the “date in/date out” as well as “miles in/miles out”, giving you a record of that repair visit. 

By following the information outlined above, you will avoid having two repair attempts by the dealer turning into one, because they otherwise were going to “hold open” the repair order and only give you one invoice after parts had come in, and repairs were completed. 

Many vehicle problems can be identified and repaired by your franchised dealership right from the start, or by the 2nd visit. Sometimes a visit with the Service Manager at the 2nd visit can result in a potential repeated problem being resolved right away. Other times vehicles have a chronic problem (or problems) that despite repeated visits to the dealership (not to mention countless days in the shop) turn out to be “lemons.” It’s when despite your best efforts the vehicle just turns out to be chronically defective, and needs to be repurchased or replaced. 

Sometimes the old adage “what you do say can hurt you” can be an accurate statement when it comes to Lemon Law claim.  Consumers are not generally versed in law, civil litigation, speaking with automobile manufacturers or their “customer assistance centers,” or Lemon Laws. The consumer should consider getting professional advice from an experienced Lemon Law attorney that knows and understands the Lemon Law.