Lemon Law for California

Build Dates : March 07, 2006 - September 16, 2006

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V405000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20061018
Date Received by ODI: 20061025
Date Added to Databse: 20061025

Manufacturer’s Involved: WESTERN WORLD, INC.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: WESTERN WORLD, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number:

Component: SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE:TORQUE ARM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 243

Summary: 

On certain trailers, one or more of the eight nuts and bolts attaching the two axles to the frames may not have been sufficiently tightened.

Consequence: 

Insufficiently tightened nuts could come off and potentially one or both of the axles could separate from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 

Dealers will re-torque the nuts and bolts that attach the axles to the frame of the trailer free of charge. The Circle J recall began on October 18, 2006.

A “substantial defect” is a problem covered by the warranty that impairs the car’s use, value, or safety, such as faulty brakes or steering. Minor defects such as loose radio knobs and door handles do not meet the legal definition of “substantial defect.”

As with most legal definitions, the line between a “minor” and a “substantial” defect is not always clear. Some not-so-obvious conditions, such as defective paint jobs or horrible smells, have been found to be substantial defects.

In all states, the substantial defect must occur within a certain period of time (usually one or two years) or within a certain number of miles (usually 12,000 or 24,000). The defect must not be caused by abuse.

If your car meets the lemon law requirements for your state, you have the right to obtain a refund or replacement car from the manufacturer. Although the process for getting this relief is different in each state, in all states you must first notify the manufacturer of the defect. If you’re not offered a satisfactory settlement, most states require you to go to arbitration before going to court.

Manufacturers use a number of different arbitration programs. In many cases, the manufacturer will select the program for you. If you are given the opportunity to choose, you’ll probably do better if you choose a state consumer protection agency program, rather than a manufacturer’s in-house program or a private arbitration program.

The arbitrator will hear both sides of the dispute and make a decision, usually within 60 days after the hearing. If the arbitrator decides that your car is a lemon, you will be entitled to a refund or replacement.