Lemon Law for California

Build Dates : April 14, 2008 - May 27, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V329000

Date Owner’s Notified: 20080813
Date Received by ODI: 20080723
Date Added to Databse: 20080723

Manufacturer’s Involved: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 201

Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1020

Summary:

Volvo is recalling MY 2008-2009 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly vulcanized (cured) and does not meet specifications. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur.

Consequence:

This can result in a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2008.

In order to be covered by the CA lemon law, your car must be leased  or purchased for personal use. If you buy a used vehicle that is still under the warranty of its original manufacturer, the lemon law is applicable until the expiration of the warranty.

Your vehicle manufacturer is allowed to make a “reasonable number” of attempts to repair your car. Two repair attempts are considered reasonable for conditions that could result in bodily injury. Four repair attempts are reasonable for other defects. The California lemon law also applies when a vehicle has numerous problems that cause the vehicle to be nonoperational for 30 cumulative days within the first 18 months after purchase.

The auto manufacturer, in all cases, must be notified of the defect in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty. Repairs should be made by an agent who is authorized by the manufacturer. If your vehicle cannot be repaired, you have the right to receive a refund or a new vehicle. A refund from the auto manufacturer will include the vehicle price plus manufacturer installed items, but features added by the dealer are not covered.

The CA lemon law allows the manufacturer of an automobile to deduct from your refund a charge for your use of the vehicle. The amount charged is based on the mileage of the car before the first documented occurrence of the problem. Documentation  examples are your certified mail return receipt for your complaint filing and receipts from an authorized repair shops.