Lemon Law for California

Build Dates : 01 September, 2008 – 19 August, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 09V333000

Date Owner’s Notified: 0000-00-00
Date Received by ODI: 2009-08-20
Date Added to Database: 2009-08-20

Manufacturers Involved: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 37E3/S7 & 37E4/J7

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 16000

Summary:

Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger vehicles manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the Direct Shift Gearbox “DSG” may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the “depress brake pedal” indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.

Consequence:

The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.

Remedy:

Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before October 19, 2009.

‘Lemon’ applies to any thing considered to be useless or defective. This is a slang term and is widely used to describe a car that causes more trouble than it is worth. If the vehicle fails to meet quality standards due to some concealed defect, people say: “It’s a lemon.”

There are laws and rules in every state protecting consumers from the consequences of a defective car. They are called United States lemon laws. Lemon laws vary from state to state. In some states Lemon Laws do not cover used or leased vehicles and are applicable for new purchases only.

The California lemon law covers not only new but also used and leased vehicles. The requirement is that the car should be bought for personal, family or household uses and has a written and specific warranty.

The manufacturer is responsible for the proper and satisfactory functioning of the car while it is under its warranty period. If the car is malfunctioning the manufacturer is bound to repair it. If after a reasonable number of repair attempts problems substantially reducing the use, value or safety of the vehicle are not fixed the manufacturer has to make either refund or replacement.

Very often the manufacturer refuses to replace your vehicle with one that is acceptable to you or refund your money. All you need to do is to find a professional lemon law attorney who will assist you in solving your problem with a Lemon vehicle and help you get a full compensation.

Build Dates : 03 September, 2008 – 16 September, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V642000

Date Owner’s Notified: 2009-02-09
Date Received by ODI: 2008-12-05
Date Added to Database: 2008-12-05

Manufacturers Involved: CHRYSLER LLC
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Manufacturer Campaign Number: H41

Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 175

Summary:

Chrysler is recalling 175 My 2009 Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitor “TPM” sensors may not transmit the actual tire pressure. This could result in the driver not being aware of low tire pressure.

Consequence:

Operation of the vehicle with low tire pressure could result in tire damage and cause a crash without warning.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the TPM sensors. The recall is expected to begin on February 9, 2009.

California is known as one of the most automobile-oriented states in America, and there is nothing surprising that it has definite laws concerning defective automobiles. The California Lemon Law protects consumers from the consequences of purchasing or leasing a defective car.

If you feel you are driving a lemon you should contact a Lemon law attorney or firm to ascertain whether your vehicle can be regarded as lemon or not. If it is a lemon the lemon law firm or attorney will handle your case against the dealer and will help you to receive proper compensation.

Your lemon law attorney will send a letter to the manufacturer and on receiving the reply (mostly a denial) he will file the summons and lodge a lawsuit. Though any lemon law attorney can fight a lemon lawsuit, it’s wise to find a specialized one, the one who has an experience of handling similar cases. Only a competent lemon lawyer is able to understand the concealed motives of the manufacturer and help you obtain a replacement or refund for the disputed vehicle and losses incurred from numerous repairs. You will also get a compensation for attorney fees under this law.

You can find the reference of such lemon law attorneys in the Attorney Directory from the Resources for Attorneys, who also maintain a website. You can find a lawyer from the recommendation of a relative / friend or can contact the bar association for a lawyer referral service. When contacting a lemon lawyer remember that he/she should not charge for an initial consultation.

Build Dates : 01 November, 2008 - 31 December, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 09V153000

Date Owner’s Notified: 2009-05-06
Date Received by ODI: 2009-05-06
Date Added to Database: 2009-05-06

Manufacturers Involved: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 09045

Component: PARKING BRAKE

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 15393

Summary:

GM is recalling 15,393 My 2009 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 135, “Passenger Car Brake Systems.” These vehicles may have a park brake cable link “connector” that is not to specification. This connector may fracture when the park brake pedal is depressed.

Consequence:

If the transmission shift lever is in the park position, there will be no unintended vehicle movement. However, if the keys are left in the ignition, the transmission shift lever is in any position other than park, and the vehicle is parked on a sufficient slope, it could result in unintended vehicle movement. This could result in a crash without prior warning.

Remedy:

Dealers are to replace the park brake cable link “connector” free of charge. GM anticipates that the dealer bulletin will be sent may 5, 2009 and owner letters will be mailed in June 2009.

You may have bought a new vehicle for a number of reasons, such as dependability and safety. A new vehicle should mean you do not have to worry about breakdowns or mechanical problems that people usually experience with used cars.

What happens if the automobile you just purchased has a problem that even after numerous trips to the garage for repairs still persists? Are you going to accept a manufacturer’s defect in your automobile and live with the problem? What if the problem can cause harm to you or your family? You should not put up with driving a defective car. You should do your best to protect yourself and your family.

California lemon law is to protect your rights as a consumer. It allows you to demand a full refund or vehicle replacement from the manufacturer. California lemon law protects not only the consumers’, but also manufacturers’ rights. The manufacturer should be given enough time to attempt to fix the problem. California lemon law is applicable only to vehicles purchased for your personal use and not for business purposes.

It is important to remember that your vehicle should meet all the requirements of to be considered as lemon under the California lemon law before you try to file a case. It might be a good idea for you to acquire the services of a qualified and experienced lawyer to obtain due compensation for your lemon.

Build Dates : 23 October, 2007 - 20 January, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 09V077000

Date Owner’s Notified: 2009-05-04
Date Received by ODI: 2009-03-10
Date Added to Database: 2009-03-10

Manufacturers Involved: MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
Manufacturer Campaign Number: SR-09-002

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 39711

Summary:

Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 My 2008-2009 Outlander and Lacer vehicles. Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off. When the vehicle is re-started and put into motion, under certain driving conditions “very slow vehicle maneuvers”, there may be insufficient initial braking assist.

Consequence:

This may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009.

In these tough economic times buying a used vehicle is one of the ways we can save a few dollars. But at the same time it can be a bit threatening, especially if you don’t know much about cars. Of course, there are laws to ensure that consumers don’t end up with a defective vehicle; however, you’d better read on to save yourself from headaches with repeated visits to the dealer for service.

First of all find the best used car dealer. Reputation and honesty are the most essential factors in choosing а car dealer.

Take the car for a test drive for at least 15 minutes. Take it on the highway to see if the acceleration suits, drive at various speeds, turn plenty of corners, and if possible drive over different types of pavement.

If you still like the car, the next step is to take it to an experienced mechanic for a thorough inspection. It’s better to pay some money before buying than spend much more money on repairs if you get stuck with a lemon. Ask the mechanic for a written report which you can use as a bargaining tool in negotiating a price.

Check if the price is reasonable by visiting various used car websites. An alternative to online price checking is purchasing a Blue Book Used Car Guide which is published twice a year.

Determine what you’re willing to pay for the car. If you are buying a used car, paying cash is more common because of the lower prices. If you do not have enough cash you can arrange bank financing, but first, determine from your budget how much you can afford for a car payment each month.

Build Dates : 0000-00-00 - 0000-00-00

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 09V388000

Date Owner’s Notified: 0000-00-00
Date Received by ODI: 2009-10-05
Date Added to Database: 2009-10-06

Manufacturers Involved: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: POLYMER PROCESS DEVELOPMENT, LLC
Manufacturer Campaign Number:

Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 3800000

Summary:

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat.

Consequence:

A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy:

Toyota will notify owners of affected vehicles to remove any driver’s floor mat and not replace it with any other floor mat pending the development of model-specific remedies. Toyota will mail a second notification to owners of affected vehicles notifying them of the free remedy when it is available. The first notice is expected to be mailed during October 2009 and Toyota will advise NHTSA of the estimated date when the remedy parts will be available.

The California Lemon Law was created to grant consumers the right to replace their lemon car or get a refund once they have given the manufacturer or its dealers a reasonable opportunity to repair defects that substantially impair the use, value or safety of their vehicle.

But what about hiring an attorney/firm to represent your rights in the context of a Lemon Law claim? When making your choice you should consider the attorney’s or law firm’s years of practicing lemon law in the State of California as well as success rate in handling lemon law cases. Click here to learn more about how to choose a lemon law firm in California.

Attorneys’ fees are the last thing you should be concerned about. An attorney who represents his client in lemon law will be compensated by the client’s right under the law to recover attorney fees as part of the recovery from the manufacturer. The lemon law recognizes that consumers have limited funds and encourages attorneys to pursue rights of these consumers by ensuring full compensation for time expended regardless of the consumer’s monetary recovery.

Hiring an attorney to represent consumers’ rights is available to anyone. So if you have a claim, the only concern is to find a qualified California Lemon Law attorney/firm to solve your specific situation.