6420 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 200
Los Angeles, CA 90048
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Wondering what happens if the dealership can’t fix your car under warranty? Sometimes a repair shop or dealership will take too long to fix your vehicle or, even worse, a dealership or manufacturer may claim that your car under warranty cannot be fixed.
The Lemon Law in the United States guarantees that vehicle owners have the right to an automobile that is functional and working.
If you have purchased or leased a vehicle under warranty and discovered within a certain time period that the car has a problem, you may have the right to file a lemon law claim.
If your car under warranty cannot be fixed you are very likely entitled to compensation. Prequalify below or call (310) 627-2665 for a free case evaluation.
Keep reading to learn what to do if your car under warranty can’t be fixed.
You’ve recently purchased or leased a car, but it’s been plagued with issues. It’s under warranty, but what happens if the dealership can’t fix it? Let’s break it down.
Warranties act as promises from the manufacturer to stand by their product. When your car has a defect or issue that falls under the warranty’s terms, the dealer is obligated to resolve it. But occasionally, a car under warranty cannot be fixed after multiple attempts. This can be frustrating and confusing for the owner. So, what’s next?
If the dealership can’t fix the car under warranty after several tries, you might be dealing with what’s commonly called a “lemon.” In California, the Lemon Law protects consumers who’ve purchased vehicles with significant defects that the dealer or manufacturer can’t rectify within a reasonable number of attempts.
What happens if the dealership can’t fix my car under an extended warranty? The same principle applies. Whether it’s the standard manufacturer’s warranty or an extended warranty, if the dealer refuses to fix the car or can’t fix it, you could have a claim under the Lemon Law.
Can a dealer refuse to do warranty work? Simply put, if the defect or malfunction is covered by the warranty, then no, the dealer cannot refuse the warranty work. Doing so would breach the warranty agreement.
There are two basic categories of warranties:
The details of a factory warranty will vary based on the manufacturer and the dealership you purchased the vehicle from.
Generally, the vendor through which you purchased the extended warranty determines the coverage.
Under both a factory warranty and an extended warranty, you may have a powertrain warranty and a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Typical powertrain warranties will be five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, while others could be ten years or 100,000 miles. Most powertrain warranties will include the coverage of repairs and maintenance to the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive shaft, gaskets, seals, and axles.
Parts such as belts, brakes, and tires aren’t included in a powertrain warranty, but check your policy documentation to be sure.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty may include some of the repairs and maintenance that a powertrain warranty wouldn’t. For example, a bumper-to-bumper warranty can cover electrical components such as alternators, power windows, sunroofs, locking mechanisms, cameras, GPS systems, and some batteries like that of a hybrid or fully electric vehicle.
Extended warranty claims frequently cover more than the powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties, but again, this will depend on the company. The extras could include normal wear and tear repairs, such as brakes and belts.
The extended warranty’s big sell is usually roadside assistance like towing, trip interruption services, and roadside assistance that deals with issues like flats and lockouts.
A car warranty rarely covers physical damage to the interior, such as seats, consoles, steering wheels, body damage from accidents, or environmental damage like flooding or hail. These factors would fall under your car insurance policy, but be sure to check the fine print.
If the dealer is unable to fix your vehicle that is still under warranty or if they take longer than one month to complete the warranty repair, you may have a case.
For example, California Lemon Law protects consumers with leased or purchased in California that are still under a dealer or manufacturer’s warranty.
After all, as a consumer with a valid purchase, you have the right to a properly running new car regardless of the model.
In order for your lease or purchase to qualify under the statute of your state’s lemon laws, you must:
There are several qualifying factors to consider to determine if a defective car under warranty qualifies as a lemon. The car must also be covered by an active manufacturer’s warranty (other than exceptional cases) at the time of the claim. In terms of faults and defects, the following would be required for a claim:
If your car under warranty cannot be fixed or the dealership has failed to fix it after several repair attempts, working with an experienced lemon law attorney is the best way to maximize your recovery.
We encourage you to contact Cali Lemon Lawyers today for more information. Our experienced team of legal professionals is ready to help guide you through the California Lemon Law process and advocate on your behalf.
or give us a call at:
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6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 200
Los Angeles, CA 90048
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Other states we service include Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania & Texas.
Consumer protection laws in California and nationwide actively protect buyers of vehicles and other consumer goods. They hold a particular importance when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle. The California Lemon Law grants legal rights to those who find themselves with a vehicle that continually fails to function properly, providing a pathway to seek resolution and potential compensation.
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