My 2021 Chevy Blazer Engine Feels Underpowered

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 185 – From Emotionally Exhausted 

Dear Suzanne, 

I can tell you from experience that emotional exhaustion is sometimes much worse than its physical counterpart. With physical fatigue, more often than not, a simple rest can restore your strength, but your emotional state isn’t always  as cooperative. It’s even worse when it’s something that’s out of your control. 

Take my case for instance, I have a vehicle with recurrent defects and there seems to be no fix for the issues. In a case like mine, it’s impossible to be anything but exhausted, especially with the constant unproductive visits to the repair shop. 

For context, I drive a 2021 Chevy Blazer. This car has everything you can ever imagine from a vehicle in its price range. Before I got it, I made sure to check reviews and the car’s overall ratings so I knew what I was in for. After getting my car, I decided most of the reviews I saw were on point in all areas except two; the tires and the base engine. 

These two areas have stressed me out multiple times, but I can’t do without driving, so here I am. 

The Tires 

Looking at the tires of a Chevy Blazer, one would expect that they would be high-quality and long-lasting. This isn’t always the case, as I soon found out. 

About two months after I got the car, the two front tires went flat. This came as a shock because there wasn’t anything that punctured them. I had just purchased the car and something like this shouldn’t be happening so soon. I took it to the gas station and filled it with air, and just considered it a fluke. 

However, a month later I got another flat tire. This time, it was just the one at the front passenger side. Just like before, I filled it again and grumbled about it to the Chevrolet dealership, but nothing serious. 

It was when it happened the third time that I realized I might have gotten a defective car. If that’s not the case, why have I pumped air into the tires three times in less than four months? 

When I complained to the dealership about this, they decided to examine the tires closely. They found out that three of the four tires were defective and had to be replaced. How can you tell me I have to change out three tires for a car I haven’t used for half a year? It was difficult for me to even come to terms with it; it felt very absurd. 

So they kept the car for a bit, ordered the tires, and did the replacement. After that, my Blazer was finally running smooth. 

The Base Engine 

Another problem I always had, and still have, with my Chevy Blazer was the underpowered base engine. It felt like the engine the manufacturer put in the car was not powerful enough for the desired performance. As such, any drop in engine efficiency makes it feel like the car is too heavy and it develops a bit of lag when accelerating. Due to this, sometimes what should be an easy overtaking may stretch out to something longer all because it can’t accelerate. 

I have reported this to the repair shop, but since it’s not an ‘actual problem’, they claim it’s a normal thing. But to be honest, I don’t think this is normal – it’s too dangerous to be called normal. A simple miscalculation on the part of the driver could lead to very disastrous consequences. I feel like something else is slowing it down. 

Right now, I’m contemplating taking the car to another certified dealer for a second opinion about the engine. Maybe there, they might be more open-minded and give the engine a better look. 

Until then, I’m stuck with this car or so I thought before a friend told me about the lemon law. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear what options I might have under this law. 

Emotionally Exhausted 

You Are Not Stuck With Your Defective 2021 Chevy Blazer 

Dear Emotionally Exhausted, 

I understand where your name comes from – owning a lemon vehicle can be emotionally draining. It is even worse when it seems like there’s no escape from your recurring problems. Thankfully, your friend helped you see the light, and here we are to shed more light on the lemon law.

What Does The Lemon Law Do? 

The lemon law is a rule that safeguards the rights of vehicle consumers. It exists to make sure owners of defective vehicles do not remain stuck with inoperable or unsafe cars. To qualify for this law, you need at least two repair orders for the same issue or three or more repair orders for different issues. 

Now, the thing about defective vehicles like yours is that when you experience certain issues early on, there is likely more to come later. If you’re having issues so soon, it means you probably will have problems after the warranty expires. By then, it will be up to you to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket.

With the lemon law, there are a couple of options available to you. You can discuss this further with your lawyer before making a decision and getting your case started, but it’s best to begin as soon as possible while your car is still at a lower mileage. The options include:

1. Buyback 
2. Cash and keep

• Buyback Offer 

   

Buyback is exactly what it implies. It involves the automakers buying the vehicle back from you and returning all that you have spent on the vehicle. This includes any down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and interests. If you took out any loan for the vehicle, the manufacturers would pay that off for you. On the plus side, your credit may even go up as a result. 

With the buyback, the only deduction the manufacturer can use is called the mileage offset. This allows them to charge you for the miles used before the car had issues. They usually calculate this using the mileage you were at during your first repair visit. 

Since you went early on for your first repair, it means there isn’t much offset for the manufacturers to deduct. Also, the fact that they can deduct the mileage offset doesn’t mean they will. Your lawyer can often get it waived in half or in full.

• Cash And Keep 

   

The second option is the cash and keep. It is cash compensation for the issues you experienced while you get to keep the vehicle. With this, the vehicle remains yours and your warranty is still valid. If you decide to sell your vehicle, you don’t have to label it a lemon to the next owner. 

The thing about this option is there’s no guarantee that the automakers will be able to handle any further problems. This compensation is more of a one and done kinda deal. The manufacturer pays you and they wash their hands of the case. Any further issues are now between you and your car dealer. 

Lemon Law Tips

The good news about lemon cases in California is that you do not have to pay any attorney fees. Lemon law cases are usually taken on a contingency basis. This is because legally in California, the manufacturing company is in charge of settling the law firm’s fees. Hence, 100% of the original settlement goes over to you. 

If you continue to have problems during the case, continue to take it into the dealership. Each repair order strengthens your case. Just make sure you keep track of all of your documents, because that evidence is what will win you a case. 

I hope you get into a reliable ride soon. Best of luck!

Suzanne

Featured Image: 2021 Chevrolet Blazer ©RL GNZLZ (CC Attribution 2.0 Generic license)

Free Legal Advice About Your 2021 Chevrolet Blazer Lemon Law Claim

Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about California’s lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (323) 553-7525 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.

DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about California Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim in California, please write to help@lemonlawyers.org. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.

Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a CA Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

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