DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 180 – From Weirded Out
Dear Suzanne,
If anyone had told me before that I would have to deal with the issues I’m currently dealing with, I would have thought they were crazy. But look at me now, trying to navigate these issues as best I can. Let me start from the very beginning.
I own a 2021 Ford Mustang that I purchased brand new. It’s a sweet ride with an amazing blend of style and speed all in one. I’ve always loved the idea of owning a Mustang, and as soon as I could afford it, I got one. I later realized that being in love with the idea of something is sometimes different than the reality of actually having it.
Excessive Vibration At Certain Speeds
The very first problem I encountered after getting the car started only a few months in. Whenever I drove at higher speeds, usually above 60 mph, the car would begin to vibrate and jerk. Then once I reduced the speed to anything below 60, it would stop vibrating. It got to the point where I couldn’t drive at high speeds even on freeways and highways.
I took it to the Ford dealership for inspection, but before they started, they first gave me a list of possible causes ranging from tire issues to suspension problems. When they checked it, they discovered it was none of these. Instead, it had to do with the worn-out brake rotors.
They discovered this after taking it for a test drive and finding out the vibration occurred in both the steering and the brake pedal. They said they would have to check through the entire brake system to figure out what the root issue was. They kept my car for repairs and after a couple of days it was ready to pick up.
Stench From Blower Ducts
A few months after the whole shenanigan with the vibration, I had one of the weirdest issues I’ve ever heard of.
The problem this time was with the blower ducts. I noticed that whenever I turned on the AC, the cool air brought with it a horrible stench. When this first happened, I thought maybe a rodent had crawled into the car and died. I did a thorough check and even took the car to a wash to clean it out and never found anything.
One day, I finally figured out where the smell came from. I turned on the AC one time and the stench increased in intensity and became unbearable. I had to turn off the AC and then I took the car to the dealership so they could see the cause.
When they checked it, they actually found a dead rodent in the blower ducts! I asked them how it could have gotten in there and they said it chewed through some wires and had even caused some damage to the ventilation system. They were asking how often I clean my car, but knowing the kind of neat freak I am, I didn’t have much to prove, as they could see how clean I kept it.
In the end, they cleaned out the AC unit, washed the blower ducts and aired it out. They said the smell wouldn’t leave immediately and I would have to be patient, but I was free to drive the car. Since the smell was tolerable for now, I left with my car.
My Date Gone Wrong
A couple of days later I was getting ready to go on a date. We agreed that I would come pick her up and then we would head to dinner. I was excited, but I was also a little nervous. I was nervous because besides it being the first date, I wasn’t completely sure if the smell was completely gone. I had gotten used to it, but to a fresh nose, there may still be some lingering in the air.
I hoped that she wouldn’t detect the smell, if any, and if I could avoid turning on the AC, I might be in the clear. I asked my friends if they could smell anything and they answered in the negative, so I thought I was good to go.
I went to pick her up and we were off. About halfway to the restaurant, she said she was feeling a little hot, so I reluctantly turned on the AC. Not long after I turned it on, I saw her nose twitch and I knew she could smell it, but she was too polite to say anything.
Fortunately, we got to our destination not long after. We ate, chatted a little and then we left. On the way back, she didn’t bother asking for the AC or anything – maybe because of the smell. I dropped her off and drove back home.
On getting home, I saw that I had a text from her, and she did mention that she noticed a smell when she was in the car. She said it in the politest and cutest way possible, so I wasn’t too down about it. Looking back at it, she was a fantastic person and really nice, and maybe that’s why she decided to give me another chance and go out a second time with me. Otherwise, I might have subsequently lost a chance at going out with a great person due to my rodent problem.
Right now, I’m looking for a way to get rid of this car. I don’t want to be stuck with it if another issue comes up. I don’t particularly have the energy to be dealing with all of this.
Weirded Out
Don’t Stay Stuck With Your Lemon 2021 Ford Mustang
Dear Weirded Out,
You know when you own a lemon, because the problems speak for themselves. When you begin to experience one issue after the other before you should, you know that you have a lemon. In your situation, you have a good case and you likely qualify for the lemon law.
How To Qualify For The Lemon Law
Lemon law requires at least two visits to the dealership for the same issues, or three visits for different problems, all within the manufacturer warranty period. Also, if it has stayed at the dealership for over a month, it qualifies no matter the number of visits. When your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, it becomes eligible for a lemon law claim.
Once you qualify, your attorney will try to get you as much compensation as possible. Below are the options available to you:
- The Buyback
The first option is called the repurchase or buyback. This means that you give back the vehicle and get back your money from the manufacturers. It includes all your monthly payments, down payment, and even your taxes and interest are included as well.
There is something called the mileage offset, where the manufacturers have a right to charge you for the time you drove the vehicle with no issues. This is usually based on the mileage you were at during your first visit. Luckily your attorney can argue to have this waived either in half or in full.
- The Cash and Keep
The second option we’ll discuss is the cash and keep settlement. With this you get to keep the vehicle and the manufacturer will write you a check for the problems you’ve had to deal with. You are able to keep the car and your warranty will not be voided or canceled. Also, if you decide to later sell the car, you do not have to deem it a lemon to the next owner. The one caveat with this option is you will be unable to file another lawsuit against the manufacturers for this same vehicle.
- The Replacement/Trade-in Offer
The third option is known as the replacement option. With this, the manufacturer will give you a vehicle with the same year, make, model, and same mileage as replacement for the one you have. The problem with this option is that you stand the chance of getting an even worse vehicle as replacement.
Lemon law cases typically take some time before they are resolved and it varies case by case. In the meantime, you can keep on driving the car. If you experience any more issues, you should take it to the dealership for repairs. Ensure that you always receive the proper documents and repair orders, because they are proof of your vehicle’s defects. The more proof you have, the stronger your case and the larger your potential settlement.
As for the attorney fees, you have nothing to worry about. This is because legally, in the state of California, all lemon law cases are taken on full contingency. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees, rather, the automakers will pay the fees. This means that the original settlement amount won goes over to you in full.
If you have any questions, your attorney is your best resource. I hope you’re able to get into a reliable ride soon. Best of luck!
Suzanne
Featured Image: 2021 Ford Mustang ©MercurySable99 (CC Attribution Share-Alike 4.0 license)
Free Legal Advice About Your 2021 Ford Mustang 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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