DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 218 – Alice M. from Newark, NJ
Dear Suzanne,
Cars are supposed to make life easier, but for me, it’s been the opposite. Since buying my certified pre-owned 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, I’ve dealt with one mechanical issue after another. Don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful to have a car that gets me from Point A to Point B, but that’s about all it does right.
Between constant check engine lights and a mystery code tied to a missing air filter clip, I’m at my wit’s end. I’ve learned more about cars than I ever wanted to, yet I still feel clueless. Here’s the story of my problematic Equinox and why I’m left with more questions than answers.
The Check Engine Nightmare Begins
When I first bought my used 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, it seemed like a great deal. It only had 14,000 miles, and the Chevrolet dealership assured me it was well-maintained. For the first few months, everything was fine. I took it on long drives—sometimes an hour each way—without any issues. Then the warning lights started. The “Check Engine” and “Oil Service” lights kept coming on. At first, I assumed it was just a routine reminder, but the lights wouldn’t go away. When I took it back to the dealership, I got some bad news.
The engine was burning through oil because metal parts were grinding against each other, and metal shavings were dropping into the oil pan. The dealership said repairs would have cost $11,000, but since my car was still under warranty, they fixed it for free. I was relieved at first, but the problems didn’t stop there.
Creaking Noises and Tire Pressure Sensor Issues
After getting my car back, I started noticing a creaking noise whenever I reversed or made tight turns. It wasn’t loud, but it was there. I figured it wasn’t a big deal and let it slide. Then, the tire pressure light started coming on and wouldn’t turn off. My tires were in great shape, so I mentioned it to the dealership. They brushed it off, saying it was probably just a faulty sensor. But why should I have to deal with faulty sensors on a car that’s barely a year old?
Dented Rims After Dealership Service
When I got my car back after the engine repair, I noticed new dents on my rims that weren’t there before. The front rims had visible marks, but the dealership assured me the car was safe to drive. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, but it felt unfair. I trusted them with my car, and now I was stuck with damaged rims.
A Routine Oil Change Turns Into Another Problem
Before a trip to LA, my dad suggested I get an oil change and general maintenance at the dealership. I wasn’t sure it was necessary, but I agreed. They changed the oil, checked the tire pressure, and replaced the air filter. A couple of days later, as I pulled into the gym parking lot, the “Check Engine” light came back on. Frustrated, I went back to the dealership, but they were too busy to run diagnostics.
I turned to AAA for help, and when they scanned my car, the code read “Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected.” The AAA tech checked under the hood and immediately noticed a missing clip from my air filter box.
The Dealership Refuses to Fix Their Mistake
Armed with this information, I went back to the dealership and explained what AAA had found. I figured it would be a quick and easy fix—just replace the missing clip. Instead, the dealership brushed me off again, acting like the missing clip wasn’t important. Since they refused to help, I ordered the part myself for $250. It should arrive this week, but I have a few concerns:
- Will the dealership even install it for me, or will they continue to dismiss my concerns?
- Even after replacing the clip and resetting the check engine light, what if the issue comes back?
What Are My Options?
At this point, I’m wondering: Do I qualify for a New Jersey Lemon Law claim? If so, will it cost me even more money to file a case? I don’t want to keep pouring money into endless repairs if there’s a better solution.
Are my worries unreasonable, or do I have a real case here? I need to know what options I have so I can figure out the best way forward.
Alice M.
Newark, NJ
Editor’s Note: This letter has been edited for clarity, and personally identifiable details like names and actual locations have been changed to protect the letter sender’s privacy.
Your 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Problems Sound Like a Lemon Law Case
Dear Alice,
I can completely understand how frustrating this must be for you. You bought what you thought was a reliable certified pre-owned 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, only to find yourself dealing with engine trouble, warning lights, dealership neglect, and out-of-pocket costs for something that shouldn’t even be your responsibility. It’s exhausting to keep going back for repairs, only to face brush-offs and more problems. You deserve some real answers—and more importantly, a solution that doesn’t leave you stuck with a car that keeps failing you.
It sounds like you’re wondering if New Jersey’s Lemon Law can help, and whether filing a claim is worth it. Let’s go through your questions one by one so you can understand your rights and options.
Do I Qualify for a New Jersey Lemon Law Claim?
Yes, New Jersey has a Used Car Lemon Law (N.J.S.A. 56:8-67 to 56:8-80) that protects buyers of certified pre-owned vehicles like yours. To qualify, your car must:
- Be 7 model years old or newer (your 2023 Equinox qualifies).
- Have had a defect appear within the dealership’s limited warranty period:
- 90 days or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) for cars with 24,000 miles or less at purchase.
- 60 days or 2,000 miles if the car had 24,001 to 60,000 miles.
- 30 days or 1,000 miles for cars with 60,001 to 100,000 miles.
Since your Equinox had 14,000 miles at purchase, the 90-day/3,000-mile warranty should have covered the major engine issue, the check engine lights, and possibly even the tire pressure sensor defect.
For a Lemon Law claim, the dealer must have failed to fix the problem after at least 3 repair attempts or if your car was out of service for 20 or more days due to repairs. If your dealership had the car for extensive repairs and still didn’t fix it, you may have a strong case.
Will Filing a Claim Cost Me More Money?
No, New Jersey Lemon Law covers your legal fees if you win. If you file a claim and win, the manufacturer or dealer must reimburse you for reasonable attorney’s fees, along with a refund, replacement, or reimbursement for costs like towing and rental cars. There’s a $50 filing fee when you submit your Lemon Law application, but this is refunded if you win your case.
What Are My Other Options Besides Constant Repairs?
If the dealership continues to ignore you, you have a few options:
- File a Lemon Law claim with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. They will review your case, and if eligible, you can take your claim to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If you win, the dealership must buy back your car or provide compensation.
- File a complaint with the state. If the dealer refuses to cooperate, you can report them to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – Lemon Law Unit:
📍 New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Lemon Law Unit
P.O. Box 45026, Newark, NJ 07101
📞 (973) 504-6226
🌐 www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov - Consult a Lemon Law attorney. An attorney can pressure the dealership and file a claim for you. The best part? If you win, the dealer or manufacturer pays the legal fees, not you.
The Next Step: Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney
Before doing anything else, I highly recommend talking to a Lemon Law attorney who understands New Jersey’s laws inside and out. A lawyer can review your repair history, determine if you have a strong case, and handle all the legal work so you don’t have to fight the dealership alone. Since legal fees are covered if you win, you have nothing to lose by getting expert advice.
Final Thoughts
I know this has been a long and frustrating road for you, but you don’t have to keep dealing with this on your own. New Jersey’s Lemon Law exists to protect consumers like you from being stuck with defective cars. If your dealership has failed you, there are legal solutions that can force them to make things right.
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting a refund, replacement, or compensation. I strongly encourage you to reach out for a Free Consultation Call today and finally put this problem behind you. You deserve a car that works—without the stress and endless repairs.
Suzanne
Quick Solutions for Your 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Lemon Problems!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 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 New Jersey Lemon Law or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. 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 New Jersey Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
Related Articles:
- My 2021 Chevy Equinox Is a Boiler On Wheels
- Owning A 2020 Chevy Equinox Is Exhausting
- Lemon Cars in New Jersey: How to Get a Refund, Replacement, or More
Featured Images:
- 2023 Chevrolet Equinox ©Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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