The Honda Lemon Law buyback option is a settlement agreement designed to provide compensation to consumers who experience serious ongoing defects in their Honda vehicles purchased or leased in California.
Over time, Honda Motors has established a reputation for creating durable, fuel-efficient, and dependable automobiles. Thus, when consumers purchase or lease a Honda vehicle from an authorized dealership, they rightfully expect a reliable vehicle that operates without issues for several years following the purchase.
However, if owners encounter persistent problems with their Honda cars during regular usage, the situation can become problematic. Even after multiple attempts by the dealership to repair the vehicle, if the issues persist, it can be incredibly frustrating for the consumer.
Thankfully, the California Lemon Law offers a solution. You don’t have to remain stuck with a faulty vehicle. The law grants you the right to seek financial compensation from Honda for your lemon vehicle.
This article will provide an overview of the Honda Lemon Law buyback option, including how it functions, the eligibility requirements, which Honda models are affected, and the specific defects that are covered.
What is the Honda Lemon Law Buyback Option?
The California Lemon Law (as provided for under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) offers a remedy known as a buyback or repurchase, which seeks to compensate you for the expenses incurred when purchasing or leasing a defective Honda vehicle.
In simple terms, the Honda Lemon Law buyback settlement option occurs when the company agrees to repurchase the vehicle from a customer and provides a settlement amount that includes:
- The full amount you paid for the vehicle.
- Whatever sales and financing charges you incurred during purchase.
- Vehicle registration fees (prorated for the remaining paid months).
- All monthly amortizations paid.
- Future monthly payments.
- All charged repair expenses.
- Collateral expenses such as towing fees and car rental fees.
A Honda Lemon Law buyback or repurchase settlement option can generally be obtained through:
- Direct negotiations with Honda Motors.
- A court verdict.
- An arbitration ruling.
In the following sections, we will explore the Honda buyback process and the qualifications necessary to receive compensation through this option. In the meantime, please take a moment to watch the video below for further information about this Honda Law settlement option:
How Does The Honda Buyback Program Work?
The Honda buyback program allows for the repurchase or buyback of purchased or leased vehicles that are determined to be defective by the manufacturer. This settlement option applies to both brand new vehicles and used Honda vehicles, as long as the defects or issues occurred during the vehicle’s original warranty period.
How do you get Honda to buy back your vehicle?
To qualify for this type of compensation under the California Lemon Law, your defective vehicle must have substantial defects or issues that significantly impair its use, functionality, safety, or resale value. Additionally, Honda must have been aware of these defects, had the opportunity to repair them, and failed to do so despite repeated attempts.
If you deal with the auto manufacturer on your own without the professional assistance of an experienced Lemon Law lawyer, there’s a good chance your claim will be denied or you won’t receive as much compensation as your rightfully deserve. These are some of the reasons why Honda will deny your claim.
In the next section, we will go into the specific details of how your particular vehicle may qualify as a lemon and be eligible for compensation.
Is Your Vehicle Eligible for a Honda Lemon Law Buyback?
Not all defective Honda vehicles meet the necessary criteria to be eligible for compensation under the California Lemon Law. In order for your car to be considered a lemon, it must satisfy one of the following conditions:
- The vehicle has been brought back to the Honda dealership at least two times for repairs related to a major safety defect.
- The vehicle has been brought back to the dealership at least four times for repairs related to non-safety defects or issues.
- The vehicle has been kept at the Honda dealership for repairs for a total of more than 30 days (cumulative) due to a combination of defects.
Please note that meeting one or more of these criteria is essential for your vehicle to be eligible for compensation under the California Lemon Law.
In accordance with the law, if any of these conditions are met within the first 18 months or first 18,000 miles, the vehicle is automatically considered a lemon. This concept is known as the Legal Presumption of Lemon Law.
However, what happens if issues with the car arise after the initial 18 months or 18,000 miles?
Even outside of this timeframe, your car may still qualify for a buyback (or for any of the other settlement agreements) if the ongoing defects or issues originated within the vehicle’s warranty period, usually 3 years for the basic bumper-to-bumper warranty or approximately 5 years for the powertrain warranty.
You can check the warranty coverage of your specific vehicle in this Honda Warranty Information search page.
Examples of Common Honda Vehicle Defects That May Trigger a Claim
Although various Honda vehicle models may have unique defects, there are common issues that are observed across multiple models. Many Lemon Law claims against Honda have arisen from one or more of these issues. Here are a few examples:
- Uneven rotor wear
- Trouble shifting gears
- Defective TRW crash sensor
- Ignition switch failure
- Transmission jerks into gear
- Transmission slipping
- Warped rotors
- Engine shudder
- Excessive oil consumption/ dilution
- Vibration during braking
- Loses power during acceleration
Please note, however, that the defects mentioned here are not an exhaustive list, and there may be other issues that could qualify your Honda as a lemon. It is important to remember that any persistent or recurring defect or issue that significantly affects the use, safety, or value of the vehicle can serve as grounds for pursuing a claim against the auto manufacturer.
Honda Vehicle Models Eligible for Lemon Law Relief
So, which Honda car models fall under the Lemon Law? In California, the Lemon Law encompasses the following Honda vehicles:
- Honda CR-V (Crossover)
- Honda Ridgeline (Pickup)
- Honda Odyssey (Minivan)
- Honda Fit (Compact Hatchback)
- Honda Pilot (SUV)
- Honda Passport (SUV)
- Honda Insight (Sedan)
- Honda Civic (Compact Hatchback / Coupe / Sedan)
- Honda Accord (Mid-size Sedan)
If you own a defective Honda in California, which includes any of the models mentioned above, and it is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty, you may be eligible for compensation.
Our Lemon Law claim assistance is currently available to owners of the aforementioned models from the model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Honda Lemon Law Case Examples
Below, you will find a selection of Honda Lemon Law case examples featuring different models and specific issues:
Knocking Sound and Shaking on 2018 Honda Pilot
The knocking sound and violent shaking on this 2018 Honda Pilot started when the car was still under warranty but has only gotten worse now that the warranty has expired. Owner is wondering if he has a Lemon Law case.
2022 Honda Accord Transmission Problems
At just over 500 miles on the odo, the owner had to take his 2022 Honda Accord back to the dealership for repairs at least 3 times already with no resolution in sight. He thinks his car is the exact definition of a lemon.
2019 Honda Accord With Ignition Switch Failure
The owner of this 2019 Honda Accord had to pay $100 for out-of-pocket repair costs and had to beg Honda Financial to waive his monthly payment for a car that wouldn’t turn on. The car has been kept at the dealership for over a month and he was told they’re still waiting for some parts to arrive.
2022 Honda H-RV With Shaking & the Check Engine Light Issues
This Uber driver’s 2022 Honda H-RV keeps jerking and shaking on him giving his passengers a bad riding experience and tanking his Uber rating. Now, after several visits to the dealership, he feels unsafe driving it, let alone taking on passengers.
The Honda Buyback Process: A Detailed Walkthrough
The Honda buyback process under California Lemon Law is relatively simple. It generally follows these steps:
Retaining a Lawyer
As a consumer in California, you have the opportunity to pursue a Lemon Law claim and seek compensation for a faulty Honda vehicle. You can explore different avenues such as negotiating directly with the manufacturer, initiating a legal case, or participating in arbitration. Regardless of the method you choose, having a skilled and knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney to navigate the process and advocate for you significantly enhances your likelihood of achieving a successful outcome.
Gathering Your Evidence
Your Lemon Law attorney can assist you in identifying the crucial documents required to substantiate your claim. Typically, these documents include your warranty papers, purchase or lease receipts and contracts, repair orders, repair invoices, financing documents, and so on. If you have a weak case that’s lacking in documentary evidence, your attorney will likely ask you to wait until all evidence has been gathered and all legal requirements have been met.
The Moment of Truth: Filing Your Case
Once all the necessary documentary evidence has been gathered, your attorney will proceed to initiate a case in court. Once the case is filed, Honda will now be bound by a specific timeline to respond to your claim for compensation.
Negotiating With Honda
In the majority of Lemon Law cases we have handled in California, manufacturers have chosen to settle the claim outside of court. They are aware that our attorneys will only proceed with filing a claim if it is fully supported by evidence.
Litigating Your Case
In the unlikely event that the settlement offer (such as a buyback, cash compensation, or vehicle replacement) is unsatisfactory to you, your attorney is prepared to take your case to court in order to secure a more favorable resolution for your defective Honda.
When seeking to pursue a Lemon Law claim for a defective vehicle, it is crucial to handle the process correctly from the start. When dealing with a lemon Honda, avoid these five common mistakes that vehicle owners often make, which can ultimately sabotage their chances of obtaining a successful settlement.
Alternative Settlement Options for Honda Vehicles Under Lemon Law
In addition to the Honda Buyback settlement option, there are other alternatives through which the automaker can provide compensation for the defective vehicle. The two primary alternatives are Vehicle Replacement and Cash and Keep Settlement.
Vehicle Replacement
In lemon law litigation, another potential outcome is for the court to order the manufacturer to replace the consumer’s vehicle with a brand new one. In some cases, the manufacturer may voluntarily offer to replace your vehicle as a means of settling the claim.
If you choose to accept this settlement option, Honda is mandated by law to provide a replacement vehicle that must be nearly identical to your original vehicle and come with the same warranties. Any additional options or features that you paid for, such as rust proofing or undercoating, must also be included in the replacement vehicle.
Moreover, in this arrangement, Honda is obligated to reimburse you for any incidental expenses resulting from the vehicle’s issues, such as out-of-pocket repair costs, towing fees, and rental car charges.
Cash and Keep Settlement
If the defects or issues in your Honda are not significant enough to warrant a buyback settlement, you still have the option to file a claim for compensation. This situation applies to issues that may reduce the resale value of the vehicle but do not pose safety risks or prevent you from operating it. Examples of such defects include poor paint jobs, engine noises, or irritating sounds from the sunroof.
In this scenario, the court may require Honda to provide you with a predetermined cash amount as compensation for the repair issues and any incidental expenses you incurred as a result. Additionally, you would retain ownership of the vehicle.
Honda Buyback: The Best Lemon Law Settlement Option
Under the Honda Lemon Law buyback arrangement, the auto manufacturer agrees to repurchase the faulty vehicle and provide compensation for the full amount originally paid. The final settlement amount is subject only to slight deductions, known as Mileage Offset, to account for the usage of the vehicle before the repair issues surfaced.
However, with a buyback, you not only receive a complete reimbursement for the vehicle’s purchase price, but also compensation for all out-of-pocket expenses related to repairs, towing, and temporary rental vehicles during the repair period.
Thus, even with the offset deductions, the Honda Buyback Settlement Option is still the most favorable resolution in a Lemon Law claim involving a defective Honda in California.
Get in Touch With a Honda Lemon Law Attorney Today
Looking for the next steps? If you have a faulty Honda vehicle in California and are facing ongoing defects or issues covered by the warranty period, which the manufacturer has failed to resolve despite multiple attempts, you may be eligible for compensation.
The path ahead is clear! Take action today by initiating the Lemon Law process with the guidance of an experienced Honda Lemon Law attorney. Your lawyer will skillfully assess your claim, provide tailored legal advice, and help you navigate the claims process.
And here’s the exciting part – all of these services come at no cost to you. That’s right! You can have a top-notch attorney on your side without spending a dime. Lemon Law attorneys in California work on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means their legal fees are covered by the manufacturer as part of the settlement, and they only receive payment if they actually win your case!
It’s really that simple. Time to take control and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. Remember, the law is on your side, and you shouldn’t have to deal with a defective vehicle on your own.
ABOUT HONDA
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese public multinational conglomerate, is a prominent manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Honda’s roots can be traced back to the 1940s when it initially supplied pistons to Toyota. Starting with their A-type Bicycle Engine, Honda achieved success in producing high-quality motorbike engines and established their first store in the U.S. in 1959. Today, Honda stands as the largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines worldwide and operates as a major multinational corporation engaged in automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment.
While Honda is renowned for its reputation of delivering dependable and reasonably-priced vehicles, it’s important to note that, like other manufacturers, there have been instances where Honda cars have displayed significant safety concerns during the warranty period.