DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 188 – From Jason T. from San Antonio, Texas
Dear Suzanne,
You know that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve made a bad decision that will haunt you? That’s exactly how I feel about my latest car purchase. Forget ghosts and ghouls—this car is the true fright of the season. With Halloween approaching, I didn’t have to think long before deciding on my costume.
Unlike every other Halloween where I’d rack my brain trying to come up with creative costumes, this year’s choice was much easier. Life handed me the perfect costume on a silver platter—or should I say, on four mismatched wheels. I decided to dress as my new car. No, I didn’t slap on some paint or cardboard to replicate it. I simply let its parade of quirks, breakdowns, and bizarre design features speak for itself.
This is my horror story.
Rear Motor Failure—The First Nightmarish 24 Hours
It all started when I picked up my shiny blue Audi Q5 Sportback. I chose this model because I dreamed of owning a smooth and futuristic, yet practical car. When the opportunity to buy this model presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands. I guess I shouldn’t have.
Within 24 hours of owning it, my excitement was zapped—literally. While cruising at about 60 km/h, a warning popped up that read “Rear Motor Failure,” and the car went completely dead two minutes later. Thank goodness I wasn’t on the highway, so I was able to coast into a driveway, though just barely.
After calling the Audi dealership the following day and towing my car to their shop, I learned that rear motor failures are common in Audi vehicles. I even read that it was common to experience this soon after delivery, as it was in my case. Anyway, it was hard to watch them tow away my new car like a lifeless lump of metal so soon after its arrival.
My Car Door and the Adoption Process
Closing the doors on this car feels like a workout. You have to slam them to shut properly, which doesn’t feel great when trying to enjoy a futuristic vehicle. It was a horrible experience that almost affected my ability to adopt my future child.
On that day, I picked the child I was hoping to adopt from school and took her to the social service office. As I drove up, the side door popped open by itself. At first, I thought it was my soon-to-be daughter (let’s call her Ellen) who jumped the gun and opened it before I came to a stop. However, Ellen said she didn’t, and I realized she was right. It took me almost 30 minutes before I could shut the door and get it to latch, all of which occurred right in front of social service.
How could I promise the safety of a child I was trying to adopt when my car’s door wouldn’t close? Imagine slamming your door repeatedly, begging it to latch, just so you can save face. That’s how it felt that day, and I was scared it would affect the adoption process. Thankfully, it didn’t.
Immediately, I went to the dealership to have it looked at, but they said there wasn’t anything they could do about it. They didn’t know what caused the doors not to latch, and they couldn’t fix what they couldn’t figure out. As a result, I was left with my Audi and its doors that wouldn’t close.
Half-Baked Electronic Features
I expected the Audi’s tech features to blow my mind, but they left me feeling less than impressed. For one, I’ve been having problems with the auto high beams to the point where I had to turn them off permanently. It was very inconsistent and unusable when driving at night. At some point, I was convinced that the manufacturer had installed it backward. Why do I say this? It would turn off when the road ahead was dim, but turn on when there was already sufficient lighting from streetlights. As a result, I had to deactivate it before I lost my patience or got involved in an accident.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, I discovered the car has poor blind spot monitoring, unlike every other modern vehicle I’ve been in. The rear glass looks sleek but kills visibility. I have to rely on either twisting my neck or checking the tiny cameras and hope. This wasn’t great for a vehicle that markets itself as forward-thinking, and just like with the auto beams, I had to turn off this function as well.
Questions on My Mind
Suzanne, I went into this ownership experience with a good feeling, but I don’t feel that way anymore. It’s gotten so bad that this Halloween, I didn’t need to dress up to feel haunted; my Audi Q5 Sportback took care of that for me.
Now, I wonder what other horrors await me, considering I’m still early in owning this vehicle. Just yesterday I saw a video about Texas Lemon Law and discovered it offers certain protections. Do you think I may be eligible for it? Should I ask for legal opinions? And most importantly, how many repair attempts are considered reasonable for the same defect under Texas Lemon Law?
Jason T. from San Antonio, Texas
Troubled by Your 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback? The Texas Lemon Law Might Help
Dear Jason,
Your Audi Sportback isn’t just a car, it’s a rolling horror show, and you’re right to feel let down. A vehicle that doesn’t deliver on the luxury it’s supposed to offer isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a breach of trust. However, you don’t have to keep enduring this because the Texas Lemon Law can help you escape this automotive ghost story for good. Here is how you can use it to your advantage and get the maximum compensation possible.
From what you’ve described, it seems like your Audi Q5 Sportback has several substantial defects. Let’s dive into the details to see how the Texas Lemon Law might be able to assist you:
Do you think I may be eligible for it?
To determine eligibility under the Texas Lemon Law, your vehicle must have a substantial defect that impairs its use, market value, or creates a serious safety hazard. Given your experiences with rear motor failure, problematic doors, and faulty electronic features, it appears your vehicle may meet these criteria. These defects must also be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
How many repair attempts are considered reasonable for the same defect under Texas Lemon Law?
The Texas Lemon Law specifies three tests for a reasonable number of repair attempts:
- Four-times test: Four repair attempts for the same defect within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles.
- Serious safety-hazard test: The defect creates a serious safety hazard and has been presented for repairs two or more times.
- 30-day test: The vehicle is out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles.
Should I ask for legal opinions?
Yes, consulting with a knowledgeable lemon law attorney is crucial. An attorney can help evaluate your case, guide you through the process, and ensure that you compile all necessary supporting documents. They will also assist in filing your claim and representing you if needed.
With that said, it’s up to you to reach out to a Lemon Lawyer to review your case. They will help you compile all repair records and file a claim. With the Texas Lemon Law on your side, you can finally exorcise your haunted car and regain peace of mind.
Suzanne
Resolve your 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback Lemon Car problem today!
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 Texas Lemon Lawyer 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 Texas Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback ©Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
