DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 198 – From Sam A. from Columbus, GA
Dear Suzanne,
I’ve always had a soft spot for cars that look great without breaking the bank, which is why I was attracted to the 2024 Buick Envista. It looked expensive with its sleek, luxurious design, but the actual price tag made it feel like a steal. However, what once seemed like a great deal quickly spiraled into a series of issues that have left me more than dissatisfied. That shiny, sophisticated SUV I was once in love with has now become the source of my endless frustration. Let me share my story and hopefully find some answers.
It Began Like This
It started as a simple drive down a gravel road. Nothing major, no potholes or wild terrain in sight. Suddenly, the car stopped dead in its tracks. A loud bang and smoke followed, and it shook so hard my seatbelt locked. It scared the life out of me.
I got out and inspected the vehicle. There wasn’t a single scratch or dent, not even the slightest sign of impact anywhere. Yet, the car acted like I had been in a collision. Since I couldn’t find traces of an issue, I drove straight to the Buick dealership (after the initial shock wore off) to see if they’d find something I had missed.
After analyzing the crash data by connecting the computer to the car, their conclusion was baffling. They claimed the car experienced a minor frontal crash at about 15 mph. However, I was there, and there was no crash! They explained that the seatbelt lock could deploy if the car “thinks” there’s a crash, even without an actual impact. In other words, “This could happen at any time, and there really isn’t anything you can do about it.”
Later, the dealership said both seatbelts needed replacing, which made no sense to me. Only one pretensioner went off, so why do I need to change both?
Suspension Troubles Came Next
Not long after the seatbelt fiasco, I started noticing issues with the suspension. Every time I went over bumps, the rear tires rubbed against the fenders, causing an unbearable sound that only worsened when I had passengers. It wasn’t doing any damage to the tire, but I couldn’t stand the sound it made. It became so bad that I couldn’t have more than one person in the car without it making that awful sound, which was when I scheduled an appointment at the dealership.
When I arrived, the mechanic inspected the tires and found a large chunk of tread missing from one of them. They discovered the passenger-side suspension was more compressed than the driver’s. I didn’t have any modifications done on this car. The dealership was also shocked because it seemed as if someone had lowered the car and installed adjustable coilovers in the front.
In the end, they had to replace the fenders, tires, and suspension racks to fix the havoc wreaked on my car.
The Power Tussle
Oh, Suzanne, did I forget to mention that my first real disappointment with this car came from the engine? While the car’s exterior promised luxury, the small engine felt like it was struggling to deliver. This lack of power wasn’t just disappointing; it soon proved to be an addition to my misery, and it decided to give out on the highway, of all places!
One afternoon, while cruising down the highway, my Envista decided to give me the fright of my life by simply shutting off. There were no warning signs, no dramatic smoke show, and no concerning noises. It was just a sudden loss of power while traveling at highway speeds, and you can imagine how terrifying that is. The weird part was the interior lights and radio stayed on when this happened. Thankfully, after pulling over on the highway, I managed to restart it and limp home, but I no longer had confidence in the car, and the following morning proved me right.
The next day, I had to drive the Buick to work, so I convinced myself to get over the previous day’s incidents. After stopping at a red light, the light turned green, but the car barely moved when I hit the gas. Then, I heard two faint thumps coming from the rear, with each thump making the car “skip,” after which it began accelerating normally.
While the vehicle mysteriously regained its composure afterward, these episodes left me feeling like I was driving a ticking time bomb. Taking it to the dealership hasn’t done anything to help, because they couldn’t replicate the issue. Now, I’m very confused and nervous about driving because it seems I’m just one step away from an accident—potentially a severe one.
Seeking Advice
Look, Suzanne, I want to love this car, I really do. Its stylish looks and comfortable interior have so much potential, but those mechanical problems are impossible to ignore. I’ve even considered filing a Lemon Law claim, but I’m not sure where to start, so if you have any advice, I’m all ears. Is it time to let go of this car and move on? What are the different options under the law that would allow me to move on?
Sam A. from Columbus, GA
Facing 2024 Buick Envista Issues? Let’s Talk Georgia Lemon Law
Dear Sam,
I can hear the confusion and frustration in your letter, and I completely get it. A beautiful car with the promise of a sleek and luxurious drive shouldn’t make you feel like you’re on a dangerous roller coaster. You shouldn’t have to say your prayers every time you get behind the wheel, and it’s situations like this where the Lemon Law can swoop in and save the day.
I understand how disheartening it is to deal with ongoing car troubles. Let’s dive into the specifics of the Georgia Lemon Law to see how it can provide you with the relief you deserve.
Does Your Buick Envista Qualify for Lemon Law Protection?
To put it simply, the Lemon Law applies to vehicles that have serious, recurring problems that affect their safety, use, or value, even after multiple repair attempts. Based on your description, it seems like you may qualify for lemon law benefits in Georgia. To qualify, your vehicle must meet certain criteria:
- Substantial Defects: Your vehicle must have one or more substantial defects covered by the warranty that significantly impair its use, value, or safety. The issues you’ve described, such as the sudden stops, seatbelt problems, suspension troubles, and engine failures, seem to be substantial defects.
- Repair Attempts: The manufacturer or dealer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle. Typically, this means three or four attempts to fix the same defect or one attempt to repair a defect that could cause serious injury or death. You’ve mentioned multiple repair attempts without resolution.
- Time Frame: The issues must occur within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first. Since your vehicle is a 2024 model, it appears to fall within this time frame.
What is the Process to File a Claim?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a lemon law claim in Georgia:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all repairs, including dates, descriptions of the issues, and any correspondence with the dealership or manufacturer. This will strengthen your case.
- Notify the Manufacturer: Send a written notice to the manufacturer, detailing the issues and the repair attempts made. This formalizes your grievances and requests a resolution.
- Final Repair Attempt: Allow the manufacturer one final attempt to repair the vehicle. If the issue persists, they must either replace the vehicle or refund your money.
- File a Claim: If the problem remains unresolved, you can file a lemon law claim with the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division or seek legal assistance.
Next Step: Consult a Lemon Law Attorney
I highly recommend consulting with a knowledgeable lemon law attorney. They can guide you through the process, help you gather necessary documentation, and represent your interests to achieve the best possible outcome. This step is crucial to ensuring your rights are fully protected.
All that remains now is for you to take a deep breath and get the ball rolling. You deserve to rid yourself of that burden and move on with your life without feeling anxious every time you hit the road. So what are you waiting for?
Suzanne
Resolve Your 2024 Buick Envista Lemon Car Issues Quickly!
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 Georgia 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 Georgia Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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- Common Defects Covered Under Georgia Lemon Law
- Georgia Lemon Law: Eligibility and Requirements Explained
Featured Images:
- 2024 Buick Envista ©Mr.choppers (CC BY – Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported)
