DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 203 – From Andy J. from Denver, CO
Dear Suzanne,
Life has a funny way of teaching you lessons you never asked for—some exciting, some terrifying. When it’s bad, it usually comes wrapped in a neat little bundle of anxiety. Take my 2023 Chrysler Pacifica lease experience, for example.
When my car needed extensive repairs, my wife and I decided to lease another in her name. We’d always talked about doing it but never got around to it. Since we’re both car enthusiasts, we’ve test-driven everything from the Honda Odyssey to the Toyota Sienna and loved them all. But this 2023 Chrysler Pacifica? That’s a different story.
Like Driving a Couch
Let’s start with the little annoyances. They don’t seem like much on their own, but together, they create a frustrating experience.
First, the Pacifica drives like a couch on wheels—broad, sluggish, and steering like I’m navigating a cruise ship through my neighborhood. Chrysler made the blind spots worse with oddly placed gadgets and panels.
The cupholders are another battle. You know that rubber lining that’s supposed to hold your drink? This one grips so tightly that pulling my coffee cup out feels like extracting Excalibur from stone.
But the worst offender is the infotainment system. My wife and I are pretty tech-savvy, yet adjusting the climate controls feels like hacking into the Pentagon. Why is it so difficult to make the car cold?
The Infuriating Stop-Start System
I have a serious issue with Chrysler’s stop-start system. Picture this: I’m waiting at an intersection, finally getting my chance to turn, pressing the gas, and… nothing. For a moment, the car just sits there, like it’s contemplating life. Then, suddenly, it lurches forward as if it just remembered it’s a vehicle.
This has happened so many times, and people ask, “Why are you trying to gun a minivan from a stop?” I’m not—I’m just trying to drive normally. But in a city like Denver, where quick reflexes are key to surviving icy intersections, this delay feels downright dangerous.
The Chrysler dealership couldn’t replicate the issue. Of course, it only happens when I’m actually driving, not when they test it. I’ve learned to live with it, but I have to admit—it still scares me.
Jerky Acceleration Between 20-35 MPH
Over a month ago, a new issue popped up, and despite several trips to the mechanic, it’s still unresolved.
Between 20-35 mph, my car struggles to maintain speed unless my foot is constantly on the gas. If I let off, it slows down—even going downhill. When I press the gas again, it jerks forward, which is especially noticeable uphill.
The mechanic tried cleaning the fuel injectors, adjusting the intake manifold, and a few other fixes. Nothing worked. At this point, I’m wondering if I need an exorcist for this car.
Power Steering Problems
One Sunday morning on the way to church, I noticed the steering felt stiff. A few turns later, it started squeaking. By the time I reached my destination, the steering wheel barely worked.
The mechanic found that the power steering line had rusted and leaked. That would’ve been an easy fix—except the part wasn’t available aftermarket. I had to order it from the factory for over $600.
To make matters worse, they suspected additional leaks in the power steering pump and hoses, which could push repairs up to $3,000. At just 16,000 miles, I have no idea what caused this early rust.
I had two choices: fix the car and drain my savings or patch the obvious leak and hope for the best. I’m choosing option three—sell the car and start the nightmare of buying another vehicle.
What Are My Options?
So here I am, Suzanne. What can I do? Does the Colorado Lemon Law allow me to get rid of this faulty vehicle? How do I qualify? Do I need an attorney to make it happen?
Andy J. from Denver, CO
Yes, Your 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Might Be a Lemon—Here’s Why
Dear Andy,
First of all, I hear your frustration loud and clear. Leasing a car should mean reliability and convenience, not constant trips to the mechanic and fearing for your safety at intersections. The issues you’re facing with your 2023 Chrysler Pacifica are both annoying and serious defects that could qualify your vehicle under Colorado’s Lemon Law.
Let’s go through your questions one by one so you can understand your rights and options.
Does the Colorado Lemon Law Allow Me to Get Rid of a Faulty Vehicle?
Yes, Colorado’s Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers like you who end up with a defective vehicle. The law applies to new vehicles, including leased ones, that have substantial defects affecting their use, safety, or value. To qualify, you need to have given the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue. Usually, this means the same problem has been repaired at least four times without success, or your car has been out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs.
Since your Pacifica has ongoing safety-related problems like the stop-start delay, power steering failure, and unpredictable acceleration, it’s possible that your vehicle qualifies under this law. However, the process isn’t automatic—you’ll need to take specific steps to build your case.
How Can I Qualify for Lemon Law Protection?
To have a strong claim, you should keep detailed records of all repair attempts, invoices, work orders, and communications with the dealership and Chrysler. If you haven’t already, document every instance of the issues, including dates, symptoms, and what was done to fix them.
Under Colorado’s law, you must first notify the manufacturer in writing about the ongoing problems and give them a final opportunity to fix the vehicle. If they fail to resolve the issues after this last attempt, you may be eligible for a replacement vehicle or a refund.
Do I Need an Attorney to Handle This?
While you’re not required to hire an attorney, I highly recommend it. Manufacturers often try to deny Lemon Law claims or offer settlements that don’t fully compensate you. A skilled attorney who understands Colorado’s Lemon Law can guide you through the process, handle negotiations, and make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
Your next step should be to consult with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney. They can review your case, advise you on your best options, and handle communication with Chrysler on your behalf. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Based on your experience, you may have a strong Lemon Law claim. As mentioned, I recommend keeping every piece of potential evidence of your vehicle’s issues to support your claim. You deserve a reliable minivan, not a source of stress, and if Chrysler doesn’t make things right, the lemon law will.
Suzanne
Your 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Lemon Car Solution Awaits!
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 Colorado 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 Colorado Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
Related Articles:
- Protecting Your Chrysler Lemon Law Claim: How to Find the Right Lawyer
- Colorado Lemon Law: Are You Eligible?
- Understanding the Colorado Lemon Law: A Comprehensive Guide
Featured Images:
- 2023 Chrysler Pacifica ©HJUdall (CC BY 1.0 Universal)
