DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 212 – From Chris T. of Portland, ME
Dear Suzanne,
Owning a new car should be a smooth experience, especially when you’ve spent good money on it. The higher the price, the better the performance and reliability should be. But after buying my 2024 Acura MDX, I’ve realized that cars, like people, can have their share of bad apples.
First Warning Signs in Winter
Living in Maine, I know how brutal winters can be, but my car wasn’t nearly as prepared. A few months into owning it, I noticed a strange jerk when shifting gears at low speeds. At first, I assumed it was just the cold affecting the transmission, so I started letting the car warm up before driving. That seemed to help—until it didn’t.
One day on the highway, the car jerked hard at around 60 mph. I felt that pit in my stomach, like something was seriously wrong. That evening, the check engine light came on with a “Check Transmission” message. Since the car still drove fine, I told myself it was probably a glitch.
The next day, the problem worsened. The jerking became more frequent, and the engine revved too high, around 4,000-5,000 RPM, especially when merging onto the highway. I finally took it to the Acura dealership, where they replaced the engine pressure switch and changed the transmission fluid. That didn’t fix it. Eventually, they decided to replace the entire transmission—which seemed ridiculous for a brand-new car.
After the replacement, the problem disappeared. For a while.
Slipping and Sliding
Months later, I noticed something else. At speeds over 70 mph, the car felt like it had no grip, as if I could spin out at any moment—especially in the rain. I took it back to the dealership, and they replaced the tires. But the problem didn’t go away. Next, they did a wheel alignment, which helped—for a bit.
Then came a new issue: a strange vibrating sensation in the pedals. Every time I hit the gas, it got worse. Back at the dealership, they replaced the front tires again. Everything seemed fine—until it wasn’t.
A Bumpy Ride
Not long after, my rear passenger-side tire started feeling like it was going flat. I also heard a weird, bumpy noise, followed by a slight jerking motion. The dealership checked it out and blamed the differential hub, so they replaced it.
Days later, the same jerking sensation returned. The dealership assured me it was safe to drive, but I wasn’t convinced. I kept calling and bringing the car back, hoping for a real fix. Finally, they “tweaked” a few things and sent me on my way. Problem solved—supposedly.
A Starting Problem I Didn’t Understand
Then came the worst issue—starting the car. After refueling, it struggled to start no matter how much gas was in the tank. It would either crank endlessly or rev up briefly before dying. Once it started, everything seemed fine.
The dealership first suspected a fuel filter issue, but replacing it didn’t help. Next, they recommended changing the catalytic converter. That didn’t work either.
Then, one day, the car refused to start at all. The dashboard barely lit up, and the lights were dim. A jump-start got it running for a moment, but then it shut off again. I had it towed to the dealership, where they replaced the battery. Still, the problem persisted.
Even with a brand-new battery, the car kept having electrical issues. Sometimes, I’d turn the key and get nothing but a clicking sound. Other times, it would start and run fine for a day or two before acting up again. The battery terminals kept coming loose, even though the dealership claimed they were tightened properly.
What Are My Options?
At this point, I feel like I’ve replaced enough parts to build a whole new car. I can’t keep doing this, Suzanne. I need a solution.
Can I use Maine’s Lemon Law to get out of this endless repair cycle? What’s the process like, and what kind of compensation can I expect?
Chris T. of Portland, ME
Your Brand-New 2024 Acura MDX Feels Like a Lemon—Now What?
Dear Chris,
It sounds like your 2024 Acura MDX has been nothing short of a frustrating experience. I can only imagine how exhausting it must be to go through repair after repair, only for new issues to keep surfacing. Take a deep breath—you’re not alone in this. I’ve helped many car owners in situations just like yours, and the good news is, Maine’s Lemon Law is designed to protect you. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what your options are.
Can I Use Maine’s Lemon Law to Get Out of This Endless Repair Cycle?
Yes, you may qualify for protection under Maine’s Lemon Law. This law covers new vehicles that develop significant defects within the first three years or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your car has a serious problem that affects its use, value, or safety—and the dealership has been unable to fix it after a reasonable number of attempts—you could be entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle.
Since you’ve had multiple recurring issues with major components like the transmission, differential hub, and electrical system, you might have a strong case. The key is whether the dealership has had a fair opportunity to repair the defects. In Maine, that generally means:
- The manufacturer or dealer has tried to repair the issue at least three times, OR
- The vehicle has been out of service for a total of 15 or more business days due to repairs.
What Is the Process Like?
The first step is gathering all of your repair records, service invoices, and any written communication with the dealership. This documentation is crucial in proving that your car’s defects are persistent and that the dealer has failed to fix them.
Next, you’ll need to notify the manufacturer in writing about the ongoing issues. They may request one final repair attempt before moving forward with a Lemon Law claim. If the problem still isn’t resolved, you can file a claim with the Maine Attorney General’s Lemon Law Arbitration Program, which is a free process designed to help consumers get a fair resolution.
If your case qualifies, an arbitrator will review the evidence and decide whether you are entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. Most cases are resolved within a few months, and if the arbitrator rules in your favor, the manufacturer is legally required to comply.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?
If you win your Lemon Law case, you could be entitled to:
- A full refund of the purchase price, including taxes, registration fees, and other costs.
- A replacement vehicle of the same model and value.
- Reimbursement for expenses related to the defective vehicle, such as towing costs or rental car fees.
Keep in mind that the manufacturer may deduct a “reasonable usage fee” based on how many miles you’ve driven before the first reported issue.
What Should I Do Next?
At this point, consulting with an experienced Lemon Law attorney would be the best next step. While Maine’s Lemon Law process is designed to help consumers, manufacturers don’t always make it easy to get the compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process, ensure your paperwork is in order, and advocate on your behalf if the manufacturer pushes back. Many Lemon Law attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no harm in exploring your options.
With the Maine Lemon Law on your side, you don’t have to keep dealing with a car that isn’t living up to its promises. Make things right with the Lemon Law today!
Suzanne
End Your 2024 Acura MDX Lemon Car Woes 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 Maine 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 Maine Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
Related Articles:
- How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Maine: Step-by-Step Guide
- Maine Lemon Law Arbitration Process: What to Expect
- Understanding Maine Lemon Law Comprehensive Guide
Featured Images:
- 2024 Acura MDX ©OWS Photography (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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