Brooklyn Man’s 2023 Mustang Keeps Breaking Down—Does New York Lemon Law Apply?

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 221 – From Mark D. from Brooklyn, NY

Dear Suzanne,

I’ve always been a Mustang guy. There’s just something about the deep rumble of the engine and that classic muscle car vibe that makes you feel like you own the road. So when I finally bought my 2023 Ford Mustang, I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin.

But I never imagined my dream car would turn into a frustrating nightmare of never-ending problems.

The Electrical Problems Begin

A few weeks into owning the Mustang, I started noticing strange electrical issues. One hot afternoon, I turned on the AC, and suddenly, the dashboard lights flickered, and the radio blasted at full volume—without me touching the controls.

At first, I brushed it off as a glitch, but then it happened again. And again. Soon, the headlights started flickering, the dashboard would randomly go dark, and the infotainment system wouldn’t turn on at all.

I took the car to the Ford dealership, and they ran diagnostics but found nothing “wrong.” They blamed the battery and replaced it. For about a week, everything seemed fine, but then the flickering lights and electrical failures returned. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a minor issue.

The Transmission Problems Start

Just as I was dealing with the electrical issues, another problem cropped up—this time with the transmission. At first, I thought I was imagining it, but I noticed the car hesitating when shifting gears. Instead of the usual smooth transitions, it felt like the car was struggling to shift. The engine would rev, but the car barely moved.

I took it back to the dealership, and they told me this was “normal” for a new car. They claimed it just needed time to adjust. That didn’t sound right, but I had no choice but to hope they were correct.

They weren’t. The problem got worse. The car hesitated even more, and the RPMs would spike for no reason. Merging onto the highway became nerve-wracking because I never knew if the car would shift properly when I needed it to.

A Cycle of Temporary Fixes

I returned to the dealership multiple times, but nothing they did fixed the issues for good. One time, they disconnected the computer system, hoping a reset would solve the problem. Another time, they replaced some wiring, claiming it would stop the flickering lights.

Each “fix” was temporary. The AC stopped working again, the transmission kept slipping, and the electrical failures persisted. I never knew if the car would make it through a drive without an issue.

At this point, I felt like I was just wasting my time taking it back to the dealership over and over again.

Safety Concerns and Growing Frustration

The worst part is the safety risks. The electrical failures make the car unpredictable, and the transmission problems make it dangerous to drive. I’ve had several close calls because the car wouldn’t shift properly when I needed it to, nearly getting rear-ended more than once.

I’ve been relying on my wife’s car or public transportation because I just don’t trust my Mustang anymore. I should be able to rely on a brand-new vehicle, but instead, I feel like I’m driving a ticking time bomb.

What Are My Options Under New York’s Lemon Law?

At this point, I’ve had enough. I bought this car new, and I haven’t even had it for a year, yet I’ve been dealing with ongoing, unresolved issues since day one.

I’ve read about New York’s Lemon Law, but I’m not sure if my Mustang qualifies.

• Do the electrical failures and transmission problems count as defects under the law?
• What steps do I need to take to file a claim?
• What kind of resolution should I expect? How long does the process usually take?

I’ve been patient, but I can’t keep driving a car that doesn’t work properly. It’s time to figure out my legal options.

Please let me know what I can do, Suzanne. I just want a car that works.

Mark D.
Brooklyn, NY

Editor’s Note: This letter has been edited for clarity, and personally identifiable details like names and actual locations have been changed to protect the letter sender’s privacy.

New York Lemon Law Could Get You Out of This Mess—Here’s How It Works

Dear Mark,

I’m really sorry to hear about the frustrating issues with your Mustang. I can only imagine how disappointing it must be to finally get the car of your dreams, only to deal with electrical failures, transmission problems, and constant trips to the dealership. No one expects a brand-new car to be this unreliable, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling fed up. The good news is that New York’s Lemon Law exists for situations just like yours, and you may have a strong case to get the resolution you deserve.

From what you’ve described, your Mustang may very well qualify under the law, and I’ll break it all down for you below.

Do the electrical failures and transmission problems count as defects under the law?

Yes, based on what you’ve told me, the ongoing electrical failures and transmission issues could meet the definition of a “substantial defect” under New York’s Lemon Law for new cars (General Business Law § 198-a). A defect is considered substantial if it impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.

Your Mustang’s electrical malfunctions are not just inconvenient; they impact key vehicle functions, including the dashboard, headlights, and infotainment system. On top of that, the transmission issues are serious safety hazards, especially since they cause hesitation and unpredictable shifting—problems that could lead to an accident. Given that these defects have persisted despite multiple repair attempts, they would likely qualify under the law.

What steps do I need to take to file a claim?

To proceed with a Lemon Law claim, here’s what you need to do:

1. Confirm repair attempts – New York’s Lemon Law requires at least four repair attempts for the same issue or that the car has been out of service for at least 30 days due to repairs within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first). Based on your letter, it sounds like you may already meet this requirement.
2. Gather documentation – You’ll need to collect all repair orders, work receipts, and communication with the dealership. Make sure your repair records clearly show the problems you reported and what repairs were attempted.
3. Send a final repair demand – Before filing a claim, you should formally notify Ford in writing and give them one last chance to fix the issue. This creates a clear record that you tried to resolve the problem.
4. File for arbitration or take legal action – New York offers a state-run Lemon Law arbitration program, which is a free option for eligible cases. However, arbitration doesn’t always work in the consumer’s favor, and you might have a better chance of getting the outcome you want by working with an experienced Lemon Law attorney.

What kind of resolution should I expect? How long does the process take?

If your Mustang is ruled a lemon under New York’s Lemon Law, you’re entitled to a full refund or a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer. If you opt for a refund, Ford must return your purchase price, including taxes, registration fees, and other charges, minus a small mileage-based deduction.

The process length depends on whether you go through arbitration or pursue legal action. Arbitration cases typically take a few months, but if you take Ford to court, it could take longer. That said, a strong legal case often pushes manufacturers to settle faster.

Why You Should Consult a Lemon Law Attorney

Dealing with car manufacturers and their legal teams can be exhausting, and they often try to deny valid claims or offer lowball settlements. A knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney can handle the legal process, negotiate on your behalf, and maximize your chances of getting the refund or replacement you deserve. Having a lawyer also ensures you don’t miss any important deadlines or paperwork that could impact your case.

Final Thoughts

I know this situation has been beyond frustrating, but you’re absolutely right—it’s time to take action. You shouldn’t have to drive an unsafe, unreliable car, and New York’s Lemon Law is there to protect you. If you meet the legal requirements, you have every right to demand a proper resolution from Ford.

I strongly encourage you to consult with a Lemon Law attorney as soon as possible to review your case and take the next steps. You deserve a car that works—and I truly hope you get the outcome you’re looking for.

Best,
Suzanne

Immediate Help for Your 2023 Mustang Lemon Car!

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 New York Lemon Law 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 New York  Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

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Featured Images:

• 2023 Mustang ©Corqe (CC BY 1.0 Universal)