DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 33 – August 2022 | Desperate in Downey
Dear Suzanne,
I own a 2019 Ford Ranger that has about 44,000 miles on it. I purchased it new, but my joy did not last as it was quick to have problems. Before my first visit to the dealership, I noticed that my check engine light would come on frequently. I’m not inclined towards autos so I didn’t even know much about the problem before I took it to the Ford dealership — after all, I was covered by the warranty.
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
They diagnosed it with a transmission problem and to my surprise, it took them almost three weeks to get it fixed. I wouldn’t have had any issue with the repair duration except that they didn’t provide a rental or temporary car.
Any driver can attest to how uncomfortable it is to be without your vehicle for weeks. Every day was another new day to get stranded so I was glad to have my vehicle back after a long waiting period.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
The problem seemed gone, but last week, the check engine light started coming on frequently once again. And just like before, the floor keeps vibrating rapidly, especially during gear switches. The vehicle feels so heavy and it barely takes off so I sensed another transmission problem. After taking it to the dealership, I had to bring it back because I am not satisfied with their offer.
They cited the no rental policy again, but I wasn’t buying it this time. They explained that they work with an enterprise so they will pay half for the rental while I pay the other half. I don’t really understand what that means, but is it even legal? They stated that it was the only option on the table and I had to take it or leave it. I work extra hard in different jobs with a very tightly budgeted spending system so I don’t have extras for a rental car.
CARLESS FOR THREE WEEKS
I thought I could manage to go carless once more, but I lost it when they said it will take another three weeks to get it fixed. It is so clear that it is another transmission problem so why should it take that long? Besides, I am running some academic programs at the moment and can’t afford to be carless for so long. Their excuse was that they offered rentals freely before, but COVID affected their business so they can’t afford such again.Â
For the past few days, I’ve reached out to other Ford dealerships across California to scout for a better offer, but they are so boxed up and the closest appointment I can get is in like one and a half months. And it will also take weeks to fix the problem. I really want to act fast because the only warranty left is the powertrain which is ‘til 60,000 miles. And if it isn’t a transmission problem, I have to pay about $187 for repairs, but I’m pretty sure it is the transmission.
At this point, I am left with very few choices because this vehicle is starting to get on my nerves. I really wonder why I have so many problems with a two year old vehicle. Is there any way I can get a recall or something on this vehicle? Anything to get out of this mess?
Desperate in Downey
Not a Recall, But You May Have a Case
Hi Desperate,Â
I understand your plight, but what you need is not a recall but, instead, a lemon law case. Your desperation is justifiable, but you will need one or two more visits to the dealership before you can be eligible for a lemon case. The reason is that before you can qualify for a lemon case, you need at least two visits to the dealership with the same problem. Or three visits to the dealership for different problems. So you can see that this is a potentially strong case that is brewing.Â
GO FOR A SECOND REPAIR VISIT
Before I go into further explanation, my advice is to sacrifice this second visit and see how it plays out. If it comes out as another transmission problem as stated, the case would be good for an attorney. On your second visit, make it clear that the same problems are occurring again so that they can indicate it in the paperwork, which will eventually be used as documentary evidence in your case.Â
As for the rental cost, you may have no choice but to pay it for now, but let your attorney know so that they will include it in the lawsuit — you can get it back as compensation. Sadly, Ford has more issues with their recent vehicles and it is just unfortunate that you have to partake of their faulty vehicles.Â
REPAIRS WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD
Although the warranty is coming close to an end, you still have some wiggle room to work within. This is important because all visits need to be under a valid warranty for it to count as a lemon case. I understand how difficult things can be with balancing your income to get the rental car, but I believe it will be well worth it in the end.
If you were to open up a lemon case in the near future, you will have two options. One is the buy back which helps you to get rid of your vehicle completely. In this case, Ford will buy the vehicle from you at the exact price you purchased it. Whether you’ve paid it in full or still have monthly payments to make, they will take care of everything for you. And in addition, your attorney will fight for some extra compensation. That compensation can include the amount you spent on rental cars, the amount you spent on transport when your vehicle was at the dealership, the wage that being without your car may have cost you, and several other things relating to the car that cost you money. Also, every payment they make will include taxes.Â
MILEAGE OFFSET
Provided that you get a very good lemon law attorney, Ford will only have a say with mileage offset. Mileage offset is how long you drove the vehicle without problems — in short, the time up until your first visit to the dealership. But your attorney can still get them to waive it in full or half.Â
And if you are uncomfortable with Ford deducting anything from what you will receive, you can opt for the second option which is cash and keep. In this case, Ford will offer you an amount for compensation, but you will keep the vehicle on the condition that it is not legally a lemon anymore. If you were to sell it after choosing this option, you won’t in any way tag it as a lemon for the new owners.Â
So it is your choice to make now – a second visit to potentially open the case? Or live with this problem? But you should also know that the higher the number of visits, the stronger your lemon case. So if you have an opportunity for a third or even fourth visit within your warranty, don’t shy away from it. Most importantly, remember to keep your purchase contract and repair documents (you can collect them from the dealership if you don’t have them) for each visit because you’ll need them for the case.Â
As for the costs or fees for the attorney, you have nothing to worry about because you reside in California. It is a customer-friendly state and in cases like this, one of the laws is that the manufacturers will pay all the legal fees. So reach out to the best possible attorney because it’s zero bills on you!
Reference: Ford Lemon Law Buyback Program Information
Suzanne
Free Legal Advice About Your 2019 Ford Ranger Lemon Law Claim
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about California’s lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (323) 553-7525 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 CA Lemon Law or how to file a claim in California, 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 CA Lemon Law attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 2019 Ford Ranger ©F. D. Richards (CC BY-SA 2.0 License)
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