My 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sensors are Ridden With Problems

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 43 – September 2022 | Troubled

Dear Suzanne, 

In June of 2020, my fiancé and I decided it was high time we bought a new vehicle, and so we did. We opted for a 2019 Jeep Wrangler which we purchased brand new. However, if we had known the issues that would follow, we definitely would have gone for a different vehicle. Let me give you a rundown of some of the issues we have experienced so far. 

Firstly, a major issue that keeps recurring is the auto collision sensor light just randomly goes off. This auto collision sensor is the one that tells you when a car next to you is in very close proximity. We have taken the vehicle countless times to the Jeep dealership to fix this issue, but it seems there’s no way to do that. 

The first time we visited the dealer concerning this issue, they were unable to duplicate the problem so we took the car back home. Not long after, the problem resurfaced and we had to return to the dealership. This time they were able to replicate it and they were able to make a diagnosis. 

They said it was the blind-spot “something” sensor that was faulty. Also, the dealer said that if left untreated, the sensor could ultimately affect the Automatic Braking System (ABS) and thus, cause an accident. As a result, we had to leave the car at the shop for about a week. 

When we came to pick it up, they claimed they had reset the software – I don’t know what software though since I’m not so well-versed with automobiles. We retrieved the car and thought we finally could get some rest from any car troubles, but it was just the beginning. At this period, the vehicle had a mileage of just 10,000 to 15,000; I’m not sure of the exact number of miles. 

Since then, the car has been to the dealership two more times due to the sensor problem. To compound matters, the second time we visited the dealership was to also complain about an unusual noise coming from the engine. They later claimed they fixed the two issues and that everything was alright. 

However, last Thursday, we had to take the car to the dealer once again due to these two issues. We actually took it in for an oil change and to fix the sensors again, then my fiancé pointed out the noise to the dealer. As of now, the car is still at the dealer’s shop and they are fixing the engine noise. We were supposed to get the vehicle back yesterday, but they haven’t called my fiancé to come pick it up. We don’t know what’s wrong with the dealer, but we hope to get it back today. 

Ultimately, the vehicle has been to the shop about 3 times for the sensor issue and twice for the noise problem. I myself don’t hear the noise because the car’s so big, but my fiancé says it’s noticeable to him. This is understandable because he knows a lot about cars unlike me. And this is why he is the one basically handling everything. 

Furthermore, we’ve been trying to resolve these issues as soon as possible because the warranty will expire soon. And if it expires, how are we going to pay for any further repairs? This is why I am more inclined to get rid of the vehicle, unlike my fiancé who prefers a simple cash compensation. Well, I can understand where he is coming from because he has always wanted this Jeep since he first saw it online. 

Moreover, we have had some installations done into the vehicle which we’re not willing to lose. Since the car is still within its warranty, my fiancé feels we don’t have much to complain about. Maybe when it’s beyond the warranty, he may begin to contemplate getting rid completely of the vehicle. This is why as of now, he believes a simple cash compensation would do just fine. 

However, I feel it would be better to completely get rid of the vehicle because the car is currently at 32,000 miles. But for now, what are the options available to us? Do you think we have a chance at a strong case? And what are the steps we need to take? 

Troubled. 

Your Jeep Is Actually A Lemon

Dear Troubled, 

I’m sure you would be glad to hear that you guys definitely qualify for a lemon law case. This is because all you need is at least 2 repairs done at the dealership concerning the same issues under the manufacturer warranty. It could otherwise be at least three repairs or more done for different problems. Seeing as you meet these requirements, you guys have a good case. So, depending on what you hope to get out of the lemon case, you can move forward with your lemon law attorney. 

The thing about defective vehicles like yours is that if you begin to experience issues this early on, it means there is more to come later on. And since your vehicle is still fairly new, it shouldn’t be having this many problems. If you’re having issues this early on, it means you most possibly will have more challenges after the warranty expires. And by then, it will be up to you to fix the repairs out of your own pocket.

Be it sensor issues or engine noises, no car should have this many problems within the warranty period. The warranty is there just in case you need it, but it should not necessarily be needed. It should only be needed for oil changes or regular maintenance. 

Oftentimes, also, any fault you are experiencing with your vehicle is not necessarily the fault of the dealership. They are doing the best they can and if a car is defective, the manufacturer is more to blame. If the vehicle is built wrong, the dealership is only there to patch up the work to minimize the problems attached to the car. 

Now there are a couple of options available to you regarding your vehicle. You can discuss this further with your lawyer before making a decision and getting your case started. However, it’s best to get started as soon as possible while your car is at very low mileage. So the options include:

1. Buyback 
2. Cash and keep

Buyback is exactly what it implies. It basically means the automakers will buy the vehicle back from you and return all that you have spent on the vehicle. So any down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and interests are included. Also, if you took out any loan for the vehicle, the manufacturers would pay that off for you. On the plus side, your credit will also go up as a result. 

With the Jeep buyback, however, the only thing the manufacturer can deduct is the mileage offset. This means they have the right to charge you for the miles used during which the car had no issues. It is calculated using the mileage you were at during your first visit to the dealer. 

Since you went early on for your first repair, it means there isn’t much offset for the manufacturers to deduct. Moreover, the fact that they are allowed to deduct the mileage offset doesn’t necessarily mean they will get to do that. Your lawyer can try to get them to waive the mileage offset in full or in half. 

The second option which I see your fiancé is more interested in is the cash and keep. It is simply cash compensation for the issues you are having while you get to keep the vehicle. So with this, the vehicle remains yours while your warranty is still valid. Also, if you, later on, decide to sell your vehicle, you don’t have to label it a lemon to the next owner. 

However, with this option, there’s no guarantee that any further problems will be handled by the automakers. This compensation is more of a once and for all thing. The manufacturers pay you and wash their hands off the case. Any further issues will be handled between you and your car dealer. 

Since your fiancé is more inclined towards the second option because of the things you’ve installed into the vehicle, you could always remove and keep them for the next vehicle. Or you could decide to sell them if you guys choose the buyback option. However, the decision is up to you. 

The good news about lemon cases in California is that you do not have to pay any attorney fees. Lemon cases are usually taken on a contingency basis. This is because legally in California, the manufacturing company is in charge of settling the law firm’s fees. Hence, 100% of the settlement will be going over to you. 

Lastly, remember to submit the proper documents ASAP to your attorney so the case can get started soon. For any further assistance, contact your lemon lawyer.

Suzanne

Free Legal Advice About Your 2019 Jeep Wrangler 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 dearsuzanne@lemonlawyers.org. 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 Image:

• 2019 Jeep Wrangler ©CZmarlin (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)