My 2019 Land Rover Causes Embarrassing Work Mishaps

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 84 – January 2023 | Embarrassed

Dear Suzanne, 

I own a 2019 Land Rover that currently has a mileage between 25,000 and 26,000. It was purchased used and certified pre-owned. I have taken it to the Land Rover dealership several times for the electrical issues I’ve been experiencing with the car. However, they haven’t been able to find a permanent fix, they have simply been doing a software update which has proved to be a futile solution. 

On my first visit to the dealership, my car had a mileage of 11,764 and the problem was that the rear camera was not functioning properly. Also, the blind-spot detector was malfunctioning and this caused me to collide with several objects while reversing. 

These two car features are very important and the two shouldn’t be defective at the same time, at least. However, I remember a moment when I almost hit a pregnant woman because I couldn’t see the rear of the car clearly. Fortunately, I saw her and braked just in time to avoid hitting her. 

Another instance where these two electrical systems failed me was when I hit a fence. I was trying to reverse out of the car park at work to be on my way home. But because the blind spot detection was bad and the rearview camera made the distance between me and the fence seem much, I did not know I was closer than I thought. 

I was still reversing the car when I suddenly felt the collision but fortunately, the damage to both my car and the fence wasn’t much. However, the damage to my ego and my reputation was a lot because I felt very embarrassed. 

When I took it for the first visit, the dealership told me that the problem was with the wire harness and so they replaced it. Also, I was charged for this repair and they never gave me a reason for this even though I was still under warranty. 

The second visit happened while I was on 13,000 miles. The main issue was that the screen kept blacking out while I was driving. Also, the vehicle often lost communication with the key while driving, so they replaced the key battery. Moreover, the backup camera incessantly failed to engage while the blind spot monitor developed worse problems. 

Added to all of these, a message also came up on the dashboard, and reverse traffic detection was not available. Another problem is that when accelerating between 20 mph to 30 mph, the transmission always felt like it was jerking. They also found leakage in the engine oil compartment. 

With all of these problems that I have listed, no sane person would still love to stick with his car. For this reason, I am looking to get rid of my vehicle as soon as possible. 

Embarrassed.

Rid Yourself Of Your Lemon With Lemon Law

Dear Embarrassed, 

Sorry to hear that you felt embarrassed because of something that wasn’t really within your control. However, you should note that with this car model, these sorts of issues are quite commonplace but not to worry, lemon law is here for you. 

The way it works is that you are eligible only when you have two repairs done at the dealership for the same issues or three repairs done for different problems. When this happens, the vehicle is deemed a lemon and this makes it eligible for lemon law. 

The manufacturer warranty on your vehicle for anything basic is 5 years or 60k miles. This includes anything bumper-to-bumper like brakes, power steering, and electrical issues. As for the powertrain warranty, it covers your car for 10 years or 100,000 miles. 

While your attorney is working on your case, it is best to keep taking the vehicle to the dealer for any issues you experience. This is to help make your case stronger because the more visits you have, the higher the value, and the more money you will be getting. 

Now, there is much wiggle room as to what your attorney can do for you seeing as you’re still within the warranty period. But it is best to get things started as soon as possible so as to avoid any protests from the automakers. 

There are two different options available for you. The first is the buyback and this is probably what you’re most interested in. This is where the manufacturers will be buying back the vehicle from you and they will be paying you out everything you’ve paid towards the vehicle. 

This settlement would cover any down payment, taxes, monthly payments, interest, and even the $1,000 you were charged for the repair. Additionally, any loans taken on the car would be paid back in full by the manufacturers to the financing company. 

However, the only deduction that can be taken is what is known as the mileage offset. This just means they have the right to charge you for the miles you drove the vehicle with no issues. And they will be going based on the number of miles you were at on your first visit which you mentioned was around 11,764 miles. Regardless, however, your attorney can get them to waive this either in full or part considering they sold you a defective vehicle. 

The second option is the cash and keep which you’re probably not interested in but it is still an option. This is basically just you getting cash compensation for the issues you are having while you still keep the vehicle. With this, your warranty will not be voided or canceled and if you, later on, decide to sell the car, you can do so without deeming it a lemon to the next owner. 

In addition to these two settlement offers, your attorney can also fight to get you additional compensation for your troubles. This amount is not definite but seeing the pains you were put through by your defective vehicle, that would be made possible. 

Now, the good thing about purchasing your car in California is that your attorney takes your case fully on contingency. This means that you will not be charged for anything nor will your lawyer have any share in the settlement amount. Rather, all legal bills are paid for by the manufacturers while you own the total settlement received.

Suzanne

Free Legal Advice About Your 2019 Land Rover 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 California Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim in California, please write to help@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 California Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

Related Articles:

• How To Avoid Buying A Lemon & What To Do If You Already Bought One
• 7 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Filing A Lemon Law Case
• Eight Things You Need To Know About California Lemon Law

Featured Image:

• 2019 Land Rover ©Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)