My 2021 Porsche Taycan Is Like A Horror Story

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 81 – December 2022 | Frightened

Dear Suzanne, 

There is a popular assertion that electric vehicles are safer than regular cars that use gas. However, from my experience with my electric car, I have discovered that this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Let me give you a background premise for my conclusion. 

My car is a 2021 Porsche Taycan that I purchased used and certified pre-owned with 11,000 miles on it as of that time. Ever since the time I bought it, it has been one problem or the other, the first occurring right after I purchased it. 

The first thing I noticed about my car was that the passenger seat sensor which is only meant to sound if a passenger isn’t using the seatbelt was defective. And this causes it to keep sounding even when there is no passenger on the seat. This makes it scary to drive in the night on a very long stretch because it feels like an invisible someone is seated next to me – call me superstitious. 

When I took the car to the dealer and reported the issue, they were able to fix it. So I took my car and went on my way home. 

Another problem that further strengthened this feeling is the collision avoidance system that makes my car suddenly halt on its own. This often happens while I’m driving on a freeway when there is no obstacle on the road but the system detects something unseen. 

Two incidents, in particular, stand out in my head when I was driving at night and the car suddenly jolted to a stop in the middle of the road. On these two occasions, there were no oncoming vehicles as far as the eye could see, so it was weird why my car halted. To compound matters, I began to hear strange noises from my surroundings, and oh well, all I can say is I haven’t been more scared ever. 

It is funny how things that seem alright during the day can transform into terrifying features at night. My eyes began playing games with me and started seeing things moving. I guess that is what I get for having a very wild imagination. 

It was at this point that I tried once again to start my car and fortunately, it came on. I pressed down on the gas pedal and got out of there as fast as I could. In retrospect now, it sounds so funny, but it was quite scary at that moment. 

Aside from this incident, there have also been times when a car behind me slams into mine because my car suddenly stopped. At this point, my car just might be a battering ram because what is all this that I’m experiencing with it? 

I reported this issue several times to the Porsche dealership but they didn’t do anything about it. When they finally did, they claimed it was a software update that was making my car behave that way. They did this update and rebooted the computer but still, the issue persisted. 

Now, I just want to be done with this car that belongs in a horror movie. I don’t think I can deal anymore with all of this so I want to know what options are available to me regarding lemon law. 

Frightened.

Your Experience Sounds Funny But Your Car Problems Are Quite Serious

Dear Frightened,

From the way you have described your car problems, it is evident you are dealing with a lemon. Thus, your lawyer can get your case started immediately because you have the necessary requirements on ground already.

In California, the requirement to qualify for a lemon case is two or more visits to the dealership for the same issues within your warranty period. That, or three or more visits to the dealer for different repairs also, within the warranty period. Since you already meet this requirement, your attorney can begin with the next steps. Also, whether leased or purchased, all of that doesn’t matter as long as you meet the requirements.

As the owner of a defective vehicle, there are two options available to you from which you can choose from. The first is the buyback which involves the manufacturers buying back the vehicle from you. In other words, it means you will get reimbursed for your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and interest.

Also, since your car is leased, they will write out a check for the remaining balance as a complete payment to the dealership for the vehicle. Thus, you are not required to pay any more money to the dealer after the case has been settled. So, essentially, the manufacturing company keeps the jeep and you get your money back.

The only amount that can be deducted is called the mileage offset. This is the period during which you drove the car without any issues, for which you will be charged. It is usually based on the first time you took the vehicle in for its first repairs. However, your attorney can get this offer waived either in full or half seeing as you were sold a defective car in the first place.

Find out more about the Porsche Lemon Law buyback process, its mechanics, qualifications, covered models, reported issues, and your legal options.

The second option is known as cash and keep. This means that you will get some cash as compensation for all the inconveniences you have endured while using your car. It basically is the manufacturers saying “we’re sorry for the issues the car gave you, here’s some money as compensation to you for the inconvenience”. But basically, it just implies that you are getting a discounted price on the vehicle.

With this option, you keep the car and you keep making the monthly payments to the dealership. The benefit of the cash-and-keep offer is that if you later decide to sell your vehicle, you do not have to deem it a lemon to the next owner. Another thing about this offer is that the more visits you have, the more proof of its defectiveness, and the higher the compensation offer. 

Additionally, when your attorney begins the case, you have the final say over whatever offer you wish to pick. Your attorney is only there to advise you if it is possible to get a more profitable offer or not. There is also no specific amount that your attorney can promise you but you can rest assured that he will get the offer that best benefits you.

Also, since you mentioned that you do not feel safe driving your car, then you do not have to drive it. You can simply leave it parked at home. But whether you drive it or not, ensure you meet up with the installment payments every month so as to keep your lemon case active.

This is to avoid any form of pushback or deductions from the manufacturers because then, they would have legitimate grounds to discard the case. If you decide to keep driving it and you encounter problems, make sure you take it to the dealership for proper checkups and also collect the necessary paperwork.

In addition, since you leased your car in California which is very customer-friendly, you will not be charged any attorney fees. This is because, in the state of California, lemon law cases are taken on contingency. All attorney fees are settled by the manufacturing company in question regardless of if it’s a win or a lose situation. This also implies that the total settlement won, whether for the buyback or the cash-and-keep offer will be going over to you as the sole owner.

Furthermore, after filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers, it usually takes between 30 to 55 days for them to return with an offer. However, oftentimes, it takes up to 7 months for the whole lawsuit to be settled. If you are in need of further clarification, you can contact your law attorney.

Suzanne

Free Legal Advice About Your 2021 Porsche Taycan 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 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 CA Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

Related Articles:

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

Featured Image:

• 2021 Porsche Taycan ©Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)