DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 116 – June 2023 | Theft Victim
Dear Suzanne,
My troubles all started when I leased my brand-new 2023 Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid. It had zero miles on it, and now it’s clocked about 4,000 miles. Initially, I planned to lease it for a while and then buy it, but after everything I’ve been through, I’m not sure that’s a smart move.
The Jeep dealership where I leased the car is pretty far from me, so taking it in for regular repairs is a hassle. It’s a major inconvenience, and that’s why the issues I’ve had with the car bother me so much.
When the problems first started, I didn’t take it in right away. Instead, I communicated with the dealership about them. But when things got too much to handle, I had no choice but to bring my car in for repairs.
The first time I took the car in was to fix the check engine light. The dashboard would suddenly light up, the engine would sputter and die, and I’d have to restart it before the car went back to normal. The dealership kept my car for a couple of days, duplicated the issue, fixed it, and returned it to me. Things were smooth for a while until the fuel gauge issue began.
I never realized how important fuel gauges are until I experienced a malfunctioning one. When I first reported the problem, the dealership accidentally damaged the windshield, so they had to replace it.
About a month ago, my Jeep’s fuel gauge stopped working, making it impossible to monitor fuel consumption. I had to keep topping up the fuel level to avoid getting stranded. I took the car to the dealer, who kept it for a week and a half before claiming they had fixed the gauge. However, it stopped working again just a few days later.
The dealer said I’d have to wait a few days before booking another appointment, so I had no choice but to drive without a functioning fuel gauge. One night, the car lost power on the freeway and wouldn’t restart. I knew I was out of gas and far from a gas station. The tow company was closed, so I had to leave my car there overnight and take a taxi home.
The next morning, I went back to where I left my car, only to find an empty space. It felt like a nightmare. I gathered myself and reported it to the police, who were able to trace the car to an alley where it had been abandoned and ransacked. I was grateful to have my car back and considered the loss of valuables a small price to pay. I towed the car to the dealership, where it’s been ever since.
As you can see, a seemingly minor fuel gauge problem can have significant consequences. I like this car a lot, but I’m not sure what to do with it. If you could explain the lemon law to me, it might help me make a decision.
Theft Victim
Your Experience With Your Car Is As Wild As It Gets
Dear Theft Victim,
I’m really sorry to hear about the inconvenience and stress you’ve experienced with your Jeep, and the theft must have been incredibly shocking. It’s unfortunate that you had to go through that so soon after getting your Jeep.
Regarding the distance issue, you could always take your car to another dealership in California that’s closer to you. Just make sure it’s a certified Jeep dealership, and ensure that they document every issue report and provide you with a copy of each.
Your car comes with a warranty that’s divided into three parts. The first part is the basic coverage, which includes things like the electrical system, brakes, and power steering. The second part is the powertrain warranty, covering transmission and engine-related issues. The last part is for hybrid and battery issues.
Each of these warranties has a validity period. The basic warranty expires after 3 years or 36,000 miles, the powertrain warranty is valid for 5 years or 60,000 miles, and the hybrid and battery warranty lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
For your vehicle to qualify as a lemon, it must meet any of the following requirements:
- At least two repairs done or concerns reported to the dealership for the same issues, while under warranty.
- At least three repair attempts for different issues, while under warranty.
- If your vehicle has been at the dealership for up to 30 days for any issue, it also qualifies.
If you meet any of these requirements, there are three possible outcomes for you if you win the lawsuit, regardless of whether your vehicle is leased or purchased:
- Repurchase Offer: The manufacturer buys back the car from you, paying back every dime you’ve spent on the vehicle, including down payments, monthly payments, taxes, and interest. If you took out a loan, they’ll pay it off so your credit won’t be affected. However, they may charge you for the time you drove the car without issues, based on the mileage when you first took it in for repairs. Documenting issues as soon as they arise can help strengthen your case and minimize deductions.
- Cash and Keep Option: The manufacturer provides cash compensation for the troubles you’ve had with your car, based on factors like the number of repair visits, how long the car stayed in the shop, and the severity of the issues. You get to keep your car, your warranty remains valid, and you don’t have to disclose it as a lemon if you decide to sell it later.
- Replacement Offer: You can choose a replacement car with the same mileage, price, and model as yours. However, this option is risky, as you might end up with another lemon.
Since your vehicle was purchased in California, you won’t have to cover any attorney costs. In this state, the manufacturers are responsible for paying the lawyers after a successful lemon case, so you’ll receive the full settlement amount. If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to contact your lawyer.
Suzanne
PS. If you think your vehicle sucks and want to actually do something about it, you definitely can! Find out quickly if you have a case by visiting www.yourvehiclesucks.com right now. This website is owned by our partner law firm Quill & Arrow LLP, California’s #1 “settled” Lemon Law attorneys.
Free Legal Advice About Your 2023 Jeep Wrangler 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 [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 California Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Image:
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler ©Ferencvizi (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)
