Lemon Laws And Recalls: The Facts
When you have a defect with a vehicle, you may think your car is a lemon. A lemon essentially refers to a vehicle that has consistent problems that require the vehicle to remain at the mechanic more often than not. However, a vehicle may have a defect that requires a recall. A recalled vehicle is not necessarily a lemon, but a vehicle that needs one issue fixed based on an issue from the manufacturer. Here is what you need to know when it comes to lemons and recalled vehicles:
What Is a Recalled Vehicle?
A recalled vehicle is a vehicle that needs repair that is initiated by the car manufacturer. The repair is typically spread across a certain make and model of a vehicle. Recalls are often issued voluntarily while others are required by law.
If your vehicle is recalled, you have to take the vehicle back to the dealership where it was purchased. The dealership will repair the issue stemming from the recall at no charge to you. In some cases, a recall is a quick and easy fix. In others, the vehicle may need a major overhaul to repair the problem.
If your vehicle has been recalled, you will be notified by mail. The manufacturer will contact you. You may also receive communication directly from the dealership where the vehicle was purchased. Some recalls may be urgent, so you should take the vehicle in as soon as possible.
When Is a Vehicle Considered a Lemon?
A vehicle that is classified as a lemon is one that has many different problems that can not only decrease the usability of the car but also create safety issues. A lemon is also devalued in the event that you want to trade the car in or sell it. A vehicle that is a lemon is considered to have too many flaws for it to perform at a basic level.
What Is the Lemon Law?
The Lemon Law protects the consumer from improper warranty practices. This federal mandate ensures warranties are easy to both understand and enforce. The law does not require manufacturers to offer you a warranty. However, if the manufacturer does offer a warranty, it must provide transparency about the issues it will cover should something happen to the vehicle.
Establishing a vehicle as a lemon instead of a recall can be problematic. Each case is different, and you may receive pushback when you try to claim the vehicle as a lemon. If you are experiencing consistent issues with a new vehicle and your dealership or the manufacturer is not being helpful in resolving the issues, you should seek out an attorney to help you. Often, the assistance of an attorney can help move the process of fixing the vehicle along faster than dealing with it on your own.
Reach out to a lemon lawyer to learn more.