Shopping for a new Chrysler is like setting off on an adventure. You research, you test drive, and finally you find the perfect Chrysler to take home. However, the journey doesn’t always end once you drive it off the lot. Sometimes, the excitement turns into horror as you realize your new car has persistent mechanical issues that refuse to be fixed.
If defects plague your vehicle and repair attempts haven’t resolved them, you may qualify for the Chrysler buyback program. Let’s explore how to handle Chrysler vehicles that don’t meet expectations and what steps to take to secure compensation.
What is a Chrysler Lemon Law Buyback?
Before looking into eligibility, it’s important to understand what a buyback entails. The Chrysler buyback process involves the vehicle manufacturer repurchasing a defective car from the owner. The purpose of the law is to ensure that consumers aren’t stuck with a faulty product that compromises safety, value, or usability. It’s a way for consumers to reclaim their investment after buying a car with persistent, unfixable problems.
In California, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, more commonly known as the Lemon Law, protects defective vehicle owners. If your Chrysler qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer must either:
- Repurchase the vehicle and compensate you for expenses
- Replace the car with a comparable model
The goal is to provide a fair resolution while holding automakers accountable for the defective products they produce.
Does Your Chrysler Qualify for a Buyback?
The first step to determining eligibility for a buyback is understanding if your Chrysler is a lemon or not. While the law varies depending on the state, California’s law is quite straightforward. Here are a few things that might indicate you have a lemon:
Persistent, Unresolved Problems
If your Chrysler has a notable defect impairing its use, value, or safety, you might have a lemon. Note that these issues must also persist despite multiple repair attempts. Common problems that may qualify include:
- Transmission Issues: Rough shifting, gear slipping, or complete failure.
- Engine Troubles: Frequent stalling or overheating.
- Electrical Malfunctions: Problems with infotainment systems or faulty wiring.
- Brakes or Airbag Failure: Seizing or stiff braking, slow or lack of response, or malfunctioning airbags.
Several Repair Attempts
The manufacturer must have had multiple opportunities to fix the defect. In California, this means:
- At least two repair attempts for serious safety defects
- At least four repair attempts for other defects not related to safety components.
Time Spent in the Repair Shop
If your Chrysler has been out of service for an extended period (usually 30 days or more) due to repairs, it could qualify. It doesn’t matter if the dealer couldn’t repair the issue on multiple occasions. As long as you couldn’t use your vehicle for its intended purpose during that timeframe, that may be all you need to qualify.
Warranty Period Defects
The California Lemon Law applies to defects that arise during the warranty period. Most manufacturers offer a basic limited warranty and a powertrain warranty. If the problem started while your Chrysler lemon was under warranty and went unresolved for multiple repairs, you might be eligible for a buyback.
How to Determine Eligibility
Now that you know the general criteria, let’s break down the process of confirming your car’s eligibility for a Chrysler buyback.
Step 1: Review Your Warranty
Ensure the defect occurred during the warranty period. Chrysler’s warranties usually include the following:
- Basic Coverage: Covers bumper-to-bumper issues for three years or 36,000 miles. Issues related to the brakes, power steering, or electrical components fall under this category.
- Powertrain Warranty: Covers major drivetrain components (engine and transmission) for five years or 60,000 miles.
Step 2: Analyze Repair History
Gather all repair invoices and records, showing the dates, mileage, and descriptions of the problem. You’ll want to have copies of the following:
- Repair orders and receipts
- A log of the service history that shows the time your car spent in the shop
- Any emails, letters, or notes from conversations with Chrysler or the dealership
- Purchase agreement, including sales contracts, warranty information, and financing documents
Step 3: Assess the Severity of the Issue
Since the law recognizes car issues that affect the value, performance, and safety of the vehicle, this is an important step. Ask yourself: Does the issue make the car unsafe to drive? Is it only a minor inconvenience, or will it be costly to live with the defect?
Depending on your response to these questions and the number of times you’ve visited the dealership for repairs, you might already qualify.
Step 4: Consult a Lemon Lawyer
An experienced Lemon law attorney will be able to help you in determining if you have a lemon. They will listen to your complaints, evaluate your records, and decide if you have a solid claim worth pursuing. If you do, they may ask you to go for one final repair attempt just to prove that you’ve done everything within your power to resolve the issues without success.
What Compensation Can You Expect?
If your Chrysler qualifies as a lemon, you can expect a couple different offers from the manufacturer:
- Buyback
The Chrysler buyback typically covers the vehicle’s purchase price or lease payments, sales tax, and registration fees. If you had to finance the car, the manufacturer also has to refund the bank on your behalf, meaning your credit may go up. You may receive repayment of incidental expenses like towing and rental fees as well.
- Replacement Vehicle
You can choose a comparable replacement instead of accepting a refund. This might be a good option if you still prefer to have the Chrysler you always wanted, but need it to be a functional vehicle.
How to File a Claim for a Chrysler Buyback
If the manufacturer can’t fix your defective vehicle, the next step is to file a Lemon Law claim. The process goes as follows:
Notify Chrysler
Send a formal letter or email to the manufacturer outlining the defect and repair history. Include all the information you have about the repair invoices, related expenses, and warranty information. Make sure you also include a request for a buyback or replacement under the Chrysler Lemon law.
Consult Your Attorney
Lemon Law cases can be complex, and it’s important to work closely with your lawyer so you know where your case stands. After evaluating your eligibility and filing your claim, your attorney will handle all communication with Chrysler and assist in making any important decisions.
Negotiate or Litigate
Your attorney will be careful to assess the severity of your case and determine the right amount that compensates you. Then they will negotiate with the automaker and their legal team until they reach a settlement that’s satisfactory for you. However, if Chrysler doesn’t cooperate, you may need to take your Lemon Law claim to court.
Secure Your Buyback
If your claim is successful, the automaker will repurchase your vehicle. Be sure to verify the terms of the Chrysler buyback program, including any deductions for mileage or wear and tear, to ensure you aren’t cheated.
Why Go Through All of This?
If your Chrysler isn’t living up to its reputation, it’s time to take action. The California Lemon Law’s design is to protect you as a consumer and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Now that you know the basics of the Chrysler buyback and how to get started, it’s time to take action. Begin with the simple act of contacting Quill & Arrow LLP, and kickstart your journey to a sweet and reliable ride today!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions