Many Jeep owners have confessed that they love their vehicles for their ruggedness and off-road capabilities. Unfortunately, some unlucky Jeep enthusiasts have found that the issues with the vehicle far outweigh the fun. They have a Jeep that’s considered defective, and the dealership can’t do anything about it. Many have had to learn how to endure these issues, but it’s time they do something about it.
Owning a lemon doesn’t have to be your reality. You can find solace in California’s Jeep Lemon Law. If you own a Jeep Lemon, read along as we explain your options and the process to get there.
What Does the California Lemon Law Entail for Jeep Owners?
The official name of California’s Lemon Law is the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. It is considered one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country. Under this law, car buyers don’t have to remain stuck with a defective vehicle that manufacturers can’t properly repair.
For Jeep owners, a substantial defect with your vehicle isn’t the end of the world. As long as the warranty covers it, and Jeep or an authorized dealer fails to fix it, you may have a claim.
Below are some key points of the Jeep Wrangler Lemon Law:
- The defect must be substantial: This includes major safety issues or any persistent minor defect. For instance, brake failures, engine malfunctions, electrical problems, or any fault affecting the car’s use, value, or safety.
- The issue must occur within warranty: Your Jeep must be under the manufacturer’s original or extended warranty.
- You must give the dealership a reasonable number of attempts: Usually, this means at least two attempts for serious safety defects or four for less critical issues.
If the problem persists, you have rights under the law. You can seek a refund, a replacement vehicle, or compensation for your trouble.
Determining if Your Jeep is a Lemon
You must be sure your Jeep has a serious defect that qualifies it as a lemon. One way of doing so is by comparing it to California’s legal criteria for lemon law. Here’s a quick checklist to determine if it’s worth pursuing a lemon law claim:
- Your Jeep is still under the manufacturer’s warranty
- The same issue has been repaired multiple times without success
- The defect significantly impacts the use, safety, or value of the vehicle
- Your Jeep has been in the shop for an extended period (usually 30+ days)
- You have detailed repair records from the dealership.
If you answered “yes” to most or all of the above, your Jeep might be a lemon, and it’s time to start the claim process.
Step-by-Step of the Jeep Lemon Law Claim Process
Having confirmed that you own a lemon, the Jeep buyback process is as follows:
Gather all Necessary Documentation
Before filing a claim, it’s essential to gather all the necessary paperwork related to your Jeep. This includes your purchase or lease agreement, warranty documents, and repair orders or invoices. Essentially, you must get together any paperwork that details the dates of service, descriptions of the problems, and the attempted repairs.
Furthermore, any communication you’ve had with the dealership or manufacturer should be documented. A well-organized paper trail increases the chances of a successful Jeep Lemon Law buyback claim.
Give the Dealership a Final Chance at Repairs
The law requires you to give Jeep or an authorized dealership a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue. It doesn’t matter how frustrated you are, having to go again and again for repeated repairs. Make sure that each time you bring your Jeep in for service, you clearly describe the problem and request a written service record for your visit.
If possible, have the issue diagnosed by different service departments to confirm it is not specific to a particular dealership.
Send a Formal Lemon Law Notice
If repairs fail, it’s time to notify Jeep in writing. Send a certified letter outlining the following:
- Your name, contact details, and vehicle information
- A summary of the defect(s)
- The repair attempts made
- Your request for a refund or replacement under the Lemon Law
This helps create a legal record of your claim.
Hire a Lemon Lawyer
Many Jeep owners fail to get a refund or compensation because they do not know the intricacies of a legal claim. Meanwhile, Jeep has a legal team dedicated to rejecting claims.
This is why hiring an attorney who can represent your interests is important. They will handle all communication with Jeep’s legal team, negotiate a higher payout, and file a lawsuit if Jeep doesn’t cooperate. Best of all, California’s Lemon Law requires the automaker to pay your attorney’s fees if you win your claim.
Jeep’s Response and Settlement Offer
After receiving your letter, Jeep will review your claim, and they may:
- Initiate the Jeep buyback program
- Replace your car
- Offer a cash settlement
They may refuse to cooperate, and you may have to file a lawsuit. This is where your Lemon Lawyer is able to represent you in court and give you a better chance of winning full compensation.
Possible Remedy Options You May Win
If your Jeep qualifies as a lemon under the 2018 Jeep Compass Lemon Law, you may be entitled to:
- A Jeep Buy Back Program: Jeep reimburses you for the purchase price, including taxes and fees. You may also receive compensation for repair costs, towing expenses, and rental car fees incurred due to the vehicle’s defects.
- Replacement Jeep: This option is only available if both you and the manufacturer agree to it. The manufacturer offers to replace your defective vehicle with another of comparable value and mileage at no extra cost.
- Cash & Keep: If you prefer to keep your car despite the ongoing issues, you can choose this option. In this scenario, Jeep pays you a negotiated amount while you retain ownership of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Lemon Law process take?
It varies. Some cases settle in a few weeks, while others take several months, especially if they go to court.
Does my Jeep need to be brand-new to qualify?
No, it doesn’t have to be. Even used or leased Jeeps may qualify if they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty when the defects start.
Can I file a claim if I bought the Jeep “as-is”?
Unfortunately, “as-is” used car sales usually don’t qualify unless the dealer included a separate manufacturer’s warranty. This is because the dealership clearly stated it was being sold in the current condition with no promise that it was defect free.
Protecting Your Investment with Lemon Law Specialists
Dealing with a lemon can be exhausting, but you don’t have to fight alone. If you’re among the unlucky few with a defective Jeep, you have plenty of options like we discussed above. California’s Jeep Lemon Law attorneys specialize in helping consumers like you get the justice they deserve.
Specifically, lawyers on the Quill & Arrow LLP team have dedicated their practice to the good fight of protecting California’s consumers. They know how to handle, negotiate, and win your claim so that you can leave in a reliable car. Try them out today!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions