You may have heard a vehicle referred to as a lemon before, but may not be sure what it means. A lemon is a vehicle with major defects that the manufacturer can’t seem to fix, even after multiple attempts. Sometimes, it could be as your touchscreen freezing over and over, or as serious as your engine randomly shutting off. If you’ve bought a Jeep that fits this description, you might have a lemon. Luckily, the 2018 Jeep Compass Lemon Law exists to protect consumers like you.
If your Jeep qualifies, you could receive a full refund or a replacement vehicle. However, knowing your rights and following the correct steps are key to ensuring a successful claim. Many Jeep lemon owners struggle with this process, but with the right approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and get your money back.
In this article, we’ll explain what steps to take to win a Lemon Law claim and put an end to your Jeep troubles. \
Step 1: Know if Your Jeep Qualifies as a Lemon
If you’re not sure if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, it’s best to ask a Jeep Lemon law attorney. This is usually the way to go, so you don’t waste time filing a claim on a vehicle that’s not eligible. If you’re wondering if it’s worth it to contact a lemon lawyer, here are a few signs to look for:
Your Jeep Has a Significant Defect
The defect must impact the vehicle’s use, safety, or value. This isn’t about cosmetic issues like a loose door handle or a slightly misaligned bumper. You need to prove that your Jeep has a serious mechanical or electrical flaw that makes it unreliable.
Common Jeep lemon issues include:
- Transmission problems: Delayed shifting, gear slippage, or total failure.
- Engine stalling: Sudden loss of power while driving.
- Electrical system failures: Touchscreen malfunctions, backup camera issues, or power window failures.
- Suspension and steering defects: The infamous “Death Wobble” in Wranglers.
The Car Must Have Had a Reasonable Number of Repairs Attempted
Under California law, the manufacturer must get a fair chance to fix the problem before you can demand a refund. This usually means:
- At least two attempts for a safety-related defect.
- At least four attempts for a recurring issue.
- If your Jeep has been out of service for 30+ days (total).
If Jeep has tried (and failed) to fix the problem multiple times, your vehicle likely qualifies as a lemon.
Step 2: Gather Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim
You need strong evidence that your vehicle is defective to convince Stellantis that you should be part of the Jeep buyback program. Here’s how to make sure you have the evidence you need:
- Keep Every Repair Invoice and Work Order:
Each time you take your Jeep to the dealership, ask for a copy of the repair invoice. This document should include the repair date, the reported issue, and the steps taken to fix it. If the same problem keeps coming back despite multiple repair attempts, this strengthens your case.
- Document Every Issue in Detail:
Write down when the problem happens, including the date, time, and driving conditions. Describe how it affects your driving, such as “Car stalled in the middle of an intersection.” Also, note what the dealership tells you after each visit. A detailed record shows that your Jeep’s defects are ongoing, and the dealer hasn’t resolved them.
- Keep Logs of Conversations with the Dealership:
If Jeep’s service center keeps brushing you off, it might help to have recorded proof of their responses. Record your conversation with the dealership, including who you spoke with, the date, and what was said. This helps if they later deny or try to delay your claim.
Step 3: Send a Formal Jeep Lemon Law Claim Letter
If Jeep fails to fix your vehicle, you need to officially notify them that you’re pursuing a Jeep Lemon Law buyback claim. This step is critical because the automaker may offer a settlement before the case escalates. Here’s what you must include in a strong claim letter:
- Your full name and contact details
- Vehicle details: Year, make, model, VIN, and purchase date
- A list of all defects and repair attempts
- A demand for a refund or replacement vehicle
- A deadline for their response (usually 10–14 days)
Make sure you send your letter via certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof that Jeep received it.
Step 4: Speak with a Lemon Law Attorney
The reality is that Jeep is a corporation, and no company wants to open up their wallet because of a mistake they made. Their legal team will look for any excuse to deny or delay your claim. They might argue that the defect isn’t serious enough to qualify, or you didn’t follow proper maintenance, meaning it’s your fault. In other cases, they may simply claim that the problem falls under “normal wear and tear” and isn’t severe enough.
This is why many lemon Jeep owners hire a Lemon Law attorney. In California, Jeep often pays your attorney’s fees if you win, so most lawyers don’t charge upfront. A Lemon Law attorney will:
- Negotiate aggressively with Jeep’s legal team
- File a lawsuit if necessary to force a refund
- Help you secure a higher settlement than you’d get alone
Step 5: Know What You’re Entitled To
If Jeep agrees to your Lemon Law claim, you can expect one of three outcomes.
The first option is the Jeep buy back program, where the manufacturer repurchases your vehicle and refunds your down payment, all monthly payments, and any registration fees, taxes, and finance charges. However, they may deduct a small usage fee based on the miles driven before the first repair attempt.
You can also choose to receive a replacement Jeep instead of a refund. In this case, Jeep will provide a vehicle of the same make, model, mileage, and market value.
Another option is a cash settlement, where Jeep offers money as compensation instead of going through the Jeep buyback process. This can be useful if you prefer to keep the car while still getting paid for your trouble.
Jeep Shouldn’t Get Away With Selling You a Lemon
Owning a Jeep is supposed to be about adventure and freedom, not endless dealership visits and repair bills. If your Jeep has serious, recurring problems, don’t let the manufacturer off the hook. With strong documentation and persistence under the Jeep Wrangler Lemon Law, you can force Jeep to refund your money.
With the right legal help from Quill & Arrow LLP lawyers, you can quickly move on from the nightmare that is owning a defective vehicle. If your Jeep is giving you more problems than it’s worth, reach out to our lawyers today. It’s your right to have a reliable, safe vehicle, and we’ll help you get there!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions