Owning a lemon car can be stressful, especially if it causes you to sustain a serious injury or recurring safety issues. Other than the inconvenience it brings, dealing with repeated repairs, unexpected costs, and uncooperative manufacturers can make it all an overwhelming process. With the help of a skilled Buick lemon law lawyer, they can take on all aspects of your case so you do not have to. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we can give you insight into legal options you may have available and evaluate the probability of a successful outcome prior to you making decisions on how to move forward with your claim.
To book a FREE case evaluation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.
Your Rights Under California’s Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law protects consumers who own defective vehicles. If a new car has been substantially impaired and the auto manufacturer cannot repair the problem after two to four attempts, or it has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days, you may be entitled to relief. The law also applies if defects occur within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first (California Civil Code § 1793.22).
Remedies in such a case include a replacement vehicle, cash settlement, or buyback. The manufacturer will also be required to cover the consumer’s attorney’s fees. Under AB 1755, the filing window will be within one year after the expiration of the applicable express warranty, and no later than six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date.
When Does a Buick Qualify as a Lemon?
A Buick may qualify as a lemon under California Law if it has substantial defects that tamper with safety, use, or value and the manufacturer is unable to resolve the issue within a reasonable number of attempts. Generally, this means if your Buick requires about two or more tries for a serious safety problem or four or more for other recurring complications, it may be considered a lemon. This also applies if your vehicle is left at a repair shop for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty-covered issues.
Buick Models That Could Qualify as Lemons in California
Buick vehicles, like many other vehicle brands, have faced recurring complications that can qualify them as lemons. Common issues that have been reported by owners include engine and transmission problems. Let’s take a closer look at what specific models had the highest number of complaints.
Buick LeSabre
The Buick LeSabre had frequent issues revolving around windows and windshields. The 2002 model had the most reports backed with frustration over high repair costs and problems arising at lower mileage. However, the top complaints were made for the 2001 edition because of power windows failing. This alone, made it very difficult for drivers to manage air ventilation in their cars and was very problematic in cities with shifting climates.
Buick Enclave
The 2008 Buick Enclave has notable transmission issues. Owners have shared their dissatisfaction with slipping gears, erratic shifting, and sudden loss of power. Due to high repair costs and complications arising at low mileage, this edition is considered to be the least likable model year for the Enclave.
Buick Rendezvous
The 2002 Buick Rendezvous has been noted to have engine issues, with the most common being a leaking intake manifold gasket. This sort of complication can result in coolant or oil leaks, contributing to rough idling, engine overheating, or even internal coolant mixing with the engine oil. Because of its costly repairs and setbacks that arise at relatively low mileage, the 2002 edition has a low ranking for the Rendezvous.
What Vehicles Qualify Under California Lemon Law?
California Lemon Law covers most new and some used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. Qualifying vehicles may include: cars, trucks, SUVs, motorhomes, and vans (under 10,000 pounds) that are bought or leased for personal, family, or household use. The law will also apply to certain business vehicles, Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars, and even electric motorcycles.
Does Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars in California?
State lemon laws can apply to used cars, but only under certain conditions. The vehicle will need to be covered by the manufacturer’s original express warranty or a dealer-provided warranty. So, if these types of vehicles are experiencing ongoing defects that affect its safety or use, or even diminish its value, even after numerous repair attempts are made, it may qualify as a lemon. The law provides protection equivalent to those for new vehicles, like the potential for a replacement, cash settlement, or buyback.
What About Leased Vehicles?
Leased vehicles are covered under California Lemon Law. Consumers are protected whether they own a new or leased car that has substantial defects even after it has been repaired on numerous occasions. Coverage will be similar to that of purchased vehicles, meaning the lessee may be entitled to relief, such as a replacement or a refund. To qualify, the defect will need to impair the vehicle’s use, reliability, or value. The auto manufacturer is responsible to have the problem resolved, ensuring that lessees have recourse if their vehicle is unable to meet standards (California Civil Code § 1794(d)).
Filing a Buick Lemon Law Claim in California
If your Buick is experiencing serious mechanical issues that affect vehicle use or your safety and you are dealing with ongoing complications despite multiple repair attempts, you may be eligible to file a lemon law claim. You will first need to check whether your Buick is under warranty, and the situation took place within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).
California law will typically require auto manufacturer’s 2 to 4 reasonable attempts to fix the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more cumulative days. Be sure to keep service records, repair orders, and correspondence within the dealership at hand. These documents will be used as proof that you allowed the dealer to have a reasonable opportunity to resolve the problem. Before filing a formal claim, you will also need to let Buick (or General Motors) know about the situation. Do not forget to include descriptions, repair history, and the resolution you seek.
Under AB 1755, consumers will need to provide a written notice to manufacturers requesting a remedy. Mandatory mediation is also required before the full discovery process, and courts may impose sanctions on those who do not comply with these provisions. An experienced Buick lemon law attorney can guide you every step of the way. They can step in to negotiate with the authorized dealership if they refuse to acknowledge the defect or do not want to provide a reasonable offer. In addition, all important documentation will be stored and filed in a timely manner, giving you the opportunity to recover legal remedies.
Compensation Available in a Buick Lemon Law Claim
If your Buick qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to the following forms of compensation:
- Refund of the purchase price
- Down payments
- Monthly payments
- Taxes
- Registration fees
- Other incidental costs
Mileage offset will be applied based on how much you used the car before the first repair attempt was made. Alternatively, you can choose a replacement vehicle of similar value. In addition to a refund or replacement, you could recover attorney’s fees, court costs, and potential civil penalties if the manufacturer willfully went against the law.
Speaking to an experienced Buick lemon law attorney can help you understand how to navigate this type of process, and will ensure you get a favorable outcome that meets your legal needs.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Buick Lemon Law Case
When dealing with a Buick lemon case, seeking legal representation from the right lawyer can make a big difference. Many people will try to handle this type of case on their own or hire the wrong lawyers who do not have sufficient experience or understanding with California Lemon Law. This may ultimately lead to mistakes that can affect your chances of securing favorable results. Be sure to choose wisely.
Once you have hired a qualified lemon law lawyer, they will take a look at your situation to determine whether your vehicle qualifies. If so, they will document the ongoing defects and navigate you through the legal process. They will also negotiate with the authorized general motors dealership to ensure you are given a proper refund or replacement. With legal assistance, you can increase your likelihood of a successful lemon law claim, obtaining a fair outcome without having to undergo the stress or complications of handling all of this on your own.
Do You Suspect Your Vehicle Is a Lemon? Reach out to West Coast Trial Lawyers Today
If you are dealing with a defective Buick, turning to lemon law lawyers for help can allow you to gain legal insight on the matter, allowing you to move forward with your case confidently. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team understands the difficulties surrounding a lemon car and will work tirelessly to get you a fair resolution, whether that be a refund or a replacement vehicle. With our knowledge and expertise, the situation can be addressed properly while having your rights protected under California law.
To set up a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.
