If you own a lemon vehicle, you do not have to undergo the legal complications on your own. West Coast Trial Lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers who own defective cars. With our team of lemon law lawyers, who have a proven track record of success, we will provide the guidance and support needed to ensure you are given the compensation or replacement you deserve.
To book a FREE consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our convenient online contact form.
Chrysler Lemon Law Rights in California
As a Chrysler owner in California, you are granted certain rights under the state’s lemon law if your car has gone through repeated issues. When a new gas-powered or electric vehicle suffers the same defect on multiple occasions, and it substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, you may be eligible for a replacement or cash settlement under the manufacturer’s warranty.
It is important to start the entire process as soon as possible to preserve your rights, document the number of repair attempts made, and meet deadlines. Chrysler owners should keep records of all service visits and repairs to strengthen their case. Working alongside an experienced California lemon law attorney can help you undergo these steps with confidence. They will discuss resolutions with the manufacturer and ensure you are granted favorable results.
These professionals specialize in lemon law cases, meaning that they understand local ordinances surrounding the issue and will represent you every step of the way, helping you get a buyback, replacement vehicle, or reimbursement for additional costs pertaining to the defective vehicle.
Common Chrysler Defects That May Qualify Under Lemon Law
Certain Chrysler models have undergone issues that may qualify for lemon law claims. Data on complaints by model year have been documented, emphasizing what notable defects have been reported by users.
Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country has mostly dealt with electrical issues when it was released. Comparing all model years, the 2011 edition stands out with the highest amount of complaints. It also ranks low for repair costs and average mileage in which a problem arises. However, the most noted problem is a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure, which restricts the vehicle from starting, making it into a literal lemon that can’t go anywhere.
Chrysler Sebring
Engine problems were the most reported issue with the 2001 Chrysler Sebring. But, the 2002 model has had some problems that have made it more challenging to maintain, such as higher repair costs and complications appearing at lower mileage. The 2001 Sebring’s most common defect is oil sludge buildup, which can cause severe engine failure.
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 faces a variety of engine issues that has caused its fair share of accidents. The 2015 edition, in particular, had the most complaints and was ranked as a problematic model when it came to repair costs and mileage in which issues occurred. The most notable defect for this model year is engine stalls/engine turning off while driving, creating serious safety risks for drivers.
How to Tell if Your Chrysler Is a Lemon
A motor vehicle may be deemed a lemon if it has defects that affect your safety, its value, and drivability, and these conditions have continued despite multiple repair attempts. Warning signs include:
- Frequent engine problems
- Transmission failures
- Electrical malfunctions
- Recurring brake and steering issues
Be sure to keep a detailed record of each repair and service visit as this can be crucial information to implement into your lemon law claim. Furthermore, if your car has been left in the shop for 30 or more cumulative days without a resolution, you may be entitled to pursue a claim under California Lemon Law (CIV § 1793.22).
Does Lemon Law Apply to Used Vehicles in California?
Lemon law can apply to used cars, but there are some limitations. Following the November 2024 California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC, remedies, like a refund or replacement, do not apply to used vehicles that only have the remaining portion of a manufacturer’s warranty. But, there are some exceptions that may still apply if your car is connected to either of the following:
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): Vehicles that have been sold through a manufacturer’s CPO program with a new warranty.
- Dealer-owned or Demonstrator vehicles: Cars that were previously used by the dealer, sold with a new manufacturer’s warranty.
- Dealer-issued warranty: Any written warranty handed by the dealer, even short-term coverage, which can activate protections.
If your car was sold “as-is” without a warranty, California Lemon Law will not be applicable. You will need to file a claim under fraud or misrepresentation laws if the dealer hid the defects from you. You can seek legal assistance from a lemon law attorney to explore the legal options you have available.
What Is the Lemon Law for Leased Cars in California?
California’s Lemon Law will apply to leased vehicles similarly to how it does with purchased vehicles. If you lease a car and it has defects that restrict your ability to use it properly or safely, and it cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may have protections. If your vehicle does qualify as a lemon, the manufacturer may be required to replace it with a comparable one or terminate the lease and provide refund payments.
Filing a Chrysler Lemon Law Claim
If you believe your Chrysler qualifies as a lemon, you should consider fulfilling the following actions to file a successful claim in California:
- Collect all repair orders, service invoices, and communication between you and the dealership. These will help prove that your vehicle has ongoing defects.
- Notify Chrysler or the dealer by providing a written notice that your vehicle may qualify as a lemon. Request to have either of them resolve the situation.
- Under California Lemon Law, the manufacturer will be given a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defective vehicle. If the problem continues, your Chrysler will qualify for a buyback or replacement.
- The statute of limitations to file a lemon law claim is within one year after the warranty expires, with an absolute deadline of six years from the date the vehicle was initially delivered (AB 1755). Beginning April 1, 2025, consumers will need to provide a written notice to the manufacturer at least 30 days before filing a lemon law claim if they are planning to seek civil penalties. The manufacturer will have 30 days to respond and must complete the buyback or replacement within 60 days if the claim is justified.
- Speak to a California lemon law lawyer to increase your probability of success. They will communicate with the auto manufacturer on your behalf, ensure paperwork has been submitted prior to deadlines, and advocate for full financial recovery, whether it is in the form of a vehicle repurchase (buyback), cash settlement, or a replacement vehicle.
What Compensation Can You Get for a Chrysler Lemon?
If your Chrysler qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to make up for the inconvenience you went through, loss of use, and any financial costs caused by the defect. This includes:
- Cash settlement: You may be given a cash settlement that reimburses you for the full purchase price or lease payments made on the vehicle, including taxes, fees, and down payments. A mileage offset will be applied if you drove the vehicle before you took notice of the defect. This will provide immediate financial relief without waiting for a replacement vehicle.
- Vehicle buyback (repurchase): Chrysler may buy back your vehicle, reimbursing you for the purchase price of lease payments, with taxes, fees, and down payments included. A mileage offset may be applied if you drove the vehicle before the defect appeared.
- Replacement vehicle: Instead of a cash settlement, Chrysler could offer a replacement vehicle similar to the make and model, with taxes, registration, and transfer fees covered. This will ensure you continue to operate a reliable car while also resolving the lemon issue.
- Incidental and consequential damages: In addition to the main refund or replacement vehicle, you may be able to acquire extra costs that occurred due to the defective vehicle, including things like: towing fees, rental car expenses, and repairs you had to pay out-of-pocket that the warranty did not cover.
- Civil penalties and attorney fees: If Chrysler fails to comply with the law, they may be met with civil penalties. In addition, you are allowed to recover attorney fees and legal costs from the manufacturer, meaning you will be able to pursue a lemon law claim without having to deal with upfront legal expenses (CIV § 1794).
How Long Do You Have to File a Chrysler Lemon Law Claim?
California Lemon Law has enforced a strict deadline for filing a claim, and the AB 1755 update will make it more clear for vehicle owners. Under this regulation, you will have to pursue legal action within one year after the manufacturer’s express warranty has expired, and no later than six years after the vehicle’s original delivery date (whichever of these comes first).
Before you file a lawsuit, you will need to send a written notice to Chrysler and include details pertaining to the defective vehicle, its repair history, and your request for either a buyback or replacement. Chrysler will have to acknowledge the notice within 30 days and complete the buyback or replacement within 60 days after receipt.
AB 1755 will require mediation prior to litigation. This will need to be scheduled within 90 days of the company’s response and held within 150 days, allowing claims to be solved without the need to go to court. If they fail to fulfill these legal obligations in a timely manner, they will be met with civil penalties of up to $50 per day, encouraging quick compliance.
Why Hire a Chrysler Lemon Law Attorney?
Hiring a Chrysler lemon law attorney will make a notable difference when pursuing a claim for a defective vehicle. Such cases often involve complicated matters, documentation, and negotiations made with the manufacturer who may try to undervalue your recovery. Seeking legal assistance from the wrong lawyer or making critical mistakes during the legal process can hurt your chances of success.
Experienced lemon law attorneys will step in to gather and organize repair records, calculate the actual damages you incurred as a result of the problem, and ensure deadlines are met. They will also represent you in mediation or in court (if needed), increasing your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or replacement vehicle. Consultations will help you get an idea of whether the legal expert you have sought interest in has the experience and qualifications needed to take on your lemon law case. Be sure to ask the right questions before deciding if they should represent you.
Think You Have a Lemon Car? Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers Today for Legal Assistance
Do you own a defective Chrysler vehicle that has yet to be fixed despite multiple repair attempts? Our team of experienced lemon law attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can step in to handle such matters by guiding you through the whole process, from documenting the ongoing issues to communicating with the automobile manufacturer. We strive to help consumers acquire the compensation or replacement they are eligible for under California Lemon Law.
To book a FREE case evaluation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.
