Riverside Lemon Law Center
"We handle lemon law cases throughout the state of California"
1-888-80-LEMON (1-888-805-3666)
Taking the fist step
Here are the first steps to take if you thinking you bough or leased a "lemon:
Read your warranty and owner's manual
Consumers should always read their warranty booklets and owner's manual and become familiar with the terms of warranty coverage and required maintenance and operating specifications for their particular vehicle. Occasionally, a dealership will deny warranty coverage based on the belief the consumer did not follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Although the warranty cannot require you to have your maintenance performed at the dealership, it is highly recommended you keep organized records of regular maintenance.
It is also a good idea to read through the owner's manual and become familiar with the proper operation and performance limitations of your vehicle in case the dealership attempts to blame you for the problems you are experiencing, arguing you "abused" or "misused" the vehicle. Example: dealerships will routinely deny warranty coverage because a vehicle was operated beyond its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating while being used as a tow vehicle.
Tell the dealer about the problem. Make sure it's fully described on the Repair Order
It is common for Service Advisors to omit certain details when they write the Repair Order for your visit to the dealership. We also see an effort to minimize the serious nature of a complaint by using tricky words to describe the symptoms you have been experiencing with your defective vehicle. If you suspect you bought a "lemon" and are trying first to allow the dealership an opportunity to repair your defective vehicle, it is recommended you double check the Repair Order and Repair Invoice for accuracy before you take your vehicle home from the dealership. This will, at least, provide an accurate record for you to review at a later date to determine if you have been experiencing the same problem repeatedly. If it appears you have been to the shop 3 or 4 times for the same defect you can call us at 1-888-805-3666 for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.
Riverside Lemon Law Center
"We handle lemon law cases throughout the state of California"
1-888-80-LEMON (1-888-805-3666)