When you purchase or lease a new car, you have certain expectations that it will be safe to drive. You assume that the car parts were made with the utmost care and are designed to get you from point A to point B without any problems. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
That’s why California lemon law exists – to protect consumers from being stuck with an unreliable car due to manufacturer negligence. These laws provide remedies for those who have purchased or leased a vehicle (under warranty) with one or more ongoing defects. Typically, in the form of a refund or replacement vehicle.
But what kind of defects should you be on the lookout for? Here are five common car defects that can put you and your passengers in danger:
Table of Contents
1. Airbag Issues
A defective airbag can fail to inflate during a crash, deploy with too much force, or go off at inappropriate times. All these scenarios pose a severe threat to the safety of the driver and passengers.
For this reason, automakers will often issue a recall to remedy this dangerous car defect free of charge. If you’re unsure if your car is under a recall, you can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
However, suppose your car is under warranty, and they cannot fix the defective airbag system after a reasonable number of attempts. In that case, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement car under California lemon law.
2. Tire Defects
Your tires are the only contact point between your car and the road, so it’s essential that they are in good condition. Tires can become damaged due to wear, poor manufacturing, or improper installation. This is a dangerous car defect that can lead to blowouts and loss of control.
If you notice any unusual wear patterns on your tires, be sure to take your car to a certified technician. Waiting too long can put your safety at risk. Tire issues are not covered by California lemon law. However, they are often covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
3. Brake Failure
Defective braking systems are one of the more common and dangerous car defects. If your vehicle is braking erratically or isn’t stopping correctly, it may be due to a problem with the brakes.
If your new or used vehicle displays signs of faulty brakes while under warranty, get in touch with a manufacturer-certified mechanic ASAP. They should be able to inspect your brakes and make sure they are in good working order, free of charge. Yet, they may try to deflect the damage away from themselves if they can’t repair it (especially for used cars).
Not many states’ lemon laws cover used vehicles – but some (including California) do if the car is under the dealer warranty. For more information on whether you qualify under California lemon law, it’s always best to consult an attorney.
4. Steering Trouble
Faulty steering is a serious problem that can cause loss of control and the potential for accidents. Make sure to check for any strange sounds, vibrations, or difficulty turning when you are behind the wheel. These are all warning signs of dangerous car defects in the steering system
To be sure, you should bring your vehicle to your dealership and let them know about the steering wheel concern. The technician will inspect the car and make the necessary repairs. If they can’t resolve it, consulting a lemon law attorney in California might be your next best option.
5. Suspension Issues
Your car’s suspension system is composed of springs and shock absorbers that provide a smooth ride, even on bumpy roads. Any car defect related to your suspension can cause loss of control, poor handling, and possible accidents.
Most manufacturers and dealers should be able to diagnose and fix suspension issues at no extra cost. If they can’t find the source of the problem or don’t want to take responsibility for it, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement car under California lemon law.
In any case, make sure you keep track of all communication and repair attempts before pursuing legal action. This will help your case if the manufacturer or dealer disputes the dangerous car defect.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many dangerous car defects can put you and your passengers at risk while on the road. Make sure to have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle if you suspect there is an issue. If the defect cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement car under California lemon law.
The longer you wait to file a claim, the lower your chances of securing a settlement. So, if you notice a defect, it’s important to act quickly.
Author Bio: Brian K. Cline’s Lemon Law Legal Group provides premier legal services. Our California lemon law lawyers aggressively and ethically force vehicle manufacturers to buy back defective and dangerous vehicles. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of combined trial experience.
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