What can I do if I purchased a defective Brand New Car?

Question

What is my best course of action if the new car I purchased is inherently defective?

Answer 1

There is a lemon law (note that the definition varies state by state):
"What is a Lemon?
A vehicle that continues to have a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. Generally, if the car has been repaired 4 or more times for the same Defect within the Warranty Period and the Defect has not been fixed, the car qualifies as a Lemon. All States differ so you should consult the Lemon Law Summary and the State Statutes for your particular State. Note that the warranty period may or may not coincide with the Manufacturer's Warranty.

Do I have a Lemon?
If the paint is peeling, the light switch came out when you pulled on it, the car makes "funny noises" but otherwise drives just fine, or you found 10 things you don't like about your new car but none of them prevent you from driving it, then No, you do not have a Lemon.

If the brakes don't work, the car won't go into reverse gear, the darn thing won't start on cold mornings or hot afternoons, the rear door opens all by itself, the driver's seat wobbles, or the car chugs along at 30 mph when it should be going 50 mph, then Yes, you may have a Lemon. Providing you've given the manufacturer an opportunity to repair the defect.

In most States, 10 different defects during the Warranty Period does not brand the car as a Lemon. In some States, a single defect that might cause Serious Injury makes your car a Lemon if the manufacturer cannot fix the problem within 1 attempt.

You may have a Lemon, but if you do nothing to protect your Consumer Rights, such as documenting your Repairs and allowing the Manufacturer a chance to fix the problem(s), you lose all rights under the various State Warranty Acts. "

And the BBB has excellent info on what to do if you suspect you have one (as well as state by state guidelines):
http://www.lemonlaw.bbb.org/

Good luck.

Answer 2

Research your lemon laws, but be aware, I've taken vehicles in for the same thing, and the dealership has claimed a different problem when they made the repair. Ignore the Ford guy, find out who is the regional division head for the make of car, and write letters. Be specific and succinct and express disappointment that a manufacturer like his would even consider not taking care of this issue. Don't stop talking to people, try the consumer editor at your local paper, or a consumer watch at your local tv station. Car companies hate bad press. Look at Ford and Firestone when the tires were blowing up and the Explorers were rolling over. Everyone tried to point a finger at everyone else in that fiasco, and in the meantime people were being placed in danger.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Check the link below for the better business bureau. They can serve as your advocate during the lemon law process.

The problem with lemon law is the problem has to be major (it has to be bad enough for the car to not operate safely) and the same problem has to happen multiple times. (3-5, depending on the severity and your state laws.)

I had a new Subaru that had the engine replaced, the transmission fail, the bearings, CV Joints, and tie rods go (when it was almost new) but because the same thing never happened twice I was stuck with that car from hell.

If you can't get the lemon law, I would suggest getting rid of it, even if you take a hit on the sale. Cars that cause trouble when they are new rarely become reliable cars later. Good luck!

Answer 4

If the car is brand new and defective , the dealership that you purchased it from should gladly resolve the problem for you.
I believe the buyer also has a certain amount of time to change their mind on the purchase.
I would go over my paperwork and see what it says . There should be something about it in there.
I hope you get the problem rectified.

Answer 5

There are lemon laws and they need to be checked for the state where you are located, I have seen GM take a car/truck back and pay 100% of the purchase money back for the unit. (make the person whole as if they had never purchased the automobile)
This process took over a year, so, don't get in a hurry...

Answer 6

Research the lemon laws in your state. Usually, it needs to be taken in for repairs for the same defect 3 times before it's considered a lemon.

Answer 7

Lemon Laws differ from state to state. Your car must be unable to drive, unsafe, or be out of service for over 30 days and you must allow the dealership four attempts to get it right. Just not to your liking will not do. And not getting the advertised gas mileage won't do. radio sounds bad won't do either. "The car will not do what it is attended to do." Take ME and MY Family to and from work school safely. Or stops running for no reason all over town. The only valid lemon reason

Answer 8

go to the dealer, don't try to contact corporate offices. if you are the one guy in our country who bought a brand new car that cant at least be fixed... your dealership will make a claim with the motor company.... BUT its probably not defective. if i had a dollar for every moron who thinks something is beyond repair just because they cant them self explain it... i would quit working for ford

Answer 9

in all probability the stereo is under pressure out directly to the battery and once you have the stereo taking part in then it drains the battery. what i recommend is force for a touch and then 30 miles down the line turn on the stereo because of the fact all autos have this potential source and it quotes the motor vehicle as you force. once you turn on your stereo watch the volts on the motor vehicle....in the event that they initiate dropping promptly...take the motor vehicle on the instant off the line and take it to the closest restore shop.

Answer 10

IT IS BAD BETTER FIX IT