Our client experienced a series of persistent issues with their brand new 2024 Jeep Wrangler; a situation that ultimately led to a lemon law claim under California law. The first problems appeared shortly after purchase, with the client reporting a ticking noise upon starting the vehicle and intermittent issues with the battery symbol appearing on the display.
Upon inspection, technicians diagnosed a generator system performance issue traced to the alternator. The alternator was replaced, and after a 20-mile test drive, the issue seemed to be resolved. The vehicle was returned to the client, and no further issues were reported at the time.
A much longer service visit began in late 2023, this time our client returned the vehicle after experiencing intermittent battery voltage drops, which caused the battery warning light to reappear. This visit, lasting an extended period of 61 days, automatically qualified the vehicle for a lemon law claim under California’s regulations.
If a vehicle is out of service for repairs for 30 days or more for a single issue, it is considered a lemon, and the consumer is entitled to seek a replacement or buyback from the manufacturer.
During the 61 days, extensive diagnostics and repairs were conducted. The dealership found problems with the alternator, BSI sensor, power distribution center, and other electrical components, all of which were replaced or repaired.
Despite these efforts, voltage fluctuations continued. After several attempts to resolve the problem, including replacing parts and testing the vehicle, the service team discovered a significant wiring fault in the auxiliary coolant pump, which was sending incorrect voltage readings through the electrical system. After replacing the pump and correcting the wiring, the issue appeared to be resolved.
Unfortunately, the vehicle continued to have problems that required additional service, leading to another visit in early 2024, lasting 4 days. The vehicle again displayed signs of an undercharging alternator and further electrical malfunctions.
Technicians replaced a battery generator cable and addressed grounding issues with the engine block that were affecting the alternator’s ability to charge the vehicle’s battery. Although these fixes appeared to resolve the issue temporarily, the ongoing nature of the electrical problems further solidified the vehicle’s status as defective.
Some months later, the Jeep also began making a loud ticking noise after extended driving, which was attributed to thermal expansion of the exhaust system. While this was deemed a natural occurrence, it added to the list of unresolved issues that had plagued the vehicle since its purchase.
Given the extensive repairs, prolonged downtime at the dealership, and ongoing electrical issues, this case clearly violated the California lemon law. With over 61 days spent in the dealership for repairs, far exceeding the 30-day threshold for lemon law protections, the vehicle’s defects were evident, and the client was entitled to seek a buyback.
Thanks to the assistance of Lemon Law Experts, the case was swiftly resolved. The manufacturer agreed to a buyback under California’s lemon law, and the owner received a full refund for the vehicle along with reimbursement for legal fees and expenses. Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have successfully negotiated buybacks for clients in similar situations, securing favorable outcomes for those dealing with persistent vehicle defects.
Under California’s lemon law, vehicles that require repeated repairs for the same issue and remain defective are eligible for a buyback. If you’re dealing with ongoing vehicle issues, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team will help you explore your legal options and work toward a favorable resolution.
