A 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia purchased new from a California dealership with only 12 miles on the odometer, quickly turned into a source of repeated frustration for its owner. Despite being under warranty, the vehicle began experiencing a wide range of issues that ultimately led to a successful lemon law buyback after spending more than 75 cumulative days in the shop.
The first significant service appointment occurred at around 7,600 miles, involving issues with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a malfunctioning radio head unit, and auto start-stop irregularities. Although initial service involved replacing tires, filters, and resetting various systems, the TPMS issue persisted and required additional recalibrations and software updates.
About a month later on a new service visit, further diagnostics revealed the radio unit had suffered an internal failure, prompting a full replacement. Over the course of the next couple of years, the Giulia was repeatedly brought in for new problems—airbag warning lights, incorrect mileage readings, and buzzing noises when the start-stop system activated. These issues were addressed through diagnostics and part replacements but continued to resurface despite the repairs.
The most significant downtime occurred when the vehicle was returned to the service department for engine oil and coolant leaks. The turbo coolant reservoir was also noted to be low. This repair visit alone lasted an astonishing 49 days and included resealing the engine timing cover, replacing turbo coolant tubes, and installing new O-rings. California’s lemon law presumes a vehicle qualifies as a lemon if it has spent 30 or more days in the shop for warranty-covered issues—this single visit exceeded that threshold.
Altogether, the Giulia suffered from a pattern of persistent mechanical, electrical, and safety-related issues, including airbag system alerts, fluid leaks, and system failures that compromised the vehicle’s reliability. Despite warranty coverage and numerous repair attempts, the problems continued, rendering the car unfit for reliable use. These factors made the vehicle an obvious candidate for a lemon law claim under California law.
With the support of the Lemon Law Experts, who have represented California consumers since 2009, the owner successfully secured a buyback. The manufacturer, Alfa Romeo repurchased the vehicle and covered legal fees and associated costs, bringing a positive resolution to what had become a prolonged and frustrating ownership experience.
If your vehicle has been subject to repeated repairs without a permanent fix, you may be eligible for relief under California’s lemon law. Contact the Lemon Law Experts for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the resolution you deserve.
