Defective “Certified” Used Cars Under Warranty

California lemon laws protect those who purchase or lease new vehicles that exhibit recurring defects. However, these legal protections also cover used cars and trucks, as long as they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty and were sold as “certified” by the manufacturer. Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, new or “certified” used vehicles experiencing problems that do not respond to attempts to resolve the defect may be covered by lemon laws. As long as the “certified” used vehicle you purchased still has time remaining on the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be entitled to certain remedies (such as a replacement vehicle or refund). Struggling with a defective and unreliable vehicle can be frustrating and concerning, so it’s best to take action as soon as possible to ensure that you feel safe behind the wheel once again. If you believe the “certified” used vehicle you purchased may qualify as a lemon, reach out to the trusted and friendly attorneys at Lemon Law Partners, LLP, to discuss your options.

Common “Certified” Used Car Defects Protected Under California Lemon Laws

“Certified” used cars and trucks that qualify as lemons often exhibit similar issues as defective vehicles that are brand new. Whether you have a new or “certified” used lemon on your hands, you may be able to receive a replacement vehicle or a refund. Under California’s Song-Beverly Act, manufacturers and companies must stand behind the express warranties they provide to consumers, including providing timely repairs, and offering replacements or refunds in the event the manufacturers cannot adequately fix the products they sell.  At Lemon Law Partners, LLP, we have seen our fair share of defects in both new and “certified” used vehicles. Some of the most common recurring issues we have seen in “certified” used cars and trucks include:

• Stalling or failing engines
• Loss of engine power
• Unresponsive gas pedals
• Diminished acceleration or sudden acceleration/deceleration
• Car or truck loses torque and/or struggles with other steering system problems
• Vehicle shuts off while driving
• Sudden forward jerking movements
• Faulty or grinding transmission
• Electrical failures (i.e., malfunctioning door locks, headlights, windshield wipers, etc.)
• Black smoke comes from the exhaust
• Defective air conditioning systems
• Braking system failures or other brake issues
• Excessive tire wear
• Loud noises and vibrations
• Recurring fluid leaks
• Multiple dying batteries
• Audio/Video Unit failures (i.e., screen goes blank, cameras do not work)
• Defective convertible tops that fail to close or operate properly

This list is by no means exhaustive—there are several other problems that may arise in your “certified” used car or truck. If you are struggling with a recurring issue and your “certified” used vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be eligible to receive certain remedies. Call the experts at Lemon Law Partners, LLP, to schedule a free case evaluation.

Winning Your Case Means the Manufacturer Covers Our Fees

Struggling with a defective vehicle is stressful enough—it’s understandable for you to also worry about how you can afford to pay your legal fees. However, California lemon laws compel the manufacturer to cover any attorneys’ fees if we win your case. We encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case. Our experienced lemon law experts will listen carefully to your concerns, answer all of your questions, and determine the most strategic path forward to help you achieve your goals. Together, we can identify the most strategic path forward to ensure that you secure the fair and favorable outcome you deserve.