Lemon Law Attorneys - Modesto, CA

What Is a Lemon?

A “lemon” is a vehicle with a defect that the manufacturer fails to fix. To qualify under the state’s lemon law, the defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, safety, or value. The defect must also have surfaced while the vehicle was under the manufacturer’s original warranty.

Additionally, the vehicle must have undergone a reasonable number of repair attempts. In Modesto, the law defines a “reasonable number” in a few different ways:

• Two or more repairs for a safety-related defect
• Four or more repair attempts for non-safety defects
• 30 or more days in the repair shop

If your car meets these criteria, you may be eligible for compensation under California’s Lemon Law or the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Our attorneys are here to make filing a Modesto lemon law claim easy and stress-free. So, reach out today to schedule a free case review!

Understanding the Lemon Law in Modesto, CA

California’s lemon law protects consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. The law applies to new and used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. It also protects out of warranty vehicles for defects reported within the warranty period.

If the manufacturer fails to repair the defect, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or other compensation. Best of all, thanks to the state’s fee-shifting provision, the manufacturer must cover your attorney’s fees when you prevail. This makes pursuing a lemon law claim worthwhile for most Modesto residents.

Take our free, 60-second Lemon Test now to find out if you’re eligible for a claim!

Filing a Claim - How the Process Works

Filing a lemon law claim with Krohn & Moss, Ltd. is simple and stress-free. Here’s how it works:

1. Take the Lemon Test: Provide details about your vehicle and repair history using our quick case evaluator.
2. Free Case Review: Schedule a free case review to learn more about your eligibility and next steps.
3. Gather Documentation: We’ll help you collect repair invoices, warranty details, and manufacturer communications.
4. Notify the Manufacturer: We send a formal notice to the manufacturer, giving them an opportunity to deliver a resolution.
5. Negotiation and Settlement: In most cases, we secure a refund or replacement without going to trial.
6. Litigation (If Necessary): If needed, we’ll take your case to court to fight for the compensation you’re owed.

Once we’ve determined that you have a legitimate claim, our firm will handle the rest. All you’ll need to do is decide whether or not to accept settlement offers.

Why Can’t the Manufacturer Repair My Car’s Defect?

Manufacturers may fail to repair a defect for various reasons, including:

• Lack of Proper Diagnosis: The dealership may misdiagnose the problem and perform ineffective repairs.
• Unavailable Parts: If replacement parts are on backorder or discontinued, the defect may persist past what’s reasonable under the law. Keep copies of the repair records and any communication with the dealer or manufacturer. But don’t worry if you don’t have these records. Our attorneys can collect them for you.
• Recurring Software Issues: Modern vehicles rely heavily on software, and some defects require multiple software updates that may not fully resolve the problem.
• Structural or Design Defects: Some vehicle issues stem from poor design, meaning repairs may only offer temporary relief rather than a permanent solution.

Regardless of the reason for the manufacturer’s failed repairs, you’re entitled to a functional vehicle. So, if your vehicle’s defect is still present after multiple repair attempts, contact us to learn how you should proceed.

Issues Covered by the Lemon Law in Modesto

Any kind of defect can make a car a lemon, as long as it significantly impacts the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. However, some of the common issues we see include:

• Electrical Failures: Persistent issues with navigation systems, backup cameras, or dashboard controls.
• Safety Hazards: Defective airbags, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning steering components that compromise vehicle safety.
• Leaks & Water Damage: Improperly sealed windows or sunroofs leading to repeated water damage and mold growth.
• Infotainment System Defects: Unresponsive touchscreens, software crashes that disrupt navigation, and audio system failures
• Suspension and Steering Problems: Excessive bouncing while driving, difficulty in steering or turning, and uneven tire wear.
• Engine & Transmission Issues: Unresolved stalling, excessive oil consumption, or shifting problems affecting drivability.
• And Many More

If your vehicle exhibits any of these defects and the manufacturer has not fixed them after multiple attempts, you may have a valid lemon law claim. Reach out to our lemon law lawyers serving Modesto for a free case review.

Does the Lemon Law in Modesto Apply to Business Owners?

Yes, business owners in Modesto can benefit from California’s lemon law. The law covers business vehicles with a gross weight under 10,000 pounds, as long as the company owns no more than five vehicles. If you rely on your vehicle for work and it has persistent issues, you may have a valid lemon law claim.

Types of Compensation You Could Receive

When you file a lemon law claim in Modesto, you could be entitled to:

• A Refund:

If your claim is successful, you may receive a refund of the purchase price, minus a reasonable mileage deduction based on how much you drove the vehicle before the defect appeared.

• Replacement Vehicle:

Instead of a refund, you may opt for a replacement vehicle of equal value. The manufacturer must provide a comparable make and model.

• Additional Expenses, Attorney’s Fees, and Civil Penalties:

You may also recover costs related to the defective vehicle, such as rental car fees and towing charges. Additionally, California’s lemon law requires manufacturers to pay your attorney’s fees if you win your case. In cases of willful violations, the manufacturer may also owe civil penalties. This can make your reward even greater than what you originally paid for your car!

We’re proud to be the lemon law attorneys Modesto residents can trust. Reach out today for a free case review.

Why Choose Krohn & Moss, Ltd.

At Krohn & Moss, Ltd., our lemon law lawyers have the experience and dedication needed to fight for your rights as a consumer. Here’s why Modesto drivers trust us:

• Over 25 Years of Experience: We have successfully handled 60,000+ lemon law cases nationwide
• No Retainer Fees: We only get paid if we win or settle your case.
• High Success Rate: We have resolved over 99% of our cases without going to trial.
• Focus on California Lemon Law: With more than 10,000 successful cases in California alone, we understand the state’s specific requirements and legal strategies.