Taking Legal Action against Automobile Manufacturers

Consumers have protection against fraudulent manufacturers that provide faulty automobiles. The laws protect the buyer if there is an issue that isn’t repairable, and the dealership cannot correct the issue. Automobile manufacturers must provide a solution, or the consumer can file a legal claim against them under lemon laws.

Consumers are protected from Defective Products

Consumer rights protect them against unethical manufacturers and prevent the manufacturers from taking advantage of these individuals. Federal laws require the manufacturers to provide automobiles that operate as expected and do not have any flaws. Upon the discovery of any issues, the consumers must contact the dealership initially. The consumer takes the automobile to the dealership for repairs. The dealership has three attempts to correct the problem.

Filing a Complaint with the Manufacturer

Consumer protection laws enable them to file a complaint with the manufacturer if the dealership cannot correct the flaw or faulty system. The consumer must send a complaint letter via certified mail with copies of the repair paperwork showing that the dealership tried three times to correct the problem and failed. Their letter must explain explicit details about the purchase or lease. This includes dates when the automobile was purchased or leased. The buyer or leasee have up to two years to complete a lemon application for the automobile.

Preparing for a Legal Claim

The legal claim requires all documentation pertaining to the vehicle. This includes a copy of the letter sent to the manufacturer, and the returned receipt with the manufacturer’s signature showing that they received the consumer’s letter and paperwork. The buyer must provide information about the issue such as when it started and all steps the consumer took to get the problem corrected.

Are Appeals Possible?

Appeals are possible if the consumer doesn’t win their first legal claim. However, they must have more information or evidence to restart the claim. If the court proved the vehicle wasn’t a lemon, the appeal might not be a viable choice. An attorney can explain the consumer’s rights and show them whether or not the appeal is the most appropriate choice.

How Long Does the Manufacturer Have to Comply?

If the claimant wins their legal claim, the manufacturer has 15 days to comply with the court’s decision. The outcomes are a replacement vehicle, a full refund, a cash settlement, and payment for all legal fees. The manufacturer is ordered to pay the application fee for the consumer, too. If the manufacturer doesn’t comply, the claimant must report this failure to the court. The court enables the claimant to file a claim for non-compliance with a court order. The court may impose penalties on the manufacturer and increase the monetary award for the consumer.

Consumers have protection under consumer rights laws, and the laws apply to automobiles purchased or leased by consumers. Lemon laws provide help if a dealership or manufacturer sells an automobile to a consumer that is faulty. Consumers seek legal help now through an attorney when their consumer rights have been violated.