Mar 20 2019

Is My Chrysler a Lemon? Chrysler Lemon Law Cases

As one of the “Big Three” automobile manufacturers in the United States, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has a storied history that includes an array of iconic automobiles across multiple brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, and Ram.

Chrysler, which was founded in Michigan in 1925, merged with the Italian automobile manufacturer Fiat in October 2014, effectively expanding their portfolio of brands to include both American and Italian automobiles thereby enhancing their global reach.

Despite the growth of FCA, the company has struggled with release after release of Chrysler vehicles. In fact, the Chrysler 300, the brand’s popular luxury midsize sedan, was recently panned by Consumer Reports for issues pertaining to the vehicle’s in-car electronics and transmission. If you’ve recently purchased a new Chrysler and you suspect that something is wrong with the car, the lemon law in Texas provides relief for those who qualify. A Texas Lemon Law lawyer can help you determine whether or not your vehicle meets the criteria for a “lemon” under the Texas Lemon Law.

How Do I Know If My Chrysler is a Lemon?

According to the Texas Lemon Law, consumers who purchase new vehicles under warranty must prove that they have made “reasonable attempts” to repair a defective vehicle. Generally, this can be proved by administering one of the following tests:

  • Four Times Test
  • Serious Safety Hazard Test
  • 30 Day Test

A lawyer who has experience dealing with lemon law cases can assist you with determining whether or not your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. If your new Chrysler has undergone multiple repairs for the same issue, this is an early indicator that you may potentially be in possession of a lemon.

Used Chrysler vehicles do not qualify for relief under Texas Lemon Law, but a Texas Lemon Law lawyer may be able to utilize other laws, such as The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) to provide additional avenues for relief depending on the consumer’s specific situation. Relief can come in the form of a refund, a replacement, or monetary compensation.

I’m Not a Car Expert, What Should I Look Out For?

You don’t need to be an expert on automobiles to recognize when there’s an issue with your car. If your new car doesn’t feel natural when driving or makes unfamiliar noises, you should have it diagnosed at a certified dealership to see if there’s an issue. If a problem is discovered, you should maintain a record of all of your repair invoices. Some of the most common signs of a defective automobile include:

  • The engine making loud, strange noises or outright failing
  • The power steering leaking
  • Electrical malfunctions
  • A thumping sound being produced by the transmission
  • Erratic shifting
  • Unresponsive gas pedal

Is your new vehicle spending more and more time in the repair shop? If you would like to speak with an attorney about the lemon law in Texas, please submit our free case evaluation form today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.