Apr 18 2019

Is My Jeep a Lemon? Jeep Lemon Law Cases

Although the Jeep brand is largely a byproduct of World War II, it has since become synonymous with fun-loving drivers who want to venture off-road with their vehicles. However, the popular automobile manufacturer is no stranger to recalls and defects. Jeeps are infamous for their high rollover rates and, due to the inherent similarities between their various models, many defects that have affected more than one model.

Like other brands in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) stable, Jeeps run the gamut from high-quality to defect-prone, and the brand has been required to provide lemon law relief to many consumers. If you’ve recently purchased a new Jeep that has been spending more and more time at your dealership’s certified service center for a recurring issue, consult a lemon law attorney in Houston at The Law Office of Darin Siefkes, PLLC, to see if you qualify for potential relief under the Texas Lemon Law or other statutes.

How Can I Tell If My Jeep is a Lemon?

Under the Texas Lemon Law, consumers who purchase new vehicles under warranty are required to provide evidence that they made “reasonable attempts” to repair their defective vehicle at one of the manufacturer’s certified dealerships. A lemon law attorney in Houston can help you determine whether you qualify for potential relief by discussing with you the Four Times Test, Serious Safety Hazard Test, 30 Day Test. It’s vital that you retain records of all repair invoices to help your attorney build your case.

Although used Jeeps are not covered under the Texas Lemon Law, an attorney may be able to utilize other laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), to help you get relief for your defective vehicle. The Texas Lemon Law isn’t a panacea for all of your vehicle woes, but an attorney can still help you potentially gain relief after examining your case and guiding you through the correct avenues.

Common Issues with Jeeps

The current lineup of Jeep vehicles includes the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Renegade, Compass, and Wrangler. The Jeep Gladiator will not be released until Spring 2019, so there is currently no data related to issues or defects to review. The Jeep Patriot is no longer a part of the Jeep lineup as of 2017, but some Patriots may still be covered under their manufacturer warranty. Some common issues that have affected Jeep vehicles in the past include:

  • Water Leaks: the Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, and Wrangler have suffered from water leaking through their doors, windows, vents and roof. These leaks have lead to mold and mildew. These leaks may have also caused electrical shorts and mechanical problems.
  • Dashboard Warning Lights: the Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, and Wrangler have had issues with dashboard warning lights not turning off which can affect their value.
  • Engine Issues: the Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler have had issues with engines stalling or failing to start.
  • Transmission Issues: the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have suffered from transmission issues.
  • The “Death Wobble”: the Jeep Compass, Patriot, and Wrangler have suffered from intense vibrations and noise when driving at high speeds or braking to slow down. Aptly named the “death wobble,” this is another issue that has made headlines time and time again.

Note that if your vehicle is experiencing these issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it qualifies for relief under the lemon law in Houston. Prepare your repair invoices and warranty information and consult a lawyer for assistance.
If you would like to speak with an attorney about the lemon law in Houston, 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.