Purchasing a new car is an exciting venture. Unfortunately, some people discover a recently acquired vehicle may be a lemon.
Recognizing the signs of a lemon as early as possible allows you to explore appropriate solutions.
Frequent unresolved mechanical problems
Your car may have recurrent mechanical problems that persist despite several repair attempts. Consistent issues with essential components like the engine, transmission or braking system can indicate a more significant problem.
If your new car requires more than one repair within the warranty period, it raises concerns about its overall reliability. A pattern of recurring issues despite repair attempts may suggest a lemon.
Extended repair duration
A long time for repairs can reflect persistent problems with the vehicle. If the car spends weeks in the repair shop, issues may be more complex than initially apparent. If mechanics struggle to find or fix the issues with your new car, it suggests a more elusive and challenging problem.
Safety-related problems
If your new car experiences issues that compromise safety features like airbags, brakes or electronic stability control, it may qualify as a lemon. These problems pose significant potential risks to the driver and passengers.
Manufacturer recalls
If your new car is subject to multiple manufacturer recalls, it may indicate design or manufacturing flaws. Repeated recalls can be a red flag that the vehicle has inherent problems affecting its safety or performance.
If you think you have a lemon, opinions from independent mechanics or automotive experts can provide valuable insights. Their professional assessments can help you seek resolution with the manufacturer or dealership. You can file a claim under Maryland’s Lemon Law if you have driven the vehicle less than 18,000 miles and it is less than 24 months old.