Understanding the Lemon Law

The Lemon Law, a consumer protection legislation, exists to protect buyers from defective vehicles, including those that are persistently faulty despite numerous repair attempts. While the specifics of these laws vary from state to state, they all serve the same purpose - to ensure you are not stuck with a defective vehicle.

​

What is a Lemon?

In general, to qualify as a 'lemon', a vehicle must have a substantial defect covered by the warranty that occurred within a certain period of time or number of miles after you bought the car and not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This defect must also impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

​

It is important to know that 'reasonable attempts' and 'substantial defect' might have different definitions depending on your jurisdiction. Some states require only one failed repair attempt if the defect could cause serious injury or death. Others may require multiple failed repair attempts or an extended period of time in which the car is unavailable to the owner due to repairs.

​

Powerful Consumer Protection Law

The Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from being at a disadvantage due to persistent issues with their vehicles. When it comes to Alfa Romeo vehicles, understanding the Lemon Law can equip you with the necessary knowledge to advocate for your rights. Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about your rights under the Lemon Law, the better equipped you are to get the resolution you deserve.

​

The California Lemon Law

The California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, is known for being one of the most robust and consumer-friendly lemon laws in the United States.

​

While the specifics of lemon laws can vary greatly from state to state, there are several elements that set California's law apart and has a strong track record of protecting California consumers who have purchased lemons.

These include:

1. Wide Coverage: California's Lemon Law covers new and used vehicles sold or leased in California that come with the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. This includes cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs. Additionally, the law also covers dealer-owned vehicles, demonstrators, vehicles purchased or leased for business, and the chassis, chassis cab, and drivetrain of a motorhome.

2. Leased Vehicles: While not all states include leased vehicles under their Lemon Laws, California does. This is a significant advantage for consumers who lease their vehicles.

3. Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: Under California law, if the manufacturer or its representatives cannot repair a new vehicle to conform to the warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the manufacturer must promptly replace or repurchase it. California defines 'reasonable attempts' as two or more times for a problem that could cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same problem, or if the car is in the shop for more than 30 days during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, not necessarily all at the same time.

4. Strong Consumer Protections: If your car is determined to be a lemon, you can choose a replacement or a refund. The refund must include the full purchase price minus a reasonable charge for use, any charges for service contracts, insurance, and any outstanding loan balance.

5. Use of Legal Representation: California Lemon Law also includes a provision that mandates the manufacturer to pay for the consumer's attorney fees if the consumer prevails in the case. This allows consumers to hire legal representation without concern for out-of-pocket legal fees.

6. Presumption Period: The California Lemon Law presumption period is 18 months or 18,000 miles from the delivery of the vehicle to the buyer. This presumption period can potentially make it easier for a consumer to win a Lemon Law case.

​

Remember, even within California, the application of the Lemon Law can be complex and fact-specific. It is always advisable to consult with a lemon law lawyer like the experts at The Beck Law Office to understand your rights and potential remedies.

​

The Alfa Romeo Buyback Process

If your Alfa Romeo qualifies as a 'lemon' under the applicable laws, you are likely entitled to a refund or replacement from the manufacturer. This is often referred to as a 'buyback'. The buyback process can be complex and may require significant documentation and negotiation with the manufacturer.

​

Here's a step-by-step guide to how it typically works:

1. Document Everything: Ensure that you have a complete record of all repair attempts, including dates, issues reported, work performed, and any communications with the dealer or manufacturer. This will serve as crucial evidence if your case proceeds to a buyback claim.

2. Notify the Manufacturer: Once you believe your vehicle qualifies as a 'lemon', you should notify the manufacturer in writing, explaining the situation, and ask for a buyback. Be sure to keep a copy of this letter and send it by certified mail with a return receipt requested.

3. Manufacturer's Response: The manufacturer will likely conduct its own investigation to determine if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. They may offer a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or deny the claim.

4. Negotiation or Arbitration: If the manufacturer denies your claim or you are unsatisfied with their offer, you may need to negotiate further or even undergo arbitration, a process where a third party reviews the case and makes a binding decision. Some manufacturers have their own arbitration programs, and there are also state-run programs.

5. Legal Action: If negotiation or arbitration doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to take legal action. It is recommended to hire an experienced lemon law attorney to guide you through the process.

6. Final Resolution: If your lemon law claim is successful, the manufacturer may buy back your vehicle. The specific compensation varies but typically includes the vehicle purchase price, minus a deduction for use, plus any costs associated with the vehicle like sales tax, registration fees, and finance charges.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The length of the buyback process can vary, often taking several weeks to a few months. The key is to be patient, organized, and persistent.

​

Common Defects Known For Alfa Romeo Models

Alfa Romeo, a prestigious Italian brand known for its stylish designs and sporty performance, unfortunately, is not immune to manufacturing defects.

​

The most commonly reported issues include:

1. Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported transmission faults, including sudden shifts, slipping transmission, or failure to engage gear. These problems can affect both manual and automatic vehicles.

2. Electrical System Issues: Electrical issues can range from minor inconveniences, like problems with the infotainment system, to significant concerns, like malfunctioning lights or even issues with the ignition system.

3. Engine Problems: Some owners have reported engine-related issues, including stalling, loss of power, and even complete engine failure.

4. Cooling System Issues: Some models have been reported to have cooling system defects that could lead to overheating, which, in extreme cases, can cause major engine damage.

5. Suspension and Steering Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's suspension system, leading to an uncomfortable ride or handling issues. Steering problems can include difficulty turning or a complete loss of steering ability.

6. Brake System Issues: Some Alfa Romeo vehicles have reported problems with their braking system, which could include decreased brake performance, squealing noises, or premature brake wear.

​

Recent Alfa Romeo Recalls

Here are some of the most recent Alfa Romeo recalls:

• 2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia: These vehicles are being recalled due to a potential defect in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) rotor shaft. Hard braking may cause the rotor shaft to separate, resulting in a loss of braking assist and ABS functionality. This could increase the risk of a crash.

• 2017-2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio: These vehicles are being recalled due to a potential defect in the carbon ceramic-matrix brakes. During certain driving manoeuvres, the brake system may exert an excessive clamp force that may fracture the rotor, decreasing the brake performance.

• 2020-2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: These vehicles are being recalled due to a potential defect in the automatic Adaptive Light System (AFS) sensors. The sensors may not adjust as intended when there was a change in load or load distribution on the vehicle. This could reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

​

Alfa Romeo is urging owners of affected vehicles to contact their local dealership to schedule a free repair. The recalls are expected to begin in July 2023.

​

Check for Recalls Regularly

For the most recent recalls, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or Alfa Romeo's official website. If you suspect your vehicle may be included in a recall, please contact your manufacturer, local dealer or a legal expert for advice.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

How The Beck Law Office Can Help

If you have found yourself in a position where your Alfa Romeo vehicle is persistently faulty and the manufacturer's repair attempts haven't rectified the problem even after multiple visits, you are likely feeling frustrated and uncertain about your next steps.

 

This is where we can help. Our team of experienced lemon law attorneys would be delighted to assist you with the following:

1. Expert Legal Guidance: Navigating the intricacies of Lemon Law can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our team of attorneys have years of experience dealing specifically with Lemon Law cases. They can provide the legal guidance you need to understand your rights and potential remedies under the law.

2. Review of Your Case: The Beck Law Office can review the specifics of your case, including repair history and any communication with the manufacturer, to determine if your vehicle might qualify as a lemon.

3. Handling Negotiations and Legal Processes: If your vehicle does qualify as a lemon, we can handle negotiations with the manufacturer on your behalf. This could include demanding a manufacturer repurchase, replacement, or cash compensation. If negotiations don't lead to a satisfactory outcome, our expert lemon law lawyers can guide you through further legal processes, including arbitration or litigation if necessary.

4. No Upfront Costs: One of the significant advantages of working with us is that we work on a contingency basis. This means that you don't pay any attorney's fees out of pocket. If you win your case, the manufacturer is typically required to cover your attorney's fees.

5. Proven Track Record: The Beck Law Office has a proven track record of success with Lemon Law cases, including cases involving Alfa Romeo vehicles. Our expertise and commitment to our clients have resulted in numerous positive outcomes for consumers facing Lemon Law issues.

​

Contact Us Today

Remember, while having a 'lemon' can be frustrating and challenging, you are not alone. We at The Beck Law Office are here to offer you expert legal advice and assistance, working tirelessly to help you secure the justice and compensation you are legally entitled to.

​

With offices conveniently located in major cities across California - Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Monica, San Diego, and Riverside - our firm is proud to provide top-tier legal services throughout the state of California that you can rely on.

Don't let a lemon sour your life. Contact us today, and let's work together to make things right!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​