Why Do Dealerships Give You the Runaround?
Dealerships often avoid admitting your car has a serious or recurring defect. Why? Because repeated repairs hurt their customer satisfaction scores and may lead to costly warranty claims with the manufacturer.
Some service advisors also lack the training to handle complex or intermittent issues—so instead of solving the problem, they dismiss it or say they couldn’t find anything wrong.
In some cases, they’re hoping you’ll stop coming back or miss the Lemon Law deadline. The more time they delay, the harder it becomes for you to take legal action.
These brush-offs can weaken your case if you don’t document each visit carefully. Every time you bring the car in—even if they say nothing’s wrong—ask for a repair order and make sure it describes your complaint in detail.
If you’re consistent and thorough, you can protect your rights and build a strong case later if the problem continues.
“We Couldn’t Replicate the Problem”—Now What?
This is one of the most common excuses dealers use when they can’t—or don’t want to—fix your car.
Some issues only show up under specific conditions, like during cold starts, after long drives, or when the engine is warm. But just because the problem didn’t happen at the shop doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
Tell the service advisor to write down your full complaint, even if they say they couldn’t replicate it. Don’t let them send you home without paperwork.
If the issue is visible or makes noise—like shaking, grinding, or flashing lights—record a video on your phone when it happens.
Then, bring the car back as soon as the problem shows up again, and request another repair order.
Every documented visit helps build a timeline. Over time, these visits can add up to a solid Lemon Law case—even if the dealer never actually fixes the issue.
“That’s Normal” or “It’s Within Spec”—Should You Accept That?
Dealers often dismiss strange noises, rough shifting, or unusual vibrations by saying, “That’s normal” or “It’s within spec.” Don’t accept that without asking questions.
Ask the service advisor to explain exactly why it’s considered normal. Then request that they put their explanation in writing on the repair order. Most will hesitate to do this if they’re unsure.
You can also check the owner’s manual or manufacturer technical bulletins to see if the issue has been reported before. Better yet, ask other drivers of the same model if they’ve experienced it.
If the problem affects how safely the car drives, how well it works, or how much it’s worth, then it’s not just a quirk—it might be a Lemon Law issue.
Don’t let vague answers shut down your complaint. Always push for clear documentation of your concerns, even if the dealer claims the behavior is expected.
“It’s Fixed Now”—But the Problem Keeps Coming Back
If your car keeps having the same problem after multiple visits, it doesn’t matter if the dealer says “It’s fixed now.”
A one-time fix that doesn’t last still counts toward your Lemon Law record. Each return visit shows the dealer had another chance to resolve the issue.
Always ask for a copy of the repair invoice after every visit, even if the problem seems solved. These documents are the foundation of your case.
Keep track of how many days your car stays in the shop. If it totals 30 or more—or if the same defect is repaired three or four times without success—you may qualify for legal action.
Repeat problems show that the issue isn’t resolved and that your car may be unsafe, unreliable, or worth less than you paid.
You don’t have to accept repeated failures. A pattern of “fixes” that don’t work can help prove your case under Lemon Law.
“It’s Not Covered by Warranty”—Is That the End?
Dealers sometimes deny warranty coverage even when they shouldn’t. If this happens, don’t walk away without asking for that denial in writing. Often, once asked to put it on paper, the dealer will back down or reevaluate the claim.
Check your warranty booklet or paperwork yourself. Review what’s covered under powertrain, emissions, bumper-to-bumper, or CPO coverage. Don’t rely on verbal statements alone.
If your issue clearly falls within the warranty terms, politely but firmly push back. Point to the specific section that applies to your case.
If the dealer still refuses to cover it, consider contacting a Lemon Law attorney or filing a complaint with your state consumer protection office. You may also have rights under federal warranty laws.
Don’t let a quick dismissal stop you from getting repairs. Warranty denials aren’t always final—and you have tools to fight them.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Car Is a Lemon?
Start by keeping a detailed repair log. Write down dates, the problems you reported, what the dealer did (or didn’t do), and how long the car stayed in the shop.
Save everything—repair invoices, emails with service advisors, texts about delays, and photos or videos if the issue is visible or repeating.
Even if the dealer doesn’t fix anything, always ask for a repair order at each visit. This shows you reported the problem and gave the manufacturer a chance to fix it.
Try to return to the same dealership every time. A consistent repair history strengthens your case.
Most Lemon Laws require either 3–4 repair attempts for the same issue or 30+ total days out of service.
The Lemon Law clock usually starts once the defect appears, not when you decide to act. Report every issue early, keep solid records, and take the problem seriously from day one.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lemon Law Claim?
Every state has its own time limit for Lemon Law claims—usually between one and four years. This deadline often starts from the date you first noticed the defect, not the date of purchase.
For example, in California, you have four years from when the problem first appeared. That clock keeps ticking whether the car is under warranty or not.
Don’t confuse warranty coverage with Lemon Law deadlines—they’re not the same. Your warranty might still be active while your legal claim window is already closing.
Waiting too long can cause you to lose your legal rights, even if the defect is serious. If you’re unsure where you stand, talk to a Lemon Law attorney as soon as possible.
What Can I Get If My Car Qualifies as a Lemon?
If your car qualifies under Lemon Law, you may be entitled to any one of these compensation options:
- A refund of your down payment, monthly payments, and fees
- A replacement vehicle of equal value
- A cash settlement if you prefer to keep the car
You may also recover extra costs, such as towing, rental cars, or repair bills.
Most cases don’t end up in court. Manufacturers usually settle once the evidence is clear. A Lemon Law attorney will help you figure out which option fits your case and handle the paperwork and negotiations.
Should I Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney?
Yes. If the dealer keeps giving you the runaround or the defect won’t go away, don’t try to handle it alone.
Most Lemon Law attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless they win your case.
An attorney knows how to get service records, file a Lemon Law claim correctly, and deal with manufacturers who won’t respond. They also help you avoid missing deadlines or saying the wrong thing that could weaken your claim.
Even if you’re not sure your case qualifies, it’s better to check early. One call could save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.