At Shainfeld Law, P.C., our California lemon law attorney knows that consumers can be easily confused by a vehicle’s high safety rating, as it can be misconstrued as a nod to its long-lasting durability.
The common misconception is, the safer the car, truck, or SUV, the longer it will last.
The reality is, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created its 5-Star Safety Ratings Program in 1978, it was designed to provide consumers with information on their prospective vehicle’s safety rating — not its mechanical longevity.
Purchasing a vehicle with a high safety rating may lower the risk of injury during a collision, but it does not rate its material integrity. That means, even the safest vehicles can still have material defects that a mechanic cannot fix, potentially making them eligible for legal remedies under our California Lemon Law.
Does a Vehicle’s Safety Rating Make it Easier for a Mechanic to Fix the Problem?
As technology continues to evolve, so does the safety of new vehicles.
Whether it is the stability of the vehicle to withstand the impact of a crash, or on-board indicators that help alert drivers to potential dangers and avoid collisions altogether, vehicle safety ratings were designed to rate the vehicle’s performance and durability.
While more comprehensive and advanced testing helps ensure consumers can make educated decisions about the vehicle they buy using a five-star rating system, these assessments do nothing to guarantee the vehicle’s mechanical integrity.
Common mechanical issues that lead to consumers looking for protection under our California lemon law are often related to its mechanical make-up, not safety features.
Lemon law eligible issues may include transmission, engine, and braking issues that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts by the dealership or certified mechanic.
When material defects affect the use, value, or safety of the consumer’s vehicle no matter its 5-star safety rating — our skilled lemon law attorney in California can help pursue the manufacturer for the repair, replacement, or buy-back option that helps make our clients whole again.
Contact Our Skilled California Lemon Law Attorney at Shainfeld Law for a Free Consultation Today
If you are experiencing ongoing mechanical trouble with a vehicle that is still under its manufacturer’s warranty, contact our experienced Los Angeles County Lemon Law attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C., today by calling 949-294-9153 or request a free consultation online to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the manufacturer for your full recovery.