At Shainfeld Law, P.C., our Los Angeles, California lemon law attorney knows that before our clients are eligible to pursue a claim against their vehicle manufacturer, their car, truck, or SUV must still be under warranty. The question is, how do they know exactly what their warranties cover?
Not only is the language outlined in a vehicle warranty confusing, but it is practically impossible to know what “bumper-to-bumper” means. Does it mean any problem or potential defect is covered? The last thing anyone wants to hear after purchasing a new or used vehicle that is still under warranty is, “This problem isn’t covered.”
What are the Most Common Types of Vehicle Manufacturer Warranties?
Since the California Lemon Law is directly tied to a vehicle’s warranty, it is important to know what yours covers, so you can pursue a claim if the same vehicle issue cannot be fixed after a qualifying number of repair attempts, or has been in the repair shop for a total of 30 days or more.
The most common types of vehicle warranties include:
- Bumper-to-Bumper (Comprehensive) Warranties: As suggested, cover the vehicle’s parts from end to end.
- Powertrain Warranties: Cover repairs for issues with the parts of the powertrain should a malfunction arise, including the engine or transmission.
- Accessory Warranties: Provide coverage for additional vehicle systems and cabin components, including airbags, seat belt restraints, and exterior contact detection sensors.
- Corrosion Warranties: Cover the cost of repairing corrosion on the vehicle, including that caused by damage to a car after a collision, or because of salt, water, and other environmental factors.
- Emissions Control Systems* Warranties: Cover repairs for certain emission-related failures that result from manufacturer defects that cause the vehicle to exceed federal emission standards.
*Federal laws require dealers to provide a warranty covering emission control systems. California’s laws are more stringent and supersede the federal requirements.
Warranties are often described as exclusionary or stated components.
- An exclusionary warranty lists what is excluded from warranty coverage, but everything else that is not specifically excluded is covered.
- A stated-component warranty lists the parts of the vehicle that are covered, and everything else not listed is excluded.
Our California Lemon Law covers cars that are still under warranty. If you believe your vehicle is exhibiting the same defect, and the dealership or authorized mechanic cannot fix it, we can help you review your existing warranty, and whether you are eligible to pursue a claim.
Contact Our Skilled California Lemon Lawyers Today for Help
If your vehicle defect and warranty coverage qualifies to pursue a lemon law claim in California, we will pursue the vehicle’s manufacturer for a legal remedy that fits your needs. We have a 99% success rate, and typically produce results for our California lemon law clients in as little as 30-60 days. Contact our experienced Los Angeles County lemon law attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C., today by calling 310-295-1888 or request a free consultation online.