Tag Archives: California lemon law help

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Repeated Problems: California Lemon Law Help

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Mercedes-Benz has long been known for luxury and performance, but even premium vehicles can have serious defects. In recent years, several Mercedes-Benz GL class vehicles such as the, GLE, GLS, GLC, and GLB models have appeared on the NHTSA recall list repeatedly, raising concerns for California drivers who rely on these SUVs for safety and reliability.

If you own or lease a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV that spends more time at the dealership than on the road, you may be wondering whether you have a lemon law claim.

Mercedes-Benz GL Class Vehicles with Recalls

The following models are among the most recalled in recent years according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV (4WD)
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe SUV (4WD)
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SUV (FWD & 4WD)

These recalls involve safety issues ranging from electrical system failures to fuel system defects, braking problems, and more. Such problems not only reduce the value of your SUV but may also put you and your family at risk.

Common Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Issues

Owners of the GL Class SUVs have reported problems such as:

  • Electrical malfunctions (infotainment freezes, sensor failures, warning lights that won’t clear)
  • Transmission issues (jerking, hesitation, or slipping gears)
  • Brake system defects (premature wear, warning messages, or loss of braking assist)
  • Suspension and steering problems (unusual noises, rough rides, or loss of handling)
  • Fuel system concerns (potential leaks or stalling)

When these issues repeat, even after multiple repair attempts, they may qualify your vehicle as a lemon under California law.

How the California Lemon Law Protects You

California has one of the strongest Lemon Laws in the country. If your Mercedes-Benz GL or GLE has recurring problems that substantially impair its use, value, or safety—and the dealership cannot fix them after a reasonable number of attempts—you may be entitled to:

  • A full refund of your purchase or lease price
  • A replacement vehicle of equal value
  • Coverage of attorney’s fees and costs (manufacturers pay these, not you)

This means pursuing a lemon law claim carries little to no financial risk for California consumers.

Do You Think Your Mercedes-Benz GL is a Lemon?

If you’ve brought your Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, GLE, GLS, GLC, or GLB to the dealership multiple times for the same problem, don’t ignore the warning signs. California’s Lemon Law may protect you and ensure you’re not stuck with a defective SUV.

👉 Contact our California Lemon Law attorneys today for a free case review. We’ll help you determine whether your Mercedes-Benz qualifies as a lemon and fight to get you the compensation or replacement you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mercedes-Benz GL and California Lemon Law

Q: Does the California Lemon Law apply to leased Mercedes-Benz GL vehicles?
Yes. The California Lemon Law applies to both purchased and leased vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLS, and GLC SUVs. If your leased vehicle has recurring problems that the dealer cannot fix, you may still qualify for a refund or replacement.

Q: How many repair attempts are required before my Mercedes-Benz GL is considered a lemon?
Generally, if the dealer has made two or more attempts to repair a serious safety issue, or four or more attempts to fix a non-safety defect, your SUV may qualify. Additionally, if your vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days, it may meet the lemon law standard.

Q: What types of problems qualify a Mercedes-Benz GL for Lemon Law protection?
Issues that affect the use, value, or safety of your SUV may qualify. Common complaints include electrical failures, transmission problems, brake defects, suspension issues, and fuel system concerns.

Q: Will pursuing a lemon law claim cost me money?
No. Under California law, if your claim is successful, the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees and costs. That means there is usually no out-of-pocket cost to the vehicle owner.

Q: Can I get a replacement vehicle instead of a refund?
Yes. Many Mercedes-Benz owners choose a replacement vehicle of equal value, while others prefer a full refund. California Lemon Law allows you to pursue either option.

Audi Instrument Panel Failures in A6, A7, A8, Q7 & Q8 Models May Trigger Lemon Law Claims in California

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If you drive a 2021 Audi A6, A7, A8, Q7, or Q8 — including performance models like the S6, RS7, or SQ8 — there’s a recall that could affect your vehicle’s instrument panel display. Audi has confirmed a software defect that may cause the digital gauge cluster to go completely blank while driving.

This isn’t just frustrating — it’s a potential safety issue. And if you’re in California, this might also be a qualifying condition under the California Lemon Law.

What’s the issue?

Audi says a software error in the instrument panel can cause the entire display to fail without warning. That includes:

  • Your speedometer
  • Warning lights
  • Fuel level
  • Navigation prompts
  • And other critical driving data

In a digital-only dash setup, losing your display means flying blind — and that’s a safety risk Audi is now acknowledging.

Which vehicles are affected?

  • 2021 Audi A6, A7, A8
  • 2021 Audi S6, S7, S8, RS6, RS7, RS8
  • 2021 Audi Q7, Q8, SQ7, SQ8

In total, around 44,000 vehicles are involved in the recall. Audi dealerships are offering a software update to resolve the problem, and repairs are already underway.

What if this has already happened to you?

If your dash has glitched, gone dark, or needed multiple visits to the dealer for software issues, your experience might not be a one-off. Under California’s Lemon Law, you could be eligible for:

  • A replacement vehicle
  • A buyback or refund
  • Reimbursement for related expenses, like towing or rentals

Lemon Law doesn’t require the problem to occur dozens of times — just that the manufacturer has been given a reasonable chance to fix it, and it hasn’t been resolved.

What should you do?

  • If you’ve noticed display problems — even intermittently — make sure they’re documented at the dealership
  • Get the recall repair as soon as possible, and keep all paperwork
  • If the issue recurs after repair, or your vehicle has had multiple electronic issues, talk to a Lemon Law attorney

Digital dashboards are a modern convenience — but when they fail, they become a safety risk. If Audi hasn’t resolved the issue quickly and effectively, you may be entitled to more than just another software patch.

If you’re driving an Audi with repeated problems, let’s talk. You may be entitled to compensation or a replacement vehicle under California’s Lemon Law, and there’s no cost to have your case reviewed.

Kia Telluride Recall: Fire and Rollaway Risks Affect Over 400,000 SUVs

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Kia’s popular SUV, the Telluride, is now under recall — again. This time, the issues are far more serious than a glitchy infotainment system or a faulty sensor. Kia has confirmed two separate safety defects that could put drivers and passengers at risk of vehicle fires or unintended rollaways.

If you’re a California driver, and especially if your Telluride is still under warranty, these problems could also qualify you for protection under the California Lemon Law.

What’s going wrong?

There are two major defects involved in this recall, both affecting 2020 through 2024 Kia Tellurides:

  1. Fire risk: The power seat motor may overheat and catch fire. The problem is linked to the seat adjustment knob, which can become stuck and cause the motor to continue running even when it shouldn’t. This can lead to electrical overheating and a real risk of interior fires — even when the vehicle is parked.
  2. Rollaway risk: In a separate issue, improperly assembled driveshaft components can cause the vehicle to roll away while in park, especially if the parking brake isn’t engaged. This is clearly a serious safety hazard.

What is Kia doing about it?

Kia dealerships will:

  • Install protective brackets around the seat switches and replace adjustment knobs where needed
  • Inspect and replace intermediate shafts related to the rollaway issue

Repairs are currently ongoing. Kia has not yet indicated widespread part delays, but given the scope of the recall, some wait times are possible.

What to know about California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law doesn’t just cover cars that have persistent engine problems — it also applies to major safety issues like these. If your Telluride has:

  • Been in the shop multiple times for the same defect
  • Been out of service for 30 or more days total
  • Or if the fire or rollaway problems persist after attempted repairs

You may be eligible for a buyback, replacement vehicle, or financial compensation. You also don’t have to pay legal fees — manufacturers are required to cover them if your case qualifies.

What you should do:

  • Review your repair history — especially any seat or drivetrain work
  • Contact your dealership to complete the recall repair if you haven’t already
  • Document everything — repair orders, communication with service staff, even photos if you’ve noticed unusual smells or damage
  • Reach out to a Lemon Law professional if your Telluride has been unreliable or unsafe

It doesn’t matter how new your SUV is — if it puts you or your family at risk, California law is there to protect you. If you’re tired of dealing with safety concerns or have lost trust in your Telluride, we’re here to help you understand your rights — and take the next step if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Call us at 888-395-3666 or fill in the free Lemon Law case review form at the top of this page.

General Motors Recall: What California Drivers Need to Know About the 6.2L V8 Engine Defect

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If you drive a Chevy Silverado or Tahoe, a GMC Yukon, or a Cadillac Escalade, you may have already heard some rumblings about a major recall involving General Motors’ 6.2L V8 engine. The problem is serious — and if you’re in California, it could also mean you have rights under the California Lemon Law.

What’s the issue?

GM is recalling over 600,000 vehicles from model years 2021 through 2024 because of a defect in the connecting rods and crankshafts. These parts can fail suddenly and without warning, leading to complete engine failure. It’s not the kind of thing you want to find out about when you’re halfway to Los Angeles in the summer heat.

Who’s affected?

The recall covers:

  • 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban
  • 2021–2024 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
  • 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV

Dealerships are expected to begin sending out notification letters starting June 9, 2025. GM has stated they’ll either repair or replace the engine — no cost to you.

Why it matters under California Lemon Law

California has one of the strongest Lemon Laws in the country. If your vehicle has had ongoing problems or has spent a significant amount of time in the shop, you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or compensation — especially when the issue is related to a serious safety defect like engine failure.

Even if your engine hasn’t failed yet, if you’ve had multiple repairs or long service delays related to drivability or performance, it’s worth exploring your options.

What to do now:

  • Keep an eye out for a recall notice.
  • If your vehicle has already experienced engine trouble, gather your repair records.
  • Don’t wait to talk to a Lemon Law professional if you’ve been back and forth to the dealer or you’ve lost confidence in your vehicle.

You don’t have to fight a manufacturer on your own. California’s laws are there to protect you — and in most cases, the manufacturer covers your legal costs.

If you’re concerned about your vehicle’s engine defect or have questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, Call Now for a FREE Case Review 888-395-3666 or fill in the contact form at the top of the page. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – take action today to protect your rights as a California consumer!

2025 Brings Lemon Law Reform Curing Lawsuit Abuse

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For decades, the California Lemon Law has been the legal sword available to consumers gifting them needed legal power against auto manufacturers. The lemon law in California is also generous to consumers providing them with a provision which places the obligation upon the manufacturer to pay the consumer’s legal fees and costs.

Up until Covid, very few law firms specialized in the lemon law, with Edzant Price, LLP being one of the few. The relationship between these few law firms and the auto manufacturers was cooperative, with most law firms presenting to the manufacturers cases which were generally strong. Prior to filing a lawsuit, or “pre-litigation,” most firms also provided manufacturers an opportunity to repurchase or replace the defective vehicle, which was often accepted. As such, filing lawsuits in lemon law cases was usually unnecessary as most cases were resolved during pre-litigation. The average pre-litigation case was completed within 90 days. The manufacturer paid the legal fees for the consumer based upon the time it took the law firm to resolve the case pre-litigation.

However, post Covid, several new law firms entered into the lemon law arena and adopted an aggressive, and unnecessary, tactic to pursue these claims wherein they did not give a manufacturer the opportunity to repurchase a vehicle pre-litigation. Instead, these firms would file lawsuits against the manufacturers immediately, thereby forcing a case into litigation. (Many of these cases were also weak and should not have been accepted by any law firm.) So why would they do this? Because of the obligation imposed upon the manufacturer to pay the legal fees for the consumer. In litigation, the amount of time to pursue a lemon law case is substantially higher than resolving a case pre-litigation, allowing the law firms to bill manufacturers much higher legal fees. There is no benefit to the consumer.

Furthermore, the amount of cases filed by these firms was staggering, with court filings amounting to thousands of new cases per month. As predicted, the courts were unable to manage this massive influx of filings, taxing the civil justice system to a breaking point. In addition, the manufacturers had to spend tens of millions of unnecessary dollars defending these lawsuits. Instead of 90 days to complete a case, an average case was now taking one to two years to conclude. Simply put, the system had become horribly abused, creating a substantial burden upon the courts, the auto manufacturers, and attorneys. The system was now broken and had to be corrected.

To curb this lawsuit abuse, the California legislature created a condition that anyone seeking to bring a lemon law case must first give the manufacturer the opportunity to repurchase or replace a qualified vehicle prior to filing a lawsuit. (There are some exceptions.) This prerequisite to filing a lawsuit is designed to significantly reduce the number of lawsuits being filed daily and to curb the abuse of the civil justice system. Most importantly, this law change is designed to provide consumers of defective vehicles a quicker and smoother pathway to resolve their legitimate lemon law claims.

Edzant Price LLP advocates that all lemon law cases should try to be resolved prior to filing lawsuits. For over 35 years, we have always given the manufacturers the opportunity to repurchase or replace a vehicle prior to filing lawsuits. We believe this method of presenting lemon law cases help consumers get out of defective vehicles quickly and is also fair to auto manufacturers. Additionally, we only accept and pursue cases which have merit. Because of the way we pursue our cases, manufacturers treat Edzant Price, LLP with the utmost respect and know that when our name is on the case, the case should be taken seriously.

The California Lemon Law: Empowering Consumers to Tackle Defective Vehicles

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Purchasing a new vehicle is an exciting milestone for many individuals. However, when faced with the unfortunate reality of a defective car, the California Lemon Law comes to the rescue. Designed to protect consumers’ rights, this legislation provides a robust framework to address the complexities of modern vehicles, including the rising significance of software updates in resolving recalls. In this article, we will delve into the essence of the California Lemon Law and how it empowers individuals to overcome the challenges posed by defective vehicles in today’s technologically advanced era.

The Evolution of Vehicle Complexity:

As technology rapidly evolves, so does the complexity of modern vehicles. With advanced computer systems, integrated electronics, and intricate mechanical components, diagnosing and resolving defects has become increasingly intricate. The California Lemon Law recognizes this evolving landscape and ensures that consumers have adequate recourse when faced with persistent vehicle problems that impair its safety, value, or utility.

Understanding the California Lemon Law:

The California Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, grants significant rights and protections to individuals who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to be defective. Under this law, consumers are entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation if the vehicle experiences substantial defects within a specified period, typically during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of use.

Key Provisions of the California Lemon Law:

1. The Number of Repair Attempts: If a vehicle’s manufacturer or authorized dealer fails to repair the same defect after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer may be eligible for relief under the Lemon Law. The law presumes that a “reasonable number of attempts” is two for a serious safety defect, or four or more for a non-safety defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

2. The Manufacturer’s Opportunity to Repair: Before taking legal action, the consumer must provide the manufacturer or dealer an opportunity to repair the defect(s) under the terms of the warranty. It is crucial to document all repair attempts and maintain a comprehensive record of communication with the manufacturer or dealer.

Recalls and Software Updates:

With the increasing reliance on software in modern vehicles, software-related defects have become a significant concern. Many recalls nowadays are rectified through software updates, which can address various performance or safety issues. The California Lemon Law acknowledges the importance of software updates as a corrective measure for recalls and requires manufacturers to provide timely and effective remedies for such defects.

It is worth noting that the Lemon Law’s provisions apply equally to software-related defects, and consumers have the same rights and protections in these cases. If a software update fails to rectify a defect within a reasonable number of attempts, consumers may still seek relief under the law.

The California Lemon Law plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of consumers faced with defective vehicles in an era of increasing complexity. By providing clear guidelines and recourse options, this legislation empowers individuals to hold manufacturers accountable for persistent defects that undermine the safety, value, or utility of their vehicles. With a nuanced understanding of the California Lemon Law, consumers can navigate the process effectively and seek the remedies they deserve, including recourse for software-related defects.

Tesla Model Y Second-Row Seat Frame Improperly Secured

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A manufacturing error will have the owners of certain 2022-2023 Tesla Model Y all-electric SUVs, returning to their dealerships for an inspection and possibly repairs. The second-row seat frame in these vehicles may have been improperly secured.

Tesla first became aware of the problem in December 2022 when an operator in Tesla’s Freemont, CA manufacturing facility identified a second-row driver-side seat back frame bolt that was not torqued to the proper specification.

The second-row seat belt loads go through the lower seat frame, and if the bolts that secure the frame to the seat backs are not torqued to specifications, the seat belt system may not perform as designed during a collision. Occupants seated in the second-row seating positions could experience an increase in the risk of injury during an accident.

According to the defect report, on some Model Y vehicles, the second-row driver-side seat back frame (second-row driver-side and center seating positions) and the second-row passenger-side seat back frame (second-row passenger-side seating position) are secured to the lower seat frame with 4 bolts per seat back. During the supplier’s production of both seat back frames for certain Model Y vehicles, one or more of the bolts that secure the seat back frames to the lower seat frame may not have been torqued to specifications.

Tesla has identified 5 warranty claims, received between December 9, 2022, and February 14, 2023, that may be related to the problem described above. Tesla is not aware of any injuries or deaths that may be related to the condition.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Tesla Service Centers to have the second-row seat back frames inspected and the bolts will be torqued. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-23-13-001 and the NHTSA Campaign Number is 23V-130.

If you are the unfortunate owner of a lemon like a Tesla Model Y all-electric SUV with persistent defects that the manufacturer is unable to fix, you may feel like you are out of options. However, there is hope: the California Lemon Law provides some protections for owners of defective vehicles, and a lemon law lawyer can help you navigate the process.

A lemon law lawyer can help you understand your rights under the California Lemon Law and negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf. They can also help you prepare and submit a claim to the manufacturer and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to protect your rights. Lemon law cases can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

If you are having repeated problems with your Tesla Model Y and you think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 or fill in the “Case Review” form at the top of this page, and get some great Lemon Law advice!

2015 Dodge Ram Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client purchased a new 2015 Dodge Ram truck.

His first visit to the authorized Dodge dealership was on December 5, 2016. He brought his vehicle in because a coolant leak was coming from the thermostat housing.

The next visit was on December 14th and the coolant leak was still leaking in the same area. The check engine light was also on.

On April 17, 2017 he brought the vehicle in again as the engine light was on and there was no power.

The last visit was on December 8th and the Dodge Ram was in the shop for 27 days because the turbo under boost was not working.

He heard about the Lemon Law and contacted our office. He spoke with California Lemon Law attorney, Barry L. Edzant who asked him to forward some documents. After reviewing the documents, Barry called the potential client to discuss and he decided to sign a retainer agreement with Mr. Edzant’s Law Firm.

A demand letter was sent to FCA, USA and they decided to buy the vehicle back under the California Lemon Law. They reimbursed our client for his down payment, all payments made, his registration, paid off the loan minus a usage fee that the manufacturer is entitled to under the CA Lemon Law. They also paid the attorney fees.Our client was very happy with the results.

If you think you may be driving a lemon, please contact our Law Firm at 888-395-3666 for a free consultation and answers to your questions.