Volkswagen Lemon Law Information

Founded in 1937 by the German Labor Front, Volkswagen is a manufacturer of people’s automobiles. Its reputation for safety, reliability and power makes it popular with high-end buyers seeking status and reliability. 

Volkswagen has a wide variety of models, from small economy cars to luxury sedans. However, not all Volkswagen models are perfect. If you have purchased a Volkswagen car that has major mechanical problems, you may be eligible for consumer protection under lemon law in the state of California. 

A Volkswagen that has been leased or purchased and a new Volkswagen that is under warranty are treated separately under lemon law.

In spite of the warranty period, if you’ve had to repeatedly return a Volkswagen for repair work multiple times, your vehicle may be a lemon. 

Under California law, Volkswagen might be required to repurchase your vehicle (minus a figure for more miles) or replace it with a newer vehicle. 

You are also entitled to reimbursement for incidental and consequential costs, including costs for renting a vehicle, registration fees, and towing costs.

Most Common Problems With Volkswagen Vehicles

A Volkswagen is among the best-selling brand names for automobiles. VW models are some ideal first automobiles for new drivers. Although, just like with any make and model of automobile, a small percentage of cars may have some drawbacks. 

It is essential that you are aware of all the common Volkswagen repairs so that you may make an informed decision when purchasing a car from a car manufacturer, which includes knowing and completely understanding the anticipated list of common VW repairs that any servicing shop may be required to perform. 

You may not face each of these difficulties, but some of them might be experienced during your automobile’s lifetime if you’re driving a lot, experiencing challenging conditions on the road, and taking care to make your automobile’s maintenance appointments.

Check Engine Light

A lot of people like to dislike the check engine light, because there are so many things that can activate it. Every vehicle is different when this light comes on. It may not even necessarily be the engine, but there may be something going on in the auto’s electrical system. It may be a loose gas cap or something else. Volkswagen may not display a check engine light, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need the Service light checked. That light will go on whether you need to, so you don’t know about anything wrong until a mechanic detects it. But some Volkswagen may include a warning about the check engine light turning on at early mileage via a faulty sensor or glitch in the software function.

Defective Timing Chain

This is a significant defect. Timing chains will require servicing eventually. It’s more or less unavoidable on any vehicle if you keep it long enough. What’s problematic is if it fails too soon. And, when the timing chain goes, that will damage your entire engine. 

Volkswagen has claimed that their timing belts are meant to last about 120,000 miles. However, it’s been observed that some Volkswagen models created a high number of timing belt failures, far quicker than that. Some even failed at 20,000 miles! Though it can be traced back to specific models with certain engine types, this is a serious matter you should be aware of.

Oil Issues

Every vehicle requires you to keep changing its engine oil, so this isn’t much of a shock. Nevertheless, Volkswagen had an issue in particular with earlier 2000s models that were having a hard time with gunky oil buildups long before the average vehicle should be doing so. Cars were on track to experience the engine breaking down as early as 70,000 miles if the oil wasn’t changed too often. Of course, if you change your oil every 4,000 to 5,000 miles as needed, you won’t give it the chance to gunk up the engine. Volkswagen has addressed this problem, but you should still get your oil changed on a regular basis, to promote the life of your vehicle.

Wiring Harness Shorts

This particular problem and the ensuing one are intrinsically linked and closely associated with the 2006 Jetta. The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta was a well-liked automobile, but issues with the series have negatively affected Volkswagen’s reputation. 

Wiring harnesses generally fail well before 100,000 miles, and routine maintenance is vital if your odometer hits six digits.

Airbag Malfunction Light

100,000 miles seems to be the problem spot regarding electronics. Much like the check engine light rule, this one can be frustrating because a broken computer informing you that there is a problem with your airbag when it is fine means a trip to the mechanic you would not have to make otherwise. 

It is much safer preventing the airbag from deploying, whether you choose to rectify the issue or don’t. You don’t want to assume that the sensor malfunction is the only reason for the deployment.

Coil Failure 

Some Volkswagen models had a coil failure within the 70,000-mile mark. A coil failure could lead to faulty ignition and even engine problems. You might notice such things as your car backfires, gas mileage degrading, or even your engine stalling. It is best for your automobile to be brought to the mechanic if you suspect coil issues. These issues are not unlike those of many other vehicles.

Strange Sounds

A phrase we use for all kinds of odd sounds is “catch-all term,” but vehicles from Volkswagen tend to get their rattles and clunks in various parts of the vehicle. 

Front-wheel-drive models tend to have that rattling sound on the front when the wreck mounts on your ascent. Rattles that develop in the back part of the auto often result from failing back springs. This becomes particularly noticeable during driving over bumps. If you hear rattling in the center part of the auto, it’s likely that the springs are failing in the tubing bracket.

So, is my Volkswagen a lemon

The state legislatures have signed a number of laws intended to help car buyers seek compensation following a vehicle breakdown. 

As with practically any legal challenge, this can be challenging. An experienced Volkswagen Lemon Law Attorney can review any prospect of recompensation in your case.

 Some general requirements for a vehicle to be a Lemon in California are:

• A vehicle warranty remains in effect.; and
• Volkswagen made a number of repair attempts, but the car nonetheless refused to start.; and
• Mechanical issues and visits to a specialist started within 18 months or 18,000 miles of purchasing the Volkswagen.

Finding A Good Lemon Law Lawyer for your Volkswagen in the State of California

In the event that you are in need of legal assistance in California, after you suspect that your Volkswagen is a lemon, you need to consult with an experienced lemon law lawyer in California 

There are many factors to consider when selecting an attorney that specializes in lemon law. Their experience and expertise in Lemon Law, their willingness to take on your case pro bono, and whether they have any affiliations with lemon law lawyers.

Most lawyers offer a free lemon law consultation in person or over the phone, once you send your year of purchase and model number of your Volkswagen vehicle to them.

You may consider McMillan Law Group, located in San Diego, to help you with your lemon law in the state of California.