Car shoppers in California should know that the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that protects people from being stuck with a vehicle that has serious problems. However, the Lemon Law doesn’t cover all vehicle problems. Is a suspension problem a reason to seek Lemon Law protection? Our lemon law attorney San Diego explains.
The suspension system in a car
A vehicle’s suspension system is made up of many different parts that all work together to keep it connected to the road. These parts can include:
- Tires
- Springs
- Shock Absorbers
- Dampers
- Linkages
- Arms
- Bars
…and other various parts. A well-functioning suspension system is vital to a smooth ride and good handling. The ride refers to how the car feels, and the ability to handle bumps in the road. Good handling means the vehicle can accelerate, brake, and turn corners easily, with the tires staying in contact with the road for optimum control.
How important is the suspension of the vehicle?
A well-functioning suspension system is critical to the safety of any vehicle. Not only does it provide a comfortable ride, but it also helps the vehicle to navigate the road. If there is a problem with the suspension system, it can lead to serious accidents and put the driver and passengers at risk of injury or death.
Government regulations usually require car manufacturers to issue a recall when they become aware of a safety issue. However, in some cases, the manufacturer may be aware of the problem but choose not to issue a recall. This can happen if the manufacturer feels that the problem is not serious enough to warrant a recall or if they are unable to fix the problem. You can contact the best California lemon law attorney to help you out with a suspension problem.
What problems can arise with your suspension?
The suspension system in a car is quite complex, made up of many different parts. It’s usually an accident or normal wear and tear that damages one of these components and causes suspension problems, but sometimes a brand new car can have a defect that affects the suspension. If your dealer can’t fix one of the following problems in three tries or less, you may be entitled to a refund or a new car.
These are some of the defects that your suspension can have to qualify under the California lemon law:
Poor Shock Absorbers: If your new car is giving you a smooth ride, then you have nothing to worry about in terms of your shock absorbers. However, if you’re experiencing a lot of shaking or bounciness, it’s possible that your shocks are defective.
Ball Joint Damage: If you notice your car making strange noises when turning, it may be due to bad ball joints. These should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your suspension system.
Misaligned Wheels: Wheels that are out of alignment can cause your car to pull to one side. This can be caused by hitting potholes or curbs, which can damage springs or control arms. A new car may also be misaligned due to factory damage. You can contact a lemon law lawyer San Diego if you have an issue similar to this.
Control Arms Defect: If you notice your car’s steering feels loose and imprecise, it could be a sign of a defective or broken control arm. You might also hear clunking and rattling as the wheels move back and forth when they should not.
Loss of Control on the Vehicle: If your vehicle doesn’t feel stable when making a turn, there may be an issue with the suspension system. Worn or broken parts, welding defects, and fluid leaks can all cause problems with a vehicle’s suspension.
How can a lemon law lawyer near me help?
If you’re experiencing suspension problems, it can be difficult to determine the root cause. Your dealer may want to keep an open repair order while they troubleshoot the issue, but it’s best to insist on a new repair order each time you have to bring the car in. If the problem persists and you have to bring the car in more than three times, you may be eligible for a Lemon Law claim.
The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who purchase vehicles that turn out to be defective. If you have purchased a car, truck, or SUV that has suspension problems and is still under warranty, you may be entitled to a refund, free repairs, or replacement of the vehicle. The McMillan Law Group can help you understand your rights and options under the Lemon Law.