18
If You Have
Problems With
Your Vehicle
§ When you take your vehicle in for service, completely
describe the problem. Make sure the repair order shows
the problem(s) you’ve described, the mileage on the
odometer at the time of repair and the dates your vehicle
was in the repair shop.
§ Make sure that an authorized dealer performs all warranty
repairs. You must give the manufacturer or an
“authorized” repair facility a “reasonable” opportunity to
make needed repairs.
§ Make sure that every repair attempt is documented with a
repair order, even if no repairs are made. You may need
that documentation later.
§ Keep copies of all service records and repair orders.
§ If the problem isn’t being resolved, record all contacts
with the dealer and any manufacturer’s representatives,
noting the date and to whom you talked. Keep notes
about telephone calls, letters or personal conversations
about your vehicle’s problems. Put together all of this in
a binder or notebook.
§ Notify the dealer immediately if a repair attempt is not
successful.
§ Do not stop making vehicle payments.22
Legal Definition
of a New Vehicle**
The Lemon Law covers new motor vehicles including:
• A new vehicle bought or used primarily for personal,
family, or household purposes
• A new vehicle with a gross vehicle weight under
10,000 pounds bought or used primarily for business
purposes (provided the owner or business has no
more than five vehicles registered in California)
• The chassis, cab, and the propulsion portions of a
motor home
• A dealer-owned vehicle, a “demonstrator” or other
motor vehicle sold with a manufacturer’s new car
warranty (such as a used vehicle)
• Purchased and leased vehicles
“New Motor Vehicle” does not include:
• Any portion of the motor home designed, used or
maintained primarily for human habitation, or
• A motorcycle or a motor vehicle which is not registered
under the Vehicle Code because it is to be
operated or used exclusively as an off-road vehicle
** Source: California Civil Code Section 1793.22(e)
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