Tag Archives: Ca Lemon Law Attorney

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Issues: Could Your Vehicle Be a Lemon?

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The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is facing serious concerns from owners, with a reported 130 complaints, 10 recalls, and 303 manufacturer communications. As this model hits the market, many drivers are voicing their frustration over problems that range from safety-critical issues to major mechanical failures. The list of concerns brings into question whether some of these vehicles could qualify for a buyback under California’s Lemon Law. Here’s an in-depth look at the problems plaguing the 2024 CX-90 PHEV.

Top Complaints About the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Consumer reports and complaints have highlighted four major areas of concern: forward collision avoidance, engine performance, electrical systems, and steering. These issues are not just minor inconveniences; they could pose significant safety hazards for drivers and passengers.

  1. Forward Collision Avoidance: Numerous drivers have reported malfunctioning collision-avoidance systems, with false positives causing the brakes to activate unexpectedly. The risk of being rear-ended due to this sudden and unnecessary braking is a valid concern, especially on busy roads or highways.
  2. Engine Issues: Many drivers have experienced engine problems, with some vehicles failing to restart after the i-stop feature engages, and others reporting a complete shutdown while in motion. This kind of unreliability in the engine system poses a clear danger, especially at high speeds.
  3. Electrical Problems: Complaints about electrical malfunctions are widespread. The Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU) has been known to fail, affecting vital functions like the defroster, seat belt warnings, and battery cooling systems. Given the reliance of PHEVs on complex electrical systems, these issues are alarming and inconvenient.
  4. Steering Concerns: A sudden loss of power steering assist is a particularly dangerous defect, making it difficult for drivers to control the vehicle. This kind of failure can occur without warning, putting both the driver and surrounding traffic at risk.

Recalls Highlight Safety and Reliability Concerns

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has been subject to a staggering 10 recalls, indicating widespread problems that extend beyond individual cases. Here are some of the most notable recalls:

  • Engine Restart Failures: The i-stop feature, which automatically shuts off the engine to save fuel when idling, may prevent the engine from restarting, leading to potential stranding.
  • High-Voltage Battery Cooling System Issues: Faulty software in the ESU may lead to critical functions, including battery cooling and safety alerts, failing during startup.
  • PCM and ECM Software Malfunctions: Problems with the powertrain and engine control modules can illuminate warning lights and result in a sudden loss of drive power.
  • Inverter Software Errors: In plug-in hybrid models, improper software may lead to a total power loss when driving in electric mode.
  • Sudden Braking: The automatic braking system has a tendency to activate unexpectedly, posing a serious collision risk.
  • Power Steering Failures: An assembly issue with the worm gear can cause power steering assist to be lost without warning, making the vehicle difficult to steer.
  • Camera Malfunctions: Rear view and side cameras may not display properly due to software errors, which is a clear safety compliance issue.
  • Unexpected Engine and Motor Shutdown: Critical errors in the hybrid system software can cause both the engine and electric motor to shut down unexpectedly.
  • Pedestrian Warning Sounds: Missing software in the AVAS amplifier can result in incorrect pedestrian alert sounds, failing to meet federal safety standards for hybrid and electric vehicles.

California Lemon Law: What You Need to Know

California has some of the strongest Lemon Law protections for consumers. If your vehicle has repeated, unresolved problems that impair its use, safety, or value, you may be entitled to a buyback or replacement. Under the California Lemon Law, a car manufacturer must either replace your vehicle or refund your money if they cannot fix a substantial defect within a reasonable number of attempts.

So, what counts as a substantial defect? Issues that compromise your safety or significantly impact the car’s performance typically qualify. For instance, if your 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV loses power while driving, suddenly engages the brakes, or suffers from major electrical failures, these could be considered substantial defects.

If you’ve taken your vehicle in for multiple repairs for the same issue without a permanent fix, you might have grounds for a Lemon Law claim. It’s important to keep detailed records of all service visits, recall repairs, and communication with Mazda to strengthen your case.

Next Steps for Owners

If you’re dealing with repeated, unresolved issues with your 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, consulting with a Lemon Law attorney can help clarify your options. California’s Lemon Law is designed to protect you from being stuck with a faulty vehicle. Given the ongoing recalls and widespread complaints, many owners may find themselves in a position to take advantage of these consumer protections.

California Lemon Law Success Stories

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The California lemon law provides protection for consumers of defective vehicles sold or leased in California by making sellers and manufacturers responsible for their warranties. A vehicle is considered a “lemon” if the manufacturer or dealer has had four or more attempts to repair the defect or two attempts if the defect is life-threatening.

Law Office Of Barry Edzant.Since 1989, Mr. Edzant has earned a reputation as the Santa Clarita lemon law and personal injury lawyer, clients can trust. His firsthand knowledge of faulty vehicle repairs helps him better understand the struggle to protect buyers’ rights, giving him the experience to negotiate where possible and the tenacity to litigate when necessary. With his firm on your side, you can feel confident that your rights will be protected and that all available resources will be exhausted in making sure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Our Priority… Protect And Enforce Our Clients’ Rights

Representing Owners Of Dangerously Designed Automobiles

$2,000,000.00 to date – Confidential Manufacturer

August 2021 to March 2022: Our office has been representing owners of a dangerously designed automobile manufactured between 2017 to 2021. To date, we have been successful in getting the manufacturer of this vehicle to either give our clients a full repurchase, or cash sufficient to make them whole. Removing these dangerous vehicles from our clients’ homes has been our firm’s mission since we learned about the defects and the severe risks these vehicles can cause.

Successfully Resolved Lemon Law November 2021

$250,000.00 – Confidential Manufacturer

Our office successfully resolved a case for a buyer of a new vehicle that had suspension failures on two occasions within the first two months of ownership. Prior to filing the lawsuit, we approached the manufacturer and asked them to repurchase the vehicle. They refused, and we filed a lawsuit for our client. The lawsuit resulted in getting our client the repurchase of the vehicle, and a substantial civil penalty for the manufacturer’s rejection of our pre-litigation demands. We are one of the few law firms that attempt to resolve lemon law cases informally prior to filing lawsuits. This cooperative approach will often result in quick resolutions for our clients without the stress of protracted litigation. However, if the case calls for it, we will nevertheless vigorously litigate to protect and enforce our clients’ rights.

Are you experiencing repeated safety problems with your vehicle? Do you think it could be a lemon? If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client purchased a new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The first visit for service was on January 8, 2018 because the regeneration light was turning on and off and they needed to replace the key battery.

The next visit was on February 5th as the vehicle was still regenerating and having fumes coming into the cabin. The vehicle had regenerated 4 times in less than 1000 miles.

On May 22nd the Exhaust regeneration message came on the dash.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was back in the shop on June 5th because after performing an oil change the vehicle was being prompted to regenerate after 150 miles.

Our client was back at the authorized dealership on September 18th for service as the Check engine light was on.

November 3rd the check engine light was on again, the throttle light was on and the exhaust filter was 100% full.

The last visit was on November 27th and the check engine light was on again and the message, “The exhaust filter is nearly full” came on.

It was at this point that our client looked into the California Lemon Law and called our firm, The Law Office of Barry L. Edzant and spoke with the attorney. He requested that some documents be emailed over for his review. After discussing the potential Lemon Law case with the gentleman, he decided to sign a retainer agreement.

A demand letter was sent to FCA, USA to buy back the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee under the California Lemon Law. FCA, USA decided to buy it back and reimbursed the client for their down payment, any payments made thus far, registration and pay off the balance of the loan minus a usage fee the manufacturer is entitled to under the Lemon Law. They also paid attorney fees.

Our client was very happy with the buyback. If you are having problems with your vehicle and think you may be driving a lemon, please contact our offices at 888-395-3666.

2014 Tesla Model S Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client bought a 2014 Tesla Model S and was thrilled.

Their first visit for servicing was on December 7, 2017. There was a 12 volt alert present. The headlights were aimed too high and would not adjust. The windshield washer jets were misaligned. The firmware was not installing. The A/C was not working. The vehicle would not charge with the customer’s cable. The vehicle was pulling slightly to the right. Car uses more energy on short drives than the range estimates.

The next visit was on December 11th as the floor mats were folding over.

The Tesla was brought in again on March 8, 2018 because the universal mobile connector would not light up and the vehicle would not charge. Key FOB is not recognized when inside the vehicle. The charge port door will not open with touchscreen or charge cable. The exterior door handle is poorly aligned.

April 10th the vehicle was back for servicing because there was no sound coming from the speakers. There was a problem with the windows not rolling up all the way.

It was back for service on April 24th because the charge port was not functioning.

September 6th it was back for servicing due to the fact that the charge port door would not stay closed and the light does not illuminate when charging. Per bulletin need to replace the bolts in steering rack housing. There was a humming sound coming from the front of the vehicle.

The next visit was on September 17th because the humming sound was still coming from the front of the vehicle. When the parking sensor was pushed in there was a problem. The alert was on for car needs service and the steering assist was reduced. The charge port door magnet was detached from the charge port.

The last visit was on December 10th as the vehicle was towed in for “power reduced” alert.

At this point our client was frustrated and contacted our firm to see what the attorney thought about his Tesla being a lemon.

We filed a demand letter with Tesla that they repurchase his defective vehicle under the California Lemon Law. They agreed to repurchase the vehicle, pay off the balance, reimburse him for any down payment and payments made, pay off the balance less a mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law.

Our client was very happy with the buyback of his vehicle. If you think you might be driving a lemon please contact The Law Office of Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666 for a free consultation.

2018 Cadillac Escalade – GM Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client was happy to buy a 2018 Cadillac Escalade.

On March 21, 2018 he took it in to the authorized Cadillac dealership because the service stabilitrak warning light would intermittently come on. The car was at the dealership for 16 days.

On December 6 he brought the Escalade back into the dealership because the service stabilitrak light was flashing and then stayed on. The service airbag light was on, too. The vehicle was in the shop for 11 days this time.

The last visit was on March 21, 2019. Our client brought the vehicle back to the dealership because the airbag light was on. The service stabilitrak message was on again. The vehicle was in the shop for 6 days this visit.

Our client called a few months later as someone had told him about the California Lemon Law. He spoke with attorney Barry L. Edzant and emailed some documents for Barry to review. He signed a retainer agreement shortly thereafter and a demand letter was sent to General Motors Corporation.

GMC decided to buy back the vehicle under the CA Lemon Law. They reimbursed our client for his down payment, all monthly payments made so far, his registration, paid off the balance of the loan minus a usage fee the manufacturer is entitled to under the law and paid the attorney fees.

If you are concerned that your vehicle may be a lemon, please call our office at 888-395-3666. We handle cases throughout the state of California.

2015 Dodge Ram 1500 – FCA Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client bought a 2015 Dodge Ram 1500.

He first took in in to an authorized dealership on May 10, 2017. The service 4 WD message came on and the vehicle seemed to be stuck in first gear. It was at the dealership for 3 days and they found a code and replaced the front Diff DTCM module.

His next visit was on June 15th because the vehicle had a hard time starting. There was also a tapping noise coming from the front end of the vehicle and his Dodge Ram had a huge loss of power. The vehicle was in the shop for 86 days.

Our client had heard that there was a part of the lemon law that dealt with a vehicle being out of service in the hands of an authorized dealership for 30 days or more (the 30 days do not have to be consecutive or for the same problem) and called our office.

He spoke with Barry L. Edzant, a California Lemon Law Specialist, and had his questions answered. Barry requested he email some documents for review. The client signed a retainer agreement and a letter was sent to FCA, USA demanding that they buy back the vehicle.

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

If you are having problems with your vehicle and have questions about the California Lemon Law please call our office at 888-395-3666.

2017 Fiat Spider 124
California Lemon Law Success

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Our client bought a new 2017 Fiat Spider 124.

Her first visit to the authorized service department was on January 23, 2018. There were two problems at the time. The first problem was that the check engine light was on and the other was a very serious problem as the vehicle had lost power while she was driving.

The next visit was on June 1st. It was in for a coolant leak, the vehicle RPMs were revving high and she requested they inspect the rear suspension as the tires were wearing unevenly. Her Fiat was at the dealership for 28 days.

It was at this point that she wanted to know more about the California Lemon Law and if she was driving a lemon.

She contacted the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant, a California Lemon Law Attorney with over 32 years of specializing in the Lemon Law. She spoke with Mr. Edzant and he then asked her to email some documents for him to review. After Barry reviewed the paperwork and explained to the client her rights, she decided to retain our law firm. A letter was sent to FCA, USA demanding that they buy back the vehicle under the California Lemon Law.

Our firm successfully got a full repurchase for our client for her defective 2017 Fiat Spider 124. The buyback included the reimbursement of all payments made to date, the down payment, the registration, paying off the loan less a mileage deduction allowed under the California Lemon Law. FCA also paid for the attorney fees.

If you think your vehicle may be a lemon, please contact the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666. We’ll be happy to answer your questions. We are a California statewide Lemon Law firm.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Lemon Law Buyback For Repeated Repair Attempts

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Our lemon law client was excited about his new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.

His first visit was at 747 miles on July 6, 2017. He was hearing a squeaky noise while driving his vehicle. The other problem that was presented at that visit was that while moving the driver side seat back it made a very loud noise. The Chevrolet authorized dealership had the vehicle for 20 days.

The next visit was on September 29th. His key FOB and the WiFi were both not working. The left front seat was making a rumbling noise when moving the seat from front or rear. He was also seeing the no key detected message coming on.

The 3rd visit was on May 8, 2018. His complaints at the time were the check engine light was on, the vehicle had a rough idle, he was hearing a metal tapping sound when driving at parking lot speeds and making turns which were coming from the rear of the vehicle. The Driver’s seat was also making a loud noise when moving the seat forwards or backwards.

On April 9, 2019 he brought the vehicle in again to the dealership. He was hearing a metallic rattle noise which appeared to be coming from behind the glove box. There was also a problem with the left front tire losing air and the passenger side rear tire losing air.

He was back at the dealership about 5 weeks later because both passenger side tires were losing air. The radio was also having some problems in that it would suddenly freeze.

July 23rd he brought the vehicle back to the Chevy dealership because it was pulling to the right and the suspension was feeling funny. He was also hearing a grinding noise from the right front wheel while driving. The key not detected message was coming on intermittently. The cabin air filter and air filter element needed to be replaced.

The last visit was about a week later. The driver’s side front seat back rest was falling when reclining and the key not detected message was displaying intermittently when trying to start the vehicle.

At this point our client was frustrated and called our office and spoke with California Lemon Law Attorney, Barry L. Edzant. Barry asked him to email us some documents to review. After signing a retainer agreement, a letter was sent to General Motors Corporation demanding that they buy back the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze under the California Lemon Law. GMC agreed to repurchase the vehicle and reimburse our client for his down payment, all monthly payments made, reimburse for registration and pay off the vehicle less a mileage deduction allowed under the law. They also paid all the attorney fees.

If you are having problems with your vehicle and want to know what your rights are under the lemon law, please call our office at 888-395-3666. We will be happy to answer your questions