Is your vehicle experiencing recurring defects after it’s been modified with aftermarket parts? If so, you might be wondering if your vehicle is a lemon. In most cases, “is my vehicle fixed after I gave the auto manufacturer enough chances to fix it?” is a good starting point for vehicle owners and lessees. However, whether or not modified vehicles qualify under the Lemon Law depends on the circumstances of your case.
The modifications or aftermarket parts themselves are often not covered by the California Lemon Law.
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If the Modification Caused The Defect
If a modification you made to your vehicle resulted in recurring problems, the auto manufacturer may claim that the problem is not covered by the warranty. The auto manufacturer may still repair your vehicle, but may deny you warranty coverage.
As a result, it may affect your ability to claim that your vehicle is a lemon. For example, if you added a new sound system, and are now experiencing electrical problems, your claim may not be valid because the sound system could be affecting your electrical system.
If The Defect Is Unrelated To The Modification
If the recurring defect in your vehicle is unrelated to the modification or aftermarket parts, you may be able to pursue a lemon law claim. For example, if you added a sound system, but your transmission is experiencing recurring problems, your lemon claim may still be valid.
It is worthwhile to take your vehicle in for a repair and determine if your vehicle problem and your aftermarket vehicle parts are related.
Consult With A Lemon Law Attorney
If you have modified your vehicle and are experiencing vehicle problems, consult with a lemon law attorney. Initial consultations are free. A lemon law attorney can help you understand your legal options, give your repair orders a thorough review, and determine if you have a potential claim. Disclose the modifications during your consultation and ask how these modifications could impact your lemon law claim.
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
