You don't have to be stuck with your defective Jeep longer than necessary. One possible resolution of your Jeep Lemon law claim is a buyback from the manufacturer. Because Jeep has a buyback program to cover unrepairable defects and recalls that can’t be resolved, you may be able to get out of your current vehicle. The Jeep buyback program requirements follow the same rules as the California Lemon Law. The lemon vehicle must be unrepairable and still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
The Lemon Pros are the premier Jeep Lemon law attorney firm in California. With our practice area focused mainly on lemon vehicles, we can get compensation for your defective Jeep. Contact us today for a free consultation.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover the requirements for a Jeep Lemon law claim and explain what ongoing issues are included. We show you which Jeep models are eligible for a buyback and help you figure out what you may receive in exchange for your defective vehicle.
The Jeep Lemon law requirements allow for a buyback from the manufacturer if the vehicle qualifies. While the buyback option has been available for many years, the most notable case against the manufacturer came in 2015 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) agreed to a settlement with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to buy back RAM trucks and Dodge SUVs. It was determined that FCA mishandled 23 safety recalls covering more than 11 million vehicles, which included some Jeep models as well.
It’s important to understand the differences between a manufacturer recall and a buyback. If Jeep issues a recall for a vehicle, it’s because a defect was found that needs repair. Jeep owners are given a free repair or replacement and the issue is typically fixed. A Lemon law buyback occurs because the vehicle has a significant defect that cannot be repaired, meaning the vehicle qualifies under state lemon laws, known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act in California.
There’s also the chance of getting a goodwill buyback. This voluntary action occurs when Jeep offers to buy the vehicle back from you, just to keep you happy. The manufacturer isn’t legally required to do so.
Jeep typically handles the buyback claim in-house after you file the Lemon law claim. While you will need to go through arbitration with an independent company or have a court hearing, the final buyback is done through Jeep or its parent company, Stellantis.
Jeep vehicles become eligible for buyback with any significant defect that affects their value, use or safety. The common defects can include repeated mechanical or electrical issues. Reimbursement is also due if there’s a safety recall that’s not resolved after multiple repair attempts. Once the vehicle is deemed a “lemon” under state law, Jeep has the responsibility to buy it back or offer you a replacement.
If you believe you have a lemon Jeep, it’s essential to make sure it qualifies for a buyback. Here are the most important rules in California regarding the Jeep buyback program:
For Lemon law protection to exist, the Jeep must still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. In some cases, a used Jeep may qualify for coverage if the manufacturer’s warranty is still in place, such as when the vehicle is sold as a Certified Pre-Owned model from the dealership. The year, model and purchase location may affect the vehicle’s eligibility, which is why it’s always critical to speak with a lemon lawyer for more detailed information.
While lemon laws vary, in California, you are required to have the faulty vehicle taken to the shop for repairs multiple times. Its significant defects must create diminished value to the vehicle or it severely impairs the use. The substantial defect can also be safety-related to qualify for a Lemon law buyback.
With most defects, the Lemon Law requires a minimum of four repair attempts. However, serious safety concerns only require two attempts. The exception to this rule is when the dealership has your vehicle for more than thirty days.
Safety concerns are often classified differently. In fact, serious safety issues can create immediate eligibility in certain cases. With Jeep models affected by brake failure, airbag malfunctions or uncontrollable steering, it’s vital that you speak with a Lemon law attorney about the case before driving any further.
California’s Lemon Law specifies that the defect must first occur within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, whichever comes first. Problems starting after this date are not eligible for a buyback. Additionally, you have four years from the start of the defect to begin the Lemon law process. Of course, there are some exceptions if the issue first appeared within the period but wasn’t resolved properly.
Whether you are dealing with the Jeep Wrangler Lemon Law or you need reimbursement for your Jeep Cherokee, the buyback program remains the same. Here’s a deep dive into the steps:
To successfully navigate the Lemon law buyback process, you want documentation of everything. Gather together all the repair orders and service records from the Jeep dealership. This documentation should clearly outline the following information:
Additionally, you want to maintain all of the communication records you’ve had with the dealership or Jeep customer service department. Keep copies of all emails and text messages. You can also write down the important details from every phone call.
This documentation is critical to proving your vehicle qualifies under Jeep’s buyback terms.
With the help of an attorney, filing a Lemon law claim isn’t complicated. While you can contact Jeep Customer Care on your own or file a claim through the state’s consumer protection agency, you can expect more favorable and faster results with a lawyer.
By providing your Lemon law attorney with all of your documentation, the case can be handled without you putting forth any effort. Even better, most Lemon law lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do. This fee structure encourages them to work harder for your settlement and it ensures you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
Once the claim is filed, Jeep will review it and you should receive a response. The manufacturer may request to conduct an inspection of its own or ask you to allow one final repair attempt. In many cases, it’s best to comply with the requests.
If the claim is valid, a California Lemon law buyback formula will be used to determine what the vehicle repurchase price should be. Otherwise, Jeep may offer you a vehicle replacement or a cash settlement, allowing you to keep the vehicle.
One of the most pressing questions remains – how long does a Lemon law buyback take? In general, the buyback process may take 30 to 90 days from the time you file the claim. Of course, complex cases or disputes can extend this timeline, especially if Jeep contests the eligibility.
By having all your documents ready (repair records and communication), you help to avoid any delays. Working with a Lemon law attorney can also speed up the process.
With a typical Lemon law settlement, you may be able to recover the following compensation:
You may also be entitled to payment for rental cars, towing bills and other repair-related expenses. A Lemon law attorney can help you see which expenses are eligible for reimbursement. In many cases, the manufacturer is responsible for paying your legal fees if you win your case.
Jeep may deduct a mileage offset for any use before the defect started. A Lemon law buyback calculator can help you estimate what you might be paid.
The manufacturer also reserves the right to offer you a replacement vehicle in place of the defective model. The new vehicle would be similar to the one you already drive in all of the major key areas (year, make, model, features, etc.), except that the defects won’t be present.
Yes, in California, the statute of limitations to file Lemon law cases is four years from the date the defect first occurred. Lemon laws apply if the defect first occurred within 18 months or 18,000 miles of taking ownership of the vehicle, but all the repair attempts do not need to be completed before these times. If you live outside of California, it’s important for you to research your state regulations, as laws vary.
If you have a defective car, it’s better to file sooner rather than later. Not only will this prevent the clock from running out on your claim, but it will also protect your rights.
As a California resident dealing with a defective vehicle, it can be overwhelming going up against the automotive industry and the Jeep brand. That’s why it’s important to have a qualified lawyer to handle your lemon claim process.
The Lemon Pros have handled thousands of these legal proceedings and have earned compensation for clients across the state. As the best Lemon law attorney in California, we have a deep understanding of how to get satisfactory results and we do it quickly. Call for your free case evaluation about your Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator today.
If you don’t meet the Jeep buyback program requirements, you may be ineligible for a vehicle repurchase or compensation under the program. It’s important to review all criteria carefully and seek legal advice if you believe you qualify but face challenges.
Jeep has more buybacks than some brands, partially because of its rugged image and complex off-road features. The advanced equipment leads to mechanical or tech issues, including transmission problems and electrical problems, especially in newer models. Since World War II, when Jeeps earned a reputation for toughness, buyers have expected durability. So when persistent issues pop up, owners speak up. Jeep offers buybacks to protect that legacy and avoid further legal trouble.
In the past few years, all Jeep models seem to struggle with some level of incompetence. During the warranty period, the Jeep Cherokee has suffered from engine problems, while reported issues with the Grand Cherokee include air suspension failure. The Wrangler has also been subject to persistent defects ranging from the Death Wobble to electrical malfunctions.
Used vehicles are only covered under the Lemon Law if there’s still a warranty intact. You need to purchase the vehicle from a reputable dealership because private-party sales are considered as-is. Experienced attorneys can help you determine whether your model qualifies.
Fighting your own Lemon law claim can be time-consuming and lead to headaches. Only certain models are covered and it’s important that there be several attempts made to repair the vehicle before filing or your claim could be denied. If you are dealing with repeated issues with your vehicle, it’s best to let an attorney who is well-versed in the Lemon Law take a look at the case. They can determine if you’ve met the criteria and allow for a reasonable number of repairs before filing a claim. With their expertise, you have a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
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