Lemon Law for California

Build Dates : June 25,2004 - July 26,2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V376000 
Date Owner’s Notified: 20040730  Date Received by ODI: 20040802  Date Added to Databse: 20040805 
Manufacturer’s Involved: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 04066 
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS 
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1103 
Summary:
On Certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3 (pro L59) V8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.
Consequence:
If the tube retainer screws breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall and,if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on July 30,2004,with a followup owner letter began August 5,2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 , or GMC 1-866-996-9463 . Note: The GM bulletin lists the TAHOE and YUKON  models because Canadian vehicles are included in the bulletin. No U.S. TAHOE or YUKON vehicles are included in the U.S. campaign.

Owners of recreational vehicles usually purchase motor homes (or motorhomes) for flexibility, for travel, and generally for enjoyment of the RV lifestyle. Dreams can be ruined if the motor home breaks down on the road, if the RV has multiple problems while on vacation, or if the coach is constantly at the dealer for one repair after another. Fortunately, RV owners have relief. The California Lemon Law has provisions that protect RV and motor home owners.

Protecting the rights of owners of RVs and motor homes requires special knowledge and experience. RVs have more complex problems than other motor vehicles, and motor homes are typically sold with many different warranties for the various components installed. Also, the Lemon Law has unique application to motor homes.        

There are no “typical” Lemon Law defects. Some defects occur more often in RVs. Common motor home problems include:

    * Electrical problems
    * Water damage from siding or roof leaks
    * Chassis defects
    * Frame issues
    * Coach or living quarters issues
    * Cargo, weight, and capacity specifications problems

Motorcycle owners have protection under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly referred to as California’s Lemon Law. Experience counsel should be selected to handle motorcycle Lemon Law claims because the application of the Law can be different when it is applied to motorcycles, as opposed to passenger cars. A motorcycle that suffers from a defect, which the manufacturer or dealer has failed to repair under warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, may qualify for protection under the California Lemon Law.

Owners of all motorcycles sold in California are protected by California law, including but not limited to those made by the following manufacturers:

    * Buell
    * BMW
    * Harley-Davidson
    * Honda
    * Kawasaki
    * Suzuki
    * Yamaha

There are no “typical” defects that form the basis of a California Lemon Law claim. Any defect that “substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle” may qualify. Mechanical and driveability problems often are considered “substantial.” The defect must be one that the dealer or manufacturer has not repaired under warranty after a reasonable number of attempts. 

An automobile (“auto”), car, SUV, truck, or any vehicle that has any of the following problems may indicate a substantial defect under the California Lemon Law:

    * Brake problems
    * Transmission issues
    * Problems with fuel system components or leaking fuel
    * Accelerator controls, or gas pedal, that break or stick
    * Seats or seat backs that fail
    * Vehicle components that break, fall apart, or separate
    * Steering defects
    * Check engine light or other dashboard light malfunction
    * Airbag problems
    * Repeat repairs
    * Engine stall
    * Electrical issues
    * Days out of service at the dealer
    * Any unsafe condition or dangerous condition