Anyone have experience with the Lemon Law?

[coachgrd]

If so, can you share it? We have an '06 Honda Odyssey van that started with A/C problems soon after we drove it off the lot. Each spring it blows warm air on the driver's side and needs to be re-charged. For the past 5 years they have been grasping at straws to identify the problem/leak, to no avail. Up to this point I've not been charged anything but now that the warranty is up they have found the problem! It will be an $800 repair, half of which they will pick up because they know this has been an on-going problem since practically Day 1. Frankly, I don't care if they were to pick up $799, I just don't think it's right.

I specifically told them the past two years that I was concerned that when the warranty ran out, I would be hung out to dry. I was re-assured on both occasions that it would be taken care of.

I did some research online with the Lemon Law and while I'm no attorney, it does sound like situations like mine are why the Lemon Law was created. I filled out a form on the lemonlaw.com webpage and to no surprise, I was contacted within the hour by a lawyer's rep. She claims this is a textbook case and one they see everyday. She said they can pursue it and I could expect to get a couple thousand bucks for my troubles. We would owe them nothing as they would take their share from the settlement with Honda America.

I'm curious what I should know before committing to this. Again, do any of you have experience with this law? Thanks in advance for sharing.

 

[jcims]

I'm curious what I should know before committing to this. Again, do any of you have experience with this law? Thanks in advance for sharing.

I'm sure you'll get better advice than this, but sharing some of this communication with your dealer might convince them to let go of the other $400.

Also, don't be afraid to contact Honda of America customer relations...they don't like dealers doing things to smear the brand. http://automobiles.honda.com/information/customer-relations.aspx

 

[oldnslo]

Yes but each state is different.

Main thing is keep excellent records and be patient. It took me ten months to finally get the Lemon Law enforced here in Illinois.

good luck

Roy

 

[MarkV]

I kind of think I would talk to Honda before heading to the lawyer. They most likely don't know the history of your situation. If they give you the run around you still have the other option.

MarkV

 

[Chuck52]

How long is the "lemon law" good for? You might get grief for waiting 4-5 years before trying to use it? If the car is otherwise OK, I'd probably be happy with "just" a $400 fix, assuming it really did fix the problem. OTOH, if you can get the dealer or Honda to cover the whole expense, go for it.

Chuck

 

[dmccarty]

Before I got a lawyer in the mess I would find out the specifics of the Lemon Law in my state. In NC there are at least two different state agencies that might handle this type of issue, the Department of Commerce and the Attorney General's Office.

I just quickly checked the NC AG's office and it seems in NC the Lemon Law applies to your case. The AG seems like they might handle the case and I would guess the Commerce department might as well. I would politely tell the dealership that you have had this problem since day one and you expect the dealer to pay for the bill. If they refuse I would start down the AG and Commerce department path as well as with up the food chain with Honda.

It is a bit early to get a lawyer involved. I would hope. :laughing:

Later,
Dan

 

[coachgrd]

I'm sure you'll get better advice than this, but sharing some of this communication with your dealer might convince them to let go of the other $400.

Also, don't be afraid to contact Honda of America customer relations...they don't like dealers doing things to smear the brand. Customer Service - the Official Honda Web Site

Thanks for the responses everyone, love to hear from others as well.

I did call Honda of America today and expressed my concerns/frustrations in a polite manner. The woman made note of the continuing problems and was going to forward the history to a region service manager. I'm to hear back witin 72 hours. In the mean time I heard again from the Lemon Law attorney and told her of my correspondence with Honda of America. She was not optimistic about Honda agreeing to pay the entire $800 repair bill.

Will post updates...

 

[Willl]

Lemon Law America