The "No Problem Found" Lemon Vehicle
Have you ever taken your vehicle to dealership with a problem. The dealership takes the car in for repair. You come to pick it up and they tell you that there was No Problem Found (“NPF”) or that they could not duplicate the problem?
You then take your vehicle in a couple more times with the same concerns or symptoms and the dealership starts to make you feel like you have a problem – not the car?
It is very typical. Many cars have intermittent problems. Whether it is a sensor that keeps coming on (but is always off when you take it in) a problem with shifting, hesitation, hard start, brake vibrations or a rattle that just never seems to occur when you take it in for repairs, just because it is a intemittent problem does not mean it is not a Lemon.
The Lemon Law in California only requires that you present it to the manufacturer’s authorized repair facilities for repair. It does not require repairs to be made.
What you need to do in this situation is be sure you build (and document) your case. (“Repair Invoices Are Your Friends.”)
1. Keep a log. (When it is safe to write, jot down the date, approximate time and driving conditions [stopping, accelerating, wet, dry, turning, going straight, freeway, side street], what occurred, name of any passengers with you etc.)
2. When you take your vehicle in for repairs make sure the dealer writes down the symptoms you have told him. (If there are 3 symptoms or 3 different problems make sure all 3 are written down.) Remember if it’s not written down the manufacturer will claim they did not have a chance to repair it. (So it’s one less repair attempt on your side.)
3. When you pick up the car. Ask to talk to the service advisor and go over what they did. (Get old parts if they replaced any). And get the repair invoice. If you pick up your vehicle make sure they “close out” the repair and give you a copy of the invoice - even if they haven’t completed the repair and you need to come back.
4. If they tell you that they could not duplicate the problem. Ask that someone ride with you right then so you can try and demonstrate it. If no one is available, to ride with you ask for another appointment (right on the spot) when someone will be available to ride with you.
5. Remember you do not have to take your car to the dealership you purchased it from. You can take it to any repair facility which is “authorized” by the manufacturer to do repair work. (Not all dealerships are the same. Employees may have different experience and skill levels.)
6. If there is a warning light on or they don’t have a part to fix the problem and want you to come back ask them if it is safe to drive in that condition. If they say yes – Get it in writing!! However, regardless of what the dealership personnel say - or write - if the check engine light is illuminated do not drive the vehicle! In fact, if any other light or condition referenced in the owner’s manual advises you not do drive the vehicle - don’t drive it!
If you feel that you have a No-Problem-Found Lemon or any other Lemon Vehicle in California, call Law & Kolakowski, your experienced California Lemon Law Lawyers at 1-800-348-1152 - or fill out our quick on-line form (below).
Assisting lemon law victims in all cities in CA including, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Long Beach, Oakland, Anaheim, Stockton, Bakersfield, Santa Ana, El Centro, Irvine, Modesto, Oxnard, Santa Clara, Temecula and other locations throughout California.
