Audi is one of the most popular international luxury auto brands, known for its four-ring logo and sporty vehicle performance. However, even luxury vehicles like Audis can suffer from manufacturing defects and problems.
If you have substantial warranty-covered Audi issues that the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be covered under California’s Lemon Law. Through an Audi Lemon Law claim, you can demand that Audi repurchase the vehicle and compensate you for your related losses.
When you buy a car, you expect a certain level of reliability and quality control. Defective vehicles are not only an inconvenience, but they also pose a danger to you and your family. The Barry Law Firm has extensive experience managing Lemon Law cases in California for faulty vehicles. We can help you make a valid claim under California’s Lemon Law to demand what you paid for your lemon Audi – at no cost to you. Contact our offices today for a FAST & FREE case evaluation to get started.
What Are Some Common Issues with Audis?
Audi is known for its solid design and performance, but it is also known to have some manufacturing issues. Some of these are common to many types of vehicles, while others are more specific to Audi:
- Oil consumption – Audi oil consumption issues may be linked to various oil system components, such as valve seals and piston rings. Defects in these parts cause oil to leak into the cylinders and evaporate from the heat.
- Electrical problems – Some Audi models have issues with their electrical components, specifically door locks, electric windows, and displays. Potential causes may be faulty wiring, blown fuses, or defective alternators. Common symptoms of faulty electrical systems include flickering/dimmed lights, unresponsive door locks, and dead batteries.
- Transmission issues – Gear slippage, delayed engagement, and shifting problems are commonly cited for transmission repairs. These issues may cause other problems, such as low transmission fluid or premature clutch wear. A faulty transmission can pose a substantial danger, so don’t drive your Audi if you think it has transmission issues.
- Coolant leaks – Coolant leaks in Audi models are most commonly caused by defects in the radiator, water pumps, and coolant connections. If your Audi has a coolant leak, it can cause the engine to overheat, resulting in substantially decreased performance and efficiency. Overheating can also cause permanent engine damage.
- Engine misfires – The most common signs of engine misfiring are reduced power, inefficient fuel consumption, or loud idling. Faulty spark plugs or fuel injectors can cause engine failures, preventing your Audi from starting.
- Brake problems – Symptoms of Audi braking problems include a grinding or squeaking sound and difficulties pressing down on the pedal. Worn-out brake pads can cause the pedal to shake violently when engaged, making it more difficult to control the vehicle.
Whether you’re suffering from one of these common Audi problems or any other significant warranty-covered defect despite the manufacturer’s reasonable number of repair attempts, your Audi might qualify for California’s Lemon Law protection.
What Protection Does the California Lemon Law Provide?
California’s Lemon Law is a consumer protection law that covers people who have difficulties with their vehicles while they are under warranty. If you purchase or lease a car with a substantial warranty-covered defect that the manufacturer fails to fix within a reasonable number of attempts, the law allows you to demand that the manufacturer buy it back from you.
The point of the Lemon Law is to ensure that manufacturers honor their warranties and keep consumers from shouldering the costs of a defective vehicle. Under California’s Lemon Law, you can pursue financial compensation for what you paid for the vehicle and other related expenses, which could include:
- Purchase and lease price of the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments made, and the remaining loan or lease balance
- Collateral charges, such as taxes and registration fees
- Costs related to repair efforts, like out-of-pocket repair costs, towing expenses, and rental car payments
The Lemon Law also says that manufacturers must cover the cost of the consumer’s legal expenses in a successful claim.
At What Point Does a Faulty Vehicle Become a Lemon?
A vehicle must meet a few specific requirements to qualify as a lemon under California’s Lemon Law:
- There must be a substantial defect in the vehicle that impacts its safety, use, or value.
- The manufacturer’s original warranty that came with the vehicle must cover the defect.
- The warranty must have still been in effect when the defect started causing problems.
- The manufacturer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to fix the problem.
- The vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California, with exceptions for military members.
A key consideration is whether the manufacturer has been allowed a “reasonable number” of attempts to repair the issues. What counts as a reasonable number depends on the specific circumstances and the defect.
If the defect poses a significant safety hazard, two or more repair attempts are typically enough to meet the reasonable attempt threshold. For less severe defects, manufacturers may have more than two reasonable attempts to repair them. In some cases, a vehicle might count as a lemon if repairs put it out of service for an inordinate amount of time. Generally, an authorized Audi dealership must perform the repairs to count as a reasonable attempt.
Your Audi’s warranty is also a crucial component of a Lemon Law case. Only defects covered by Audi’s original manufacturer warranty can qualify for a Lemon Law claim. Even if that warranty expires, your vehicle may be covered as long as the warranty was in force when you first tried to have it repaired.
If you aren’t sure whether your Audi’s issues make it a lemon, an experienced Lemon Law attorney from The Barry Law Firm can help.
What to Do If You Think Your Audi Is a Lemon
If you think your Audi is a lemon, the first thing you should do is gather all financial records related to purchasing and repairing the vehicle. Relevant documents could include receipts, invoices for services, and copies of any communications with Audi or its authorized dealership. You will also need records of your expenses to recover compensation for your losses.
Next, contact an Audi Lemon Law attorney. In many instances, Lemon Law cases can be settled without ever having to go into a lawyer’s office. An attorney can assess your claim, review your documents, and contact the manufacturer about a refund, with little to no effort on your part.
Keep in mind, California’s Lemon Law has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline on filing a claim. If you fail to take action within that time frame, you may lose your legal right to pursue compensation. You should consult an attorney as soon as possible once you suspect you have a lemon. An attorney can start building your Audi Lemon Law case and ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements.
The Barry Law Firm Can Help You with Your Case
Have you had to take your Audi vehicle in for repairs over and over again, but the issue still isn’t fixed? Is it severely affecting your vehicle’s function, safety, or resale value? You may have a lemon on your hands. But you shouldn’t be stuck with a lemon Audi after paying luxury prices.
The Barry Law Firm has dedicated itself to helping Californians recover money under the Lemon Law for over 15 years. We have an extensive track record of successful Lemon Law cases against some of the largest vehicle manufacturers, including Audi. Our team has assisted thousands of frustrated consumers in getting the justice they deserve when auto manufacturers don’t hold up their obligations.
We can take care of every aspect of pursuing your claim, from assembling repair orders and warranty documentation to handling communications between you and the manufacturer. We can also calculate the full extent of your losses to pursue fair compensation. Our firm takes an aggressive approach to consumer law litigation and will look for every possible avenue to recover financial compensation, whether that’s through negotiating with Audi or taking your case to court. We have a long list of happy clients who can attest to our skill and efficiency when pursuing Lemon Law cases.
Most importantly, you never have to pay for our services. California’s Lemon Law states that the manufacturer is responsible for all attorney and legal fees associated with a successful claim. That means that you won’t have to pay us, regardless of the outcome of your case. Win or lose, you will never get a bill for our services. So there is no financial risk to getting in touch to learn more about how we can help.
Contact us online or call today for a FAST & FREE case consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney.
