As lawyers focused exclusively on Lemon Law cases, attorneys at The Barry Law Firm are often asked what cars are considered lemons and which vehicles and manufacturers to avoid when purchasing or leasing a new car.
As car prices and the cost of repairs rise, it’s more important than ever to know what you are getting with a new vehicle. As you start your search, we suggest reading vehicle reviews from several resources, such as Consumer Reports (CR), Cars.com, and J.D. Power. You might also ask friends, colleagues, and family members about their experience with their vehicles.
Though each new model year gives vehicle manufacturers a chance to correct flaws, looking at the past can prepare us for the future.
Why Should You Avoid Lemon Cars?
A vehicle is considered a lemon if it has substantial defects covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty that cannot be resolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts by the manufacturer. Under California’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer may be required to buy back a vehicle that qualifies as a lemon. But even if you receive a successful settlement from your Lemon Law claim, it cannot undo the inconvenience and time lost because of your faulty vehicle. It’s best to do your research before getting a new car to hopefully prevent the hassle entirely.
10 Lemon Cars to Avoid
Any vehicle can potentially be a lemon. However, some vehicles tend to have more issues than others. J.D. Power’s annual U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is a good place to start when determining which car manufacturers make the most and least reliable cars. The Auto Lemon Index also identifies which manufacturers are sued most often for defective vehicles in California.
Here is a list of potential lemon cars and manufacturers to watch out for:
General Motors
The Auto Lemon Index determined that General Motors (GM) is the manufacturer most frequently sued for California Lemon Law violations. They were taken to court once for every 78 new GM vehicles registered in the state, making up 29 percent of the Lemon Law cases filed. GM is notorious “for allegedly producing and failing to repair or provide refunds or replacements for lemon vehicles.” Some well-known vehicle brands they are responsible for include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. In particular, Consumer Reports notes that the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon 2025 models will likely be “much less reliable than the average new car.”
Volkswagen ID4
This electric SUV’s 2023 model alone was the subject of 10 recalls for serious issues with airbags, backup displays, doors, defective electrical systems, and more. Vehicle owners have also reported that it is difficult to recharge the vehicle, whether at home or public charging stations.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the country’s most popular minivans. It’s known for a comfortable ride and various features, including “Stow ‘n Go” fold-down seating. However, the Pacifica has been subject to several recalls for loss of motive power and a fire risk in its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model. Pacifica owners have also reported steering, transmission, and suspension issues.
Jeep Wrangler
Besides a ride that CR describes as “stiff and jiggly” with “lots of wind noise at highway speeds,” the Jeep Wrangler is known for the “death wobble” – violent front-end shaking at high speeds after hitting a bump. Users have also reported leaks, malfunctioning infotainment systems, and other problems in recent models.
Audi Sedans and SUVs
These European luxury vehicles are already more expensive to maintain and repair than domestic cars. But on top of that, owners and lessees have reported defective airbags and overheating causing a fire risk, especially with the Audi Q5, along with suspension, battery, and charging issues with the Q8 E-Tron.
Jaguar I-Pace
According to The Auto Lemon Index, another one of the manufacturers that faces the most Lemon Law lawsuits in California is Jaguar Land Rover North America. Consumer Reports also notes its reputation for reliability issues, which can be frustrating for buyers purchasing the supposedly luxury vehicles. In particular, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace has been recalled six times for the same problem – high-voltage batteries overheating and causing a risk of fire. It was recalled twice more for a delay in deceleration when braking and a loose connection that also creates a fire risk.
Land Rover
Also under the Jaguar Land Rover North America brand are the Land Rover models, including the Range Rover (the original luxury SUV) and several vehicles in the Discovery and Defender series. However, as CR says, Land Rover is notorious for making “SUVs that broke down frequently and expensively.” Common Land Rover problems include air suspension failure, electrical issues, steering shaft problems, transmission problems, and oil and coolant leaks.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi’s budget-friendly SUVs include the Outlander series and the smaller Eclipse Cross. Models with continuously variable transmission (CVT) are particularly prone to transmission problems that include shuddering, hesitation, and total transmission system failure, even resulting in a class action lawsuit.
Acura
Acura primarily makes SUVs and sedans that are more luxurious and higher-priced versions of vehicles made by Honda, its parent company. Honda recalled almost 300,000 V-6-powered cars, including the 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S. These vehicles can lose power or stall when accelerating due to a software problem in the fuel injection system’s electronic control unit.
Ram 1500 Trucks
Owners of these full-size pickup trucks often report exhaust issues, including the eTourque system, catalytic converter, muffler hardware, and exhaust pipes. Other notable trouble spots include engine cooling, suspension and steering, and in-car electronics and electrical accessories. The Ram 1500 2022 model has 13 recalls, while the 2021 model has 12.
Talk to an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney Today!
If you have bought or leased a defective motor vehicle in California, you may be able to recover what you have paid for the car plus your other costs. The Barry Law Firm can help you demand maximum compensation under California’s Lemon Law if your vehicle has defects covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty that still aren’t repaired after giving the dealership a reasonable number of attempts. California law requires auto manufacturers to pay the consumer’s legal fees in successful Lemon Law claims – and we’ll never charge you anything, no matter the outcome of your case.
Contact us online or call 877-LEMON-03 today for a FAST & FREE legal consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney.
