Audi is a luxury German Auto with manufacturing headquarters in Ingolstadt. The brand is a Volkswagen Group subsidiary with a number of plants located worldwide where vehicles are produced.
“Auto Union,” founded in 1932, was purchased in 1960 by Volkswagen, with the Audi F103 model introduced onto the market in 1965. The current company resulted from Volkswagen merging “NSU Motorenwerke and Auto Union.
The brand, along with Mercedes-Benz and BMW, is the primary luxury auto sold on the global market.
Despite this reputation, Audi models, including the Audi A4, have experienced an array of problems in recent years. Let’s look at the defects with this model in particular and the steps to follow under the California lemon law.
What Steps Should A Consumer Follow Under The California Audi Lemon Law
Despite Audi’s reputation as a top manufacturer of luxury autos and its being among the most sold vehicles in the world, it has seen its share of problems in recent years. One model in particular, described as the “brand’s premier compact executive auto,” is listed among the lemons being scrutinized.
The vehicle was introduced in 1994, providing five generations of favorable reviews noting its “high performance, power” engine. The auto has also been the source of “69 recalls due to:
- Engine cooling
- Airbags
- Electrical system
- Fuel system
- Ignition
There are either malfunctioning or faulty systems. Does this mean the auto is a lemon? Under California law, a defect isn’t an automatic indication that a vehicle is a lemon. It needs to meet several criteria to fall into the category of a buyback. Some of these include:
- The defect cannot be a result of the motorist’s negligence
- The Audi should be out of commission for at least 30 + days second to being repaired
- The certified manufacturing facility has attempted repairs a reasonable amount of times to solve the defect; at least twice
- The Audi should be enduring a significant defect or more than one responsible for impeding the functionality or safe driving of the auto or diminishing the car’s value
- The terms of the dealership or original manufacturer warranty cover the Audi.
It’s essential to have a paper trail showing the California lemon law criteria as documented by a certified manufacturing facility. How does California’s lemon law work? Let’s look at how a lemon law attorney can work for your benefit.
How Can A California Lemon Law Attorney Benefit Your Claim
The California lemon law protects the consumer by offering recourse when the individual has no luck with the manufacturer on their own regarding a defective auto. Before pursuing a claim, consumers must research their rights, understand how to file a claim, and learn the benefits of working with an attorney.
When investing in an auto, you must trust that the vehicle a manufacturer provides will be functional, dependable, and, above all else, safe. That’s not always the result. When the auto doesn’t meet these expectations, you can seek counsel to pursue a claim under the Lemon Law. Go to https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/vehicle-lemon-laws-by-state/ to get insight on lemon laws by state.
In the case of Audi4, we’ve discerned the defects coming to light for consumers. How can an attorney help with these issues? First, finding a professional well-versed in California lemon laws and legal matters relevant to autos is vital.
These professionals will have the expertise and knowledge to recognize dealership or manufacturer negligence. When consulting with the expert, you can anticipate the following:
The attorney will review the facts and documentation of the case
Before a California lemon law attorney works with you on your Audi claim, the lawyer must assess the case for validity. You should also have a list of questions for this consultation to evaluate the lawyer’s knowledge and expertise. You want someone who understands your circumstances and can represent them adequately. That will depend on how you present your case also.
The professional will need to see the paper trail you’ve established to this point, including repair receipts with dates and details of the repairs. There should be a consistency in the defect being worked on. It’s important to have details on the length of time the vehicle was in for repairs and how this disrupted daily activities.
You should also have phone or email records of any communication between you and the manufacturer or dealership regarding the Audi problem with the names and titles of the contacts. The attorney will determine if the case qualifies as a lemon.
The attorney will negotiate with the dealer or manufacturer
Suppose the Audi qualifies as a lemon under the law’s guidelines. In that case, the attorney will negotiate with the dealer or the manufacturer to settle the claim on your behalf as the consumer. The goal is either to receive a replacement vehicle in operational condition or to obtain a refund.
Many Audi manufacturers are offering “buyback” programs for their Audi customers to avoid the potential of going to court. Go here to learn how the buyback program works. However, if a settlement is not reached, the lawyer will represent their client in court to pursue compensation.
The attorney prioritizes protecting consumer rights and ensures the client receives fair and adequate treatment. As part of their effort, once the case is accepted, all paperwork and logistics are handled by the professional team, including the lawsuit filing, so the process is straightforward and seamless for the client.
Final Thought
When purchasing an Audi A4 that produces a significant defect or perhaps more than one, the California lemon laws are designed to help consumers receive no recourse when approaching dealers or manufacturers on their own.
You don’t have to take on the battle alone if you meet the criteria and have the necessary documentation.
Seeking the assistance of a California attorney specializing in these laws and autos is a priority to negotiate the claim and obtain the most beneficial outcome for you as the client. The objective is to ensure fair and adequate treatment.