“Not all cars are equal, and sadly, some are lemons…” We all know someone who has had the unfortunate experience of purchasing a car that literally falls apart as they drive it off the lot. But how do you have any idea which car manufacturers create cars that are likely to be lemons? 

It is important to know which car manufacturers have a higher propensity for creating lemons before you buy a car. Some of their brands have a track record of making cars with continual defects, requiring their compliant customers to meet at their service department for frequent visits. 

This paper gives you insight into these lemon car manufacturers, which will help protect you if you are ever in the market for purchasing a car, as well as educate you about what can be done if you purchase a lemon in California.

Learn About Car Brands with Low Reliability Ratings

Reliability is one of the most important factors in choosing a car. Some car brands have a bad reliability rating, meaning vehicles produced by that brand are more likely to qualify as lemons. For example, some manufacturers consistently rate poorly on selected models, which puts them into a category of lemons.

Purchasing from a manufacturer known for reliability can minimize your risk of getting stuck with a lemon. Understand the lemon vehicle manufacturers so you have a better idea of what to look for when making a buying decision. 

Look for common complaints and recalls

When buying a car, one striking element is a manufacturer with a lot of recalls or many complaints relating to specific models. Before the purchase, look into a car’s history and see whether the history indicates past recalls or issues.

• Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for recall notices
• Review user-reported complaints on carcomplaints.com
• Look at reviews on car forums—real owners’ experiences shared

When it comes to identifying lemon vehicle manufacturers, research about the history fails to identify any repeating defect problems.

Think About The Manufacturer’s Warranty and Return Policy

Many buyers are unaware that their manufacturer’s warranty and return policy can actually protect them in the event of a defective vehicle purchase. A heavily warranted vehicle can establish that the manufacturer has confidence in their product, while a poorly warranted vehicle may suggest the manufacturer does not trust the quality of their vehicles. 

In California, even if the car is a lemon, the customer can file a lemon law claim in CA. But, making sure you engage a manufacturer who offers robust warranties will provide you with the level of protection needed for your investment without having to escalate to legal action.

Know Your Manufacturer-Specific Common Defects

There are manufacturers that have had repeated defects in the vehicles they produce, meaning some manufacturers have histories with engines, transmissions, electrical problems, etc. Knowing what to look out for can help you ensure you do not purchase a lemon from these manufacturers.

Here is a list of common defects to pay attention to: 

• Engine stalling or misfiring
• Faulty airbags or seatbelts
• Transmission slipping or

Knowing the most common defects of such manufacturers will help you make a truly informed decision when looking to buy a used or new car.

Check for High Repair Costs and Extended Downtime

If you find a number of car manufacturers that have cars that consistently have high repair costs or require extended downtime for repairs, then that’s a pretty good indication that the build quality is deficient. The more frequently a car fails, the higher the likelihood it will be categorized as a lemon under California’s lemon law.

When you research possible car manufacturers, you will not be able to look up an eventual defect or a problem, reading the reviews or the comments to see high repair costs or issues in obtaining parts. If your car is in the shop often, you could be facing unnecessary expenses, which, if the car is a lemon, lemon law claims should cover.

Examine the Resale Value

Resale value can sometimes be a good indicator. Cars that traditionally have low resale values often come with hidden defects or performance issues, which lead to breakdowns or detailed repairs, or both. Based on the provided resale value and trends of a particular car manufacturer or model, you can also determine whether you’re likely to get a lemon.

For example, a car that depreciates faster than others on the market could be showing signs of persistent issues that affect its reliability. Do your homework by checking resale values through websites like Kelley Blue Book to spot such potential manufacturers before you buy.

Consult with a Lemon Law Attorney

If you have doubts about a particular car manufacturer or model, consulting with a lemon law attorney can give you expert advice on how to protect yourself before making a purchase. A lawyer can explain how California’s lemon laws apply to used and new vehicles and help you understand your rights as a consumer.

Conclusion

Identifying lemon car manufacturers before you buy a vehicle is an essential step in protecting yourself from costly and frustrating problems. By researching car brands, looking for common defects, and understanding the manufacturer’s warranty, you can avoid many pitfalls that come with buying a faulty vehicle. If you find yourself with a lemon, remember that California’s lemon laws allow you to file a lemon law claim in CA and seek a refund or replacement. Taking these steps before purchasing a car can save you time, money, and stress down the road.