Nissan Lemon Law Lawyer
The California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease new or used vehicles that display significant defects. If you’re a Nissan owner experiencing a defect that impacts your automobile’s use, value, or safety—and the manufacturer or authorized dealers cannot resolve it after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be eligible for a replacement vehicle or refund. This law applies to both purchased and leased vehicles, safeguarding you against the frustrations of dealing with a defective car.
Example of a Recent Nissan Lemon Law Case 2019 Nissan Kicks
This 2019 Nissan Kicks, covered under a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, exhibited several defects that ultimately led to a vehicle buyback. Below is a breakdown of the key issues encountered and why they were concerning.
Repair #1: Unsecured Fog Light Lens
The first issue involved an unsecured fog light lens, which was replaced by the dealership. While this may seem like a minor defect, an unsecured fog light lens can impact visibility during poor weather conditions, presenting a safety hazard. This defect was promptly addressed, but unfortunately, it marked only the beginning of the vehicle’s troubles.
Repair #2: Non-Functioning Volume Knobs
The next defect involved malfunctioning volume knobs on the vehicle’s audio system. While this issue may not impact the vehicle’s safety directly, it does affect usability and convenience, particularly for drivers who rely on accessible controls for entertainment or navigation. The dealership repaired the volume knobs, but further issues soon surfaced.
Repair #3: Recurring Warning Codes
Not long after, the vehicle began displaying multiple warning codes. Warning lights and codes indicate potential issues with various systems in the vehicle, and even if they are minor, they create ongoing uncertainty for the driver. All codes were reset by the dealership, but the vehicle continued to exhibit additional problems.
Repair #4: Intermittent Malfunction Light
The vehicle’s malfunction light began illuminating intermittently, leading to concerns about underlying issues with the vehicle’s performance. A malfunction light signals that one or more components may be faulty, and repeated warnings reduce the driver's confidence in the vehicle’s reliability. Though the dealership addressed the malfunction light, it did not prevent the vehicle from experiencing further issues.
Repair #5: Collision Warning Light Remains On
One of the more concerning issues involved the collision warning light, which remained on despite dealership efforts to investigate the cause. This warning is designed to alert the driver to potential front-end collisions, and a malfunctioning collision warning system can lead to safety risks by either failing to alert the driver or producing false alarms. The dealership’s inability to resolve this issue contributed to the ultimate buyback decision.
Multiple Repairs and Extended Downtime
In total, this Nissan Kicks underwent five separate repair attempts, with extended time in the shop. Multiple visits for unresolved issues demonstrate a pattern of defects, making this vehicle a prime candidate for relief under California’s Lemon Law.
Case Outcome
Ultimately, this case resulted in a vehicle buyback from Nissan, covering all applicable taxes and fees. This outcome allowed the consumer to move on from the frustrations of owning a defective vehicle and find a reliable alternative.
Why These Defects Were Concerning
The defects in this Nissan Kicks case went beyond minor inconveniences. Recurring warning lights, malfunctioning controls, and an unresolved collision warning light impacted both the vehicle’s usability and the driver’s sense of security. These issues highlight the importance of the Lemon Law in protecting consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that fail to meet safety and quality standards. The successful resolution of this case under California’s Lemon Law provided the owner with much-needed relief and compensation.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a globally recognized automobile manufacturer known for its range of vehicles sold under the Nissan, Infiniti, and formerly Datsun brands. With a history tracing back to the early 20th century, Nissan has become one of the top automakers worldwide, with notable success in markets like China, Russia, and Mexico. The company has made strides in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with the Nissan LEAF becoming one of the best-selling electric cars globally. However, as this case shows, even leading brands can have vehicles with significant defects that affect safety and reliability.
If you think your Nissan may be a lemon, contact us today for a free case review. We’re here to help you navigate the Lemon Law process and get the relief you deserve.
The Lemon Lawyer serves clients throughout California, inlcuding Bakersfield, Fresno, Long Beach, Oakland, Sacramento, San Jose, and beyond.