Consumers love Volkswagen vehicles because they’ve stood the test of quality, style, and reliability. Different models of the German automaker have won numerous awards, highlighting the brand’s dominance in the industry.
Nonetheless, vehicle owners have experienced different mechanical and structural issues that take time to solve. Unfortunately, a Volkswagen vehicle with a persistent defect takes away its comfort and convenience.
In addition, it is expensive to maintain a Volkswagen vehicle with persistent defects. Affected vehicle owners incur additional expenses such as towing, accommodation, car rental, and spare parts.
Fortunately, California lemon law protects consumers who buy Volkswagen vehicles with persistent defects that have proved challenging for the automaker to fix.
Consider working closely with an Anaheim, CA, Volkswagen lemon law attorney if you want a refund or replacement.
Volkswagen lemon law applies to new or used vehicles with the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty.
It applies to the following vehicles:
More importantly, if Volkswagen or an authorized dealer is unable to fix a defect after a ‘’reasonable number’’ of repair attempts, Volkswagen should either:
Whenever there’s a Volkswagen lemon law claim, a question arises as to whether a manufacturer made a ‘’reasonable number ’’ of repair attempts. First, California lemon law requires consumers to notify the automaker about a defect to protect their rights.
After the notification, the law requires the consumer to give the automaker a reasonable window to fix the defect. Whether the manufacturer had a fair opportunity to correct the defect depends on the circumstances and severity.
For instance, a manufacturer has a limited opportunity to fix a defect that endangers the life of the driver and other vehicle occupants. On the contrary, an automaker has up to five times to fix a general fault that annoys them.
More importantly, consumers can keep visiting the automaker for repairs until they find a solution. Even so, the manufacturer has a limited window to fix the defect; a consumer can launch a lemon law claim if the vehicle spends more than 30 days in a repair shop.
Ultimately, no set number determines a ‘’reasonable number’’ of repair attempts. However, California lemon law presumption contains the following guideline when deciding whether an automaker has made a ‘’reasonable number’’ of repair attempts to fix the defect:
The California lemon law presumption applies to vehicles bought in California that develop persistent defects within 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The above guidelines offer a mere direction; only a judge or arbitrator decides whether a manufacturer has made a ‘’reasonable number’’ of repair attempts to fix the defect.
Manufacturers also claim that the consumer didn’t give them a fair chance or a ‘’reasonable number’’ of repair attempts to fix the defect. While it is normal to expect a pushback from the manufacturer, it is an unpleasant thing that can delay or deny your quest for a refund or replacement.
With that in mind, it is advisable to hire an experienced Anaheim, CA, Volkswagen lemon lawyer who’ll work hard to protect your interest and provide legal defense against the automaker.
A vehicle is considered a lemon if it has substantial defects that impact its value, use, and safety.
Here’s how vehicle defects impact vehicles:
If your Volkswagen has the following defects, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement under California lemon law:
Although Volkswagen lemon law covers numerous defects, there are still a few exceptions, including:
Here’s a list of recalls that Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) has recently issued:
On 26 August 2020, the automaker issued a recall to fix defective seats. According to the recall notice, a few parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may be improperly welded.
If a rear-end crash occurs, the back-end adjustment could break, minimizing the amount of occupant restraint and increasing the risk of injury.
The recall affected the following types of vehicles:
Volkswagen instructed dealers to inspect the front seat and replace the seat back frames as necessary.
On 30 August 2023, Volkswagen issued a recall dubbed ‘’Ignition Switch May Fail’’. According to the notice, the ignition switch may fail mostly in high-temperature environments. Unfortunately, the ignition switch failure can trigger electrical system failure, making the engine stall while driving and increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall targeted particular 2019-2020 Jetta vehicles with vehicles equipped with a traditional ignition switch.
Volkswagen instructed the dealers to replace the ignition switch free of charge.
On June 30, 2021, Volkswagen issued a recall to fix defective airbags. According to the recall notice, the automaker welded the airbag control module in the wrong position. Unfortunately, an incorrect place of the airbag control module makes the airbags improperly deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
In addition, the airbag can deploy without impact, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The recall affected the following vehicles:
On April 6, 2022, Volkswagen issued a recall to fix a structural defect. According to the recall notice, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be improperly attached to the vehicle due to improper installation instructions.
Unfortunately, an insufficiently attached spoiler will likely detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the crash risk. The automaker instructed the dealers to replace the spoiler—free of charge.
The recall targeted the following vehicles:
On 26 September 2022, Volkswagen issued a recall to fix defective service brakes. According to the recall notice, certain brake lines may develop a leak at the threaded connections. Unfortunately, a brake fluid leak increases the stopping distance, increasing the crash risk.
Volkswagen instructed the dealers to replace the affected brake lines without a charge. The recall affected certain 2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL 2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.
On October 31, 2022, Volkswagen issued a recall to fix a tire defect. According to the notice, the tire pressure monitoring system fails to detect air pressure loss on time when deflation occurs among all four tires simultaneously.
Unfortunately, undetected pressure loss in all four tires increases the crash risk.
That said, the affected vehicles failed to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems category requirements. Volkswagen instructed the dealers to update the software free of charge.
The recall affected the following Volkswagen vehicle models:
On October 7, 2022, Volkswagen issued a recall to fix an engine-related defect. According to the notice, the engine connecting rod bearings were susceptible to damage, which may result in engine failure.
Unfortunately, engine damage can trigger an engine failure and stall, increasing the crash risk. Further, if an engine failure causes a leak, it can increase the fire risk. The automaker instructed the dealer to replace any affected engine free of charge.
The recall affected the following vehicles:
Here’s a list of common manufacturer defects linked with Volkswagen:
An airbag is an essential vehicle safety component that protects your body in an accident. In case of a crash, the airbag reduces the chances of your head or upper body striking the vehicle interior.
An airbag works by providing a soft cushion and restraint during a collision.
A defective airbag increases the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities in a crash. If the airbag deploys unintentionally, a driver can suffer chest injuries, broken limbs, and burns.
Here’s a list of Volkswagen vehicles with airbag defects:
Here are the common airbag-related complaints registered by consumers:
An electrical system is essential in generating, storing, and powering several functions in a vehicle. If the electrical system develops a defect, it becomes challenging to use power windows, car stereos, computer systems, and lighting.
Here are the common complaints related to a defective electrical system in Volkswagen vehicles:
Here are a few Volkswagen models recalled due to electrical defects:
The engine is the primary source of power in a vehicle. If your car engine has a defect, the vehicle loses drive power and stalls repeatedly. Although Volkswagen produces reliable vehicles, some consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of specific models.
Here are a few examples of engine defects in Volkswagen vehicles:
Here’s a list of Volkswagen vehicles recalled due to engine defects:
The steering wheel helps the driver to turn the vehicle according to their will and provides direction stability. Some signs of a defective steering wheel include vibration, leaking fluid, difficulty turning the wheel, and grinding and screeching noises.
Here are the common complaints of Volkswagen owners:
Here’s a list of Volkswagen models recalled due to steering defects:
The transmission component allows power to move from an engine to the vehicle’s drive mechanisms. Signs of a defective transmission in a Volkswagen include delays in shifting gear, failure to engage gear, check engine light, leaking transmission fluid, a burning smell, and lack of power.
Here’s a list of recalled Volkswagen vehicles due to transmission defects:
The common complaints related to transmission include:
The purpose of the fuel system is to store vehicle fuel and supply it when the vehicle needs it.
Volkswagen vehicles with defective fuel systems display different warning signs, including:
If you own a defective Volkswagen car, it can break down when you most need it. For instance, the vehicle could stall on the highway while headed to a business meeting, affecting your chances of success in closing a deal.
That said, consider working closely with an experienced Volkswagen lemon law attorney to increase your chances of success.
At Lemonlaw123, our lead attorney, Valerie. G. Campbell has a 99% success rate, giving us the confidence to fight for your rights.
Contact us online or call us at 657.529.5239 to get a free case review.
Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, known as The Lemon Law Lady, has dedicated her entire legal career to the specialized field of Lemon Law, a journey that began immediately after her
graduation from UCLA School of Law.
With a 99% success rate and a policy of no fees unless you win, her practice stands as a testament to her expertise in California’s Lemon Law, her commitment to her clients, and her unwavering dedication to justice and consumer rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, personally handled over 500 lemon law cases and settlements.
