Part On Back Order? You May Have A Lemon Law Claim.

August 30, 2013
By: Robert Silverman

A distressed driver recently called into the 1-800-LEMON-LAW hotline with a major issue. Not only was the check engine light constantly popping up on his 2013 Dodge Charger, but the valve body needed to fix the issue was on back order. Chrysler service could not even tell him when to expect the part. They did tell him over 300 drivers are also waiting for the same Dodge Charger valve body, so it may take a while.

How can this be? We spend a significant amount of money on our vehicles, and if they break down, our warranties should ensure that problems are fixed efficiently and effectively. Do we have rights if we are told the part we need is on back order and it may take a month or more to arrive? If you cannot drive the car in the meantime, the answer could be a resounding yes.

While State Lemon Laws define lemons as cars that have a certain number of repair attempts for the same problem, the laws also mentions cars that are out of service for an extended period of time within a certain year/mileage parameter. Check your State’s Lemon Law.

If your vehicle is in the shop an extended period of time with a part on back order, make sure this is recorded on your service records and consult with a Lemon Law Lawyer to see if you could be entitled to compensation for your aggravation. The answer may surprise you.