The Cadillac Lyriq is a popular electric vehicle featuring innovative technology and impressive features. Unfortunately, many Cadillac Lyriq owners have reported persistent issues impacting performance, reliability, and safety of the vehicle.
If your Cadillac Lyriq is experiencing multiple mechanical or performance issues, then you may be driving a lemon. When your Cadillac Lyriq turns out to be a “lemon” with persistent defects, Florida’s Lemon Law provides important statutory protections to help you pursue a refund or replacement.
What Qualifies as a Lemon?
Under Florida’s Lemon Law, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, a vehicle may be considered a lemon if it has a substantial defect or condition that impairs its use, value, or safety. The law applies to new or demonstrator vehicles purchased or leased in Florida that are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty.
The defect must occur within the first 24 months after delivery or during the warranty period, whichever comes first. Additionally, the manufacturer must have been given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the problem—typically three or more attempts for the same issue, or the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 15 or more days.
Your Rights as a Consumer
If your vehicle meets the lemon law criteria, you have the right to request either a replacement vehicle or a full refund. A replacement means receiving a comparable new vehicle, while a refund includes the full purchase price, including sales tax, registration fees, and finance charges, minus a reasonable allowance for your use of the vehicle.
It’s important to note that minor defects or issues that don’t substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety may not qualify under the lemon law. Problems must be reported during the warranty period, and you must allow the manufacturer reasonable opportunities to fix them.
Steps to Take
First, document everything. Keep detailed records of every repair attempt, including dates, descriptions of problems, repair orders, and receipts. These documents are crucial evidence for your claim.
Second, provide written notice to the manufacturer about the defect. Many manufacturers have specific addresses for lemon law notices, which can typically be found in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet.
Third, if the manufacturer cannot resolve the issue after reasonable attempts, you can file a claim with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or pursue arbitration through the manufacturer’s dispute resolution program.
Time Limits and Exceptions
Florida’s Lemon Law has strict time requirements. You must file your claim within 60 months of the original delivery date. The law covers passenger vehicles, trucks, vans, and demonstrator vehicles but excludes motorhomes (except for their chassis, powertrain, and other components).
Get Help – Contact Bad Vehicle for a Free Consultation
Navigating lemon law claims can be difficult and complex. Consider retaining the services of an experienced lemon law attorney, like Jonathan Schwartz with Bad Vehicle. Jonathan has been practicing lemon law for over 20 years and has a track record of successfully securing compensation for lemon law claimants in Florida, New York, and other jurisdictions.
As discussed above, under Florida law, if you prevail in your lemon law claim, the manufacturer may be required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees, meaning you may not have to pay out of pocket for legal representation. Don’t let a defective vehicle drain your wallet and peace of mind. Schedule your free lemon law case evaluation with Bad Vehicle today.