Just like there are auto manufacturers that are known for their reliability and safety, there are auto manufacturers known for selling defective vehicles. Of course, consumers looking to purchase a vehicle expect their vehicle to be safe to drive and to not require any major mechanical work at least for a few years. However, many consumers get stuck with defective vehicles – or lemons. Although consumers affected by lemons could be eligible to get a refund or a replacement vehicle, many consumers are unaware of their rights, so they are left stuck paying for a vehicle that they cannot even drive.

Below, we will go over some of the common defects present in different auto manufacturers.

Ford – One of the top American auto manufacturers, Ford is notorious for unreliable vehicles. In fact, Ford has one of the highest lemon rates per vehicles sold. Some of Ford models with highest rate of defects include the Explorer, Escape, and Focus. Some of the common defects present in Ford vehicles include the following:

• Transmission defects, specifically leading to transmission failures in Ford Focus, Fiesta, and Escape with PowerShift transmissions
• Engine defects, specifically overheating and leaking EcoBoost engines
• Electrical issues and malfunctions, leading to SYNC system failures, faulty door latches, problems with touchscreens, etc.
• Brake failure, specifically brake booster issues present in Ford Explorers and F-150s
• Airbag defects, specifically airbag deployment issues present in models with recalled Takata airbags

Some Notable Ford Recalls and Lawsuits include the following:

• Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus (model years 2011 to 1019) – transmission defects resulted in class action lawsuits against the manufacturer. Affected consumers were eligible for buybacks under lemon law.
• Ford Explorer (model years 2020 to present) – countless complaints of electrical system failures and drivetrain issues.
• Ford Explorer (model years 2013 to 2017) – defective cross-axis ball joint affected suspension and steering.
• Ford Escape (model years 2008 to 2013) – many defects, including transmission issues, loss of power, hard start, no start, issues with power steering, etc.
• Ford Focus (model years 2008 to 2013) – suspension issues, steering issues, loss of power, transmission problems, engine problems, overheated gear shift, and more.

General Motors (including GMC, Chevrolet or Chevy, Cadillac, and Buick) – General Motors is another major American auto manufacturer, known for its SUVs and trucks. Some of the common defects present in General Motors vehicles include the following:

• Transmission defects, leading to transmission failures or transmission shudder in Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade
• Excessive oil consumption in vehicles with GM Vortec V8 engines
• Defective fuel injectors in Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Traverse
• Defective air conditioning systems, including failure of A.C. systems, in GMC Yukon, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, and more
• Defective power steering present in multiple models resulting in the loss of power steering

Examples of GM recalls include the following:

• Cue screen failures and electrical glitches affecting Cadillac CTS and ATS model years 2013 to 2019
• Defective 8-speed transmissions in Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra model years 2015 to 2019 leading to lawsuits

Toyota and Lexus (Toyota Motor Corporation) – many people trust Toyota completely, expecting their new Toyota or Lexus vehicle to be reliable for many years. However, even the most trusted auto manufacturers have made defective vehicles available for consumers. Some of the common defects present in Toyota and Lexus vehicles include the following:

• Faulty fuel pumps in Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry, and Lexus RX
• Excessive oil burning in 4-cylinder engines, including Toyota Corolla and Highlander
• Unintended acceleration in older models (with sticking accelerators)
• Rust and corrosion problems in frames of the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia

Examples of notable recalls include the following:

• Fuel pump recall affecting millions of vehicles with model years 2013 to 2021
• Brake problems affecting 2010 to 2015 Toyota Prius

Other Manufacturers Known for Defects in their Vehicles:

• Honda and Acura
• Nissan and Infiniti
• Volkswagen and Audi
• BMW and Mini Cooper
• Tesla

Yes – if your vehicle meets the criteria and fits the definition of a lemon under the lemon law, you could have grounds to pursue a claim under the lemon law. If your vehicle was a significant defect that affects value, safety, or use that cannot be repaired after multiple repair attempts and is still under warranty, your vehicle may qualify. Some of the options available to you may include a replacement vehicle, a full refund (or a buyback), compensation for out-of-pocket repair costs, towing costs, and more. Since lemon laws require auto manufacturers to cover all legal costs, you can be certain that you will not have to worry about paying any expensive legal fees to fight for your rights under the lemon law.

We believe in fighting for the rights of consumers that unknowingly purchase defective vehicles. If you have found yourself stuck with a defective vehicle, please do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced lemon law attorney as soon as possible. Our team here at My Lemon Law Lawyer Group is ready to handle your claim effectively and help you secure the payout that you are owed. Contact our lemon law lawsuit lawyers today to learn more about the legal options available to you!