You purchase a vehicle with high hopes for reliable transportation, but the reality often turns out quite differently. The check engine light turns on unexpectedly, or the engine makes strange noises that worry you. You take the car to the shop repeatedly, yet the problems persist despite the mechanics’ best efforts. Frustration builds as you lose time and money on a brand-new purchase. Many consumers in this situation ask if they can sue the dealership for selling them a bad car in Washington.
The answer requires a clear understanding of state law and liability. The dealership sells the car and services it, but they did not build the machine. The manufacturer creates the product and provides the warranty that is supposed to protect you. Your legal claim usually targets the manufacturer rather than the dealer. This distinction matters because you must direct your legal action at the correct party to get results.
The Common Question: Why Is My Car Under Warranty Still Breaking Down?
New cars should run well, but manufacturing defects frequently escape the factory. Warranties exist specifically to cover these unexpected failures. A car under warranty that keeps breaking down signals a serious issue with the build quality. The warranty promises repairs, yet the vehicle fails to perform as advertised. You visit the service department expecting a quick fix, only to leave the car for days at a time.
Defects happen during production when parts fail or systems malfunction. A recurring problem suggests you might have purchased a “lemon.” The vehicle does not meet the standards of the warranty you paid for. You possess a defective product that causes stress and financial loss. The warranty fails to protect you when the repairs do not last.
Who is Responsible When the Dealer Can’t Fix Your Car?
The dealership acts as an agent that sells vehicles for the manufacturer. They perform warranty repairs, and their technicians follow factory guides to address issues. The dealership has a duty to attempt repairs and document your visits accurately. They must try to fix the defect, but their power is limited to the tools and instructions provided by the brand.
You might blame the dealer when they fail to fix the issue, but they did not manufacture the defective part. The manufacturer holds the ultimate responsibility for the quality of the vehicle. The warranty functions as a contract between you and the manufacturer. The manufacturer promises a defect-free vehicle and fails to deliver on that promise. The responsibility shifts to the entity that built the car when the dealer cannot fix it.
Washington Lemon Law: Targeting the Manufacturer, Not the Dealer
Washington law protects consumers who purchase defective vehicles. The statutes focus on the manufacturer because they produced the flaw. You file a claim against the brand rather than the local business that sold you the car. This applies to all major automakers who sell vehicles in the state. The dealership is rarely the defendant in a Lemon Law suit.
You might have a separate claim against a dealer for fraud, but this is rare compared to warranty breaches. Most cases involve the manufacturer violating the written warranty. They owe you a remedy for the defect. You sue the manufacturer to enforce this right. The law outlines the process and defines the manufacturer’s obligations to you.
What Happens if Your Car Under Warranty Cannot Be Fixed?
A car under warranty that cannot be fixed constitutes the core of a Lemon Law claim. The law requires a reasonable number of repair attempts before you can take action. You must give the authorized dealer chances to repair the defect, but there is a limit. The defect persists and the vehicle remains unsafe or unreliable.
State law looks at the repair history of the car to determine eligibility. The car spends too many days in the shop or the repair orders stack up quickly. The defect impairs the use and value of the vehicle significantly. The manufacturer must act when you meet the criteria for a claim. They cannot force you to keep a broken car that they cannot repair.
Possible outcomes often include a buyback where the manufacturer repurchases the vehicle. Another common outcome is a cash settlement where you keep the car but receive money for the loss in value. These legal remedies address the breach of warranty effectively.
Your Next Step Isn’t Suing the Dealership, It’s Calling an Attorney
You might want to sue the dealership out of anger, but this path is often incorrect. You need to hold the right party accountable to get the compensation you deserve. That party is the manufacturer. Large automakers have legal teams that handle these claims daily to pay as little as possible. You need protection against these tactics.
Do not contact the manufacturer alone because you might say something that hurts your case. A legal professional manages the communication to protect your interests. We review your repair orders to build a strong case against the manufacturer. We demand the compensation you deserve based on the facts. The law allows for attorney fees, meaning the manufacturer pays our bills in a successful claim.
Contact Our Washington Lemon Law Experts for a Free Consultation
You deserve a reliable vehicle that functions correctly. The manufacturer failed you, but you do not have to accept a defective product. Do not let them ignore the warranty obligations. Take action today to resolve the situation.
Prestige Legal Solutions fights for Washington drivers who are stuck with lemons. We understand the state laws and know how to handle the complex paperwork. We deal with the automakers so you can focus on your life.
Call us at (844) 749-1481 or contact us online. Get a free consultation and let us help you resolve this issue.
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