What Is an Example of a Lemon Car?

An example of a lemon car is a 2014 Ford Focus equipped with Ford’s DPS6 (PowerShift) dual-clutch automatic transmission that persistently shudders, hesitates, or stalls despite multiple warranty repair attempts—many such vehicles were repurchased under state lemon laws and covered by class-action settlements. More broadly, a “lemon” is any vehicle with substantial defects that impair use, value, or safety and cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts or extended time out of service within the warranty period.

What Qualifies a Car as a Lemon

While definitions vary by jurisdiction, lemon laws generally apply to new (and in some states, used) vehicles with ongoing, substantial defects. Typically, the law kicks in when a manufacturer fails to repair a significant issue after several documented attempts, or when the car spends many days in the shop within the first months or miles of ownership.

Below are common thresholds used by many U.S. states to determine whether a car may qualify as a lemon.

• Three to four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same substantial defect during the warranty period.
• One or two repair attempts for a safety-related defect that could cause serious harm if not fixed.
• 30 or more cumulative days out of service for repairs within the first 12–18 months or 12,000–18,000 miles (thresholds vary).
• Defects that substantially impair use, value, or safety—such as engine stalling, transmission failure, or brake defects.

If these criteria are met and documented, many state laws require the manufacturer to offer a repurchase, replacement, or cash settlement, though exact remedies differ by state.

Real-World Example

Case Study: 2014 Ford Focus with DPS6 (PowerShift) Transmission

The Ford Focus (model years roughly 2012–2016) and Fiesta (2011–2016) with the DPS6 dual-clutch automatic transmission were widely reported to exhibit shuddering, harsh engagement, hesitation, and premature clutch wear. These problems led to multiple technical service bulletins, extended warranties, class-action litigation, and numerous lemon-law buybacks in several states.

Here are the sorts of patterns that have commonly led to lemon findings with these vehicles:

• Repeated transmission shudder or failure to accelerate from a stop, even after clutch or software updates.
• Multiple documented repair attempts under warranty for the same transmission symptoms.
• Extended time in the shop awaiting parts or repeated post-repair recurrences.
• Manufacturer involvement (field service engineers, buyback offers, or extended warranty coverage) following ongoing complaints.

When such issues persisted despite reasonable repair opportunities, many owners pursued—in some cases successfully—lemon-law remedies, including repurchase or replacement, depending on state statutes and individual documentation.

Other Commonly Cited Lemon-Prone Situations

Although any brand can produce a lemon, certain defect clusters have been the focus of complaints, investigations, or settlements in recent years. Lemon status still depends on repeated repair failures and documentation in each specific case.

• Hyundai and Kia vehicles with Theta II 2.0L/2.4L GDI engines (various 2011–2019 models) experiencing bearing wear, knocking, or seizure; extended warranties and settlements were issued, and some vehicles were bought back under state lemon laws.
• FCA/Jeep vehicles with 9-speed automatic transmissions (mid-2010s) reporting shift quality issues and repeated software updates that did not always resolve problems.
• Certain infotainment or electrical defects (across multiple brands) causing persistent screen blackouts, no-starts, or battery drains despite repeated repairs.
• Chronic brake or steering issues that reappear after several repair attempts, particularly when tied to safety concerns.

These examples illustrate patterns that may lead to lemon-law outcomes, but each case depends on local law, warranty status, and the owner’s repair records.

How to Handle a Suspected Lemon

If you believe your car fits the profile of a lemon, a methodical approach can help you qualify for legal remedies or a manufacturer settlement.

1. Document everything: keep copies of repair orders, dates, mileage, and the exact complaint each visit.
2. Give the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts; request a case number and escalate to corporate customer care.
3. Track days out of service; note any safety-related incidents or warnings.
4. Check your state’s lemon law thresholds and deadlines; some require written notice to the manufacturer.
5. Consider a third-party inspection if the issue is intermittent or disputed.
6. Consult a lemon law attorney or your state consumer protection agency; many offer free evaluations, and fees may be recoverable.
7. Explore outcomes: repurchase (buyback), replacement, or a cash-and-keep settlement with extended warranty.

Following these steps strengthens your claim and helps ensure that you meet legal requirements for relief under your state’s statutes.

Summary

An example of a lemon car is a 2014 Ford Focus with the DPS6 (PowerShift) transmission that continues to shudder or stall after multiple warranty repairs, leading in many cases to buybacks or settlements. A vehicle is generally considered a lemon when substantial defects persist despite reasonable repair attempts or prolonged time in the shop. Careful documentation, understanding your state’s thresholds, and timely escalation can make the difference in obtaining a repurchase, replacement, or settlement.

What qualifies for Lemon Law in GA?

To qualify for Georgia’s Lemon Law, you must have purchased or leased a new vehicle that experiences a defect substantially impairing its use, value, or safety, and this defect remains unrepaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts (e.g., 3-4 for the same problem, 6 total repairs, or 30 days out of service) within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles. The law excludes certain vehicles, such as motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, and trucks over 12,000 lbs. 
Who is Covered 

• The law covers new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Georgia that are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty.
• The title must still be in your name.

What Qualifies

• A defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. 
• The defect remains unrepaired after a reasonable number of attempts, such as: 
  • 3 or 4 attempts to fix the same problem. 
  • A total of 6 repair attempts. 
  • The vehicle being out of service for repairs for a total of 30 days. 

What Vehicles Are Not Covered 

• Motorcycles and mopeds
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Boats
• Vehicles not self-propelled (e.g., trailers, campers)
• Trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 12,000 pounds

Important Timeframes 

• The Lemon Law Rights Period is the first 24 months or the first 24,000 miles of the vehicle’s use, whichever comes first.
• You have an additional 12 months after the Rights Period to file for arbitration.

Next Steps 

• If your vehicle meets these criteria, you can apply for a state arbitration hearing through the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
• The arbitration panel will decide if you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.

What qualifies as a lemon in New Jersey?

To qualify for relief under the Lemon Law, the defect must substantially impair the use, value or safety of your vehicle, or be a “serious safety defect” which is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven.

What vehicles are considered lemons?

A: For a car to be considered a lemon in California, it must have a significant defect that directly affects the car’s use, safety, or value. Furthermore, the defect must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

How do I tell if my car is a lemon?

10 Signs Your Car Might Be a Lemon

1. Frequent Repair Needs.
2. Unresolved Safety Concerns. California’s lemon law protects consumers whose new vehicles have defects that make the vehicles unsafe to drive or compromise safety features.
3. Performance Issues.
4. Excessive Time Out of Service.
5. Unusual Noises and Vibrations.