San Bernardino resident Bertrand R. (“Bert”) won a settlement valued at $124,565 against FCA US LLC after it refused to buyback the defective Jeep Wrangler under the lemon law.
VEHICLE ISSUES
Bert had numerous issues with his 2018 Jeep Wrangler that was purchased new and covered by Jeep’s original factory warranty. Bert’s Jeep experienced engine, check engine light, and transmission problems within the year of ownership. Despite multiple repairs and a total of 71 days in the shop the defects were never repaired, leading Bert to stop driving his Jeep Wrangler altogether for safety reasons.
LEMON LAW CLAIM
Before ever hiring Joseph Kaufman & Associates, Inc. to represent him, Bert first asked Jeep to repurchase or buyback his Jeep under California’s lemon law. Jeep, a subsidiary of FCA US LLC, refused to offer any assistance. Bert hired Joseph Kaufman & Associates, Inc., and his attorneys filed suit in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, California. Bert’s lawsuit sought recovery of $54,995, which was the value of the Jeep, plus additional damages allowed under the law.
SETTLEMENT
A trial was set for Jan. 10, 2022, but after the case was fully prepared for trial and many discovery battles fought and won by Bert’s attorneys, the parties reached a settlement after two years of litigation on June 22, 2021. Bert was ultimately paid $59,000 in exchange for the vehicle and was awarded an additional $65,565 for his attorney fees, expenses, and costs of suit.
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