The automotive industry faced significant disruptions starting in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the pandemic fully hit the U.S., factory closures and travel restrictions globally impacted the supply chains for American car manufacturers. In 2019, the U.S. imported $155.8 billion in auto parts, with major suppliers including Mexico, Canada, and China, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. This global dependency meant almost every car maker felt the squeeze.
Car dealerships and repair shops are still struggling to get the necessary parts for both routine repairs and vehicle recalls. Parts production is hampered by ongoing international and domestic restrictions and public health concerns, while shipping complications lead to delays and increased costs. Across the United States, car owners are reporting waiting weeks, and sometimes months, for parts needed to complete repairs, leaving them without their vehicles. Often, dealerships can’t even provide a reliable estimate for when the required parts will arrive.
Which Vehicles Are Impacted by the Ongoing Parts Shortage?
The parts shortage isn’t limited to specific brands; both international and domestic automakers are grappling with COVID-related shutdowns and supply chain breakdowns. Major manufacturers like Toyota, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Volkswagen, Ford, General Motors, and Nissan have all publicly announced factory shutdowns and delays affecting new vehicle production and part availability. Adding to these woes, a worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips has forced numerous automakers, including Ford, GM, Nissan, and Volkswagen, to further cut back on new vehicle production. Ford notably delayed the release of the highly anticipated Ford Bronco in December 2020 due to these manufacturing setbacks. In our legal practice, we’ve observed a significant number of complaints, particularly from Ford and GM owners, regarding extensive delays due to the unavailability of replacement parts. Some clients have reported waiting as long as four months for essential components. Furthermore, as discussed in a recent blog post concerning Jeep Gladiator steering issues, owners of these vehicles are also experiencing significant delays in obtaining parts needed for repairs outlined in a recent Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).
While car owners face the daily inconvenience of being without their vehicles, and service centers struggle with frustrated customers, backed-up repair bays, and rising costs for loaner vehicles, it appears that manufacturers are not fully acknowledging the severity of the problem. In response to a July 2020 Automotive News article highlighting parts delays, especially concerning coolant leaks in 2017-19 Ford Escapes and 2014-19 Ford Fusions (addressed by an April TSB), Ford issued a statement claiming they were “not aware of any significant parts delays currently impacting dealer ability to repair these engines.” This response has left many car owners feeling unheard and concerned that manufacturers are not adequately addressing their very real issues.
What Are Your Rights When You Can’t Get Parts to Repair Your Car?
If delays in your car repair are due to a lack of available parts, you may be protected by lemon laws. These laws vary from state to state, but generally, they require a car dealer or manufacturer to repair a defective vehicle, often called a “lemon,” within a reasonable timeframe and mileage. Lemon laws typically define “reasonable” by limiting the number of repair attempts allowed for the same issue and the total time the vehicle is out of service for repairs. For instance, in Pennsylvania, if a new vehicle is under repair for the same problem for more than three attempts, or is out of service for a cumulative total of 30 days within the first year or 12,000 miles, it is legally presumed that the dealer or manufacturer has failed to repair it within a reasonable time. More specific details on your state’s lemon law limits can be found in our FAQs (lemon law lawyer in PA; lemon law attorney in NJ; California Lemon Law Lawyer; Ohio Lemon Law Lawyer.)
If a vehicle covered by a state’s lemon law is not properly repaired within a reasonable time, the owner may be entitled to remedies such as a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation. Therefore, if you own a relatively new car that’s been sitting idle at home or in a repair shop, awaiting parts, you might have a legal right to demand a full refund or a replacement vehicle under your state’s lemon law.
Even if your vehicle falls outside the specific time or mileage limitations of your state’s lemon law, there are still other legal avenues to explore. Federal breach of warranty laws and state consumer protection laws often provide safeguards for consumers dealing with problematic vehicles or unfair dealerships or repair shops, even if they don’t meet the strict criteria of lemon laws. You can find more state-specific information on our website’s Warranty Claims section.
Steps to Take When Car Repairs Drag On Due to Parts Issues
If you believe your car repair is taking an unreasonably long time, whether due to parts delays or any other reason, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your rights:
- Safety First: If your vehicle is unsafe to drive, do not operate it. Your safety and the safety of others are paramount.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, including dates the vehicle was in the shop and days it was undrivable.
- Obtain and Save Repair Orders and Invoices: For every service visit, get a repair order and invoice that clearly outlines the dates of service, the repairs performed, and all associated costs. Keep these documents organized.
- Inquire About a Loaner Vehicle: If your car will be in the shop for an extended period, ask the dealer or repair shop for a loaner vehicle. They are not obligated to provide one, but many dealerships offer this as a courtesy to their customers.
- Review Your Insurance for Rental Car Coverage: Check your auto insurance policy to see if it includes rental car coverage in case of lengthy repairs. Save all receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur.
- Seek Legal Advice: Laws designed to protect consumers can be complex. Consulting with a legal professional is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines or take actions that could negatively impact your potential claim.
Timothy Abeel & Associates specializes in handling lemon law and breach of warranty cases across multiple states, assisting drivers who are struggling with defective vehicles. We offer free case evaluations to discuss your situation and explain the legal options available to you. Contact us through our website to learn how we can help.
Timothy Abeel & Associates is a national law firm assisting clients with lemon law claims nationwide. Client reviews are available on AVVO, Google, Glen Mills Yelp, Roseland Yelp, & Pittsburgh Yelp.
