Subaru Wants Another Look at Brake Lights on 1.3 Million Cars
» Posted March 22, 2019 • Resources | Share This Post
Brake lights serve an important function: They alert everyone else on the road when a car is stopping or slowing. That’s why Subaru is asking 1.3 million car owners to bring their vehicles back in for another look.
The company is concerned that the cars’ brake lights may not properly illuminate. Silicone gas from lubricants applied near the brake pedal may seep into the brake lamp switch, Subaru said in a recent notice to car dealers.
“If silicone gas is present in the switch housing during contact closure, silicon dioxide may form a deposit layer on the switch contact terminal,” the company said. “If this layer accumulates, the contact switch may lose conductivity, which may result in a loss of function.”
The recalled vehicles include certain 2008 to 2016 Impreza cars, the 2013 to 2017 Crosstrek and the 2014 to 2016 Forester, according to Consumer Reports. The company plans to replace the brake lamp in affected vehicles. It’s still working on getting the parts and tools necessary to do that work.
“If the brake lamps do not illuminate properly, a trailing vehicle may be unable to recognize the braking operation, which may increase the risk of a rear-end collision,” Subaru said.
Legal Rights for California Car Buyers, Lessors
Subaru’s struggles with brake lights are hardly the only example of potential vehicle defects popping up long after cars leave the factory floor. That’s why California law protects many car buyers and lessors who get stuck with a lemon.
The California lemon law—officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—requires carmakers to perform certain repairs on vehicles while they’re under warranty. If the manufacturer isn’t able to fix the car, it is required under the law to replace the vehicle or reimburse the buyer or lessor for the down payment, loan costs and other related expenses. The precise number of repair attempts the manufacturer has to make before the law kicks in varies based on the circumstances.
The lemon law also makes the manufacturer responsible for paying legal fees that you incur as part of enforcing your rights. That feature allows people to pursue these claims without having to worry about the cost of doing so.
How a California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You
If you’re a California car owner with a vehicle that just doesn’t seem to work properly, it’s vital that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights and options. An attorney can guide you through the legal process in a way that best reflects your unique individual situation and needs.
The California Lemon Law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. Our firm does not charge upfront fees in most cases.
