This trend may seem surprising at first, but several factors contribute to this seasonal rise. Understanding these patterns can help consumers recognize potential issues with their vehicles and take timely action.

Lemon Law claims tend to rise and fall with key events in the year that impact how and when people use their vehicles. For example, the holiday season and summer travel months often see an uptick in vehicle-related issues due to increased road trips and wear on cars. However, the increase in September stands out as a time when many vehicle owners realize they may have a lemon on their hands.

Back-to-School and Increased Vehicle Usage

More Time on the Road

September marks the start of the school year, which means families across the country are spending significantly more time driving. From school drop-offs and pick-ups to after-school activities and commuting to work, vehicle usage tends to increase dramatically during this time. For many families, this shift to a more hectic schedule highlights issues that may have gone unnoticed during the summer months, when driving habits are typically more relaxed.

• School commutes and extracurricular activities mean daily reliance on vehicles, and any underlying problems with a car are more likely to come to light when it’s used more frequently. A car that performed adequately during occasional summer drives might begin to show signs of wear or defects as it handles the rigors of regular commuting.
• Minor issues like engine hesitation or strange noises that were easy to overlook during lighter use may become harder to ignore with daily driving, leading vehicle owners to realize that their car could be defective.

Summer Travel Wear and Tear

Another major factor contributing to September’s rise in Lemon Law claims is the impact of summer travel. The summer months are typically packed with road trips, vacations, and outdoor adventures, all of which can place significant strain on vehicles. During these trips, cars are often pushed to their limits, covering long distances in hot weather and carrying heavy loads. This heavier use can accelerate wear and tear, revealing underlying defects that weren’t noticeable before.

• Road trips and extended driving during the summer can cause problems like overheating engines, transmission issues, or suspension problems to emerge.
• After a summer of heavy use, these issues can worsen once the vehicle is back to daily commuting, causing drivers to seek out repairs or realize that their vehicle is showing signs of being a lemon.

End of Warranty Period for Many New Cars

Understanding the Typical Warranty Timeline

Most new vehicles come with a standard 36-month or 3-year warranty, which typically covers significant repairs and defects in materials or workmanship. Many cars are purchased in popular months like late summer or early fall, coinciding with new model year releases or promotional sales events. As a result, September often marks the end of the warranty period for these vehicles, particularly for those purchased in previous years.

• As the warranty approaches expiration, vehicle owners may become more conscious of any minor issues or recurring problems with their cars. Problems that were easy to ignore early on, such as a misfiring engine, transmission glitches, or electrical malfunctions, may now seem more urgent, as the cost of repairs will soon no longer be covered by the warranty.
• With the end of the warranty looming, consumers are more likely to take their cars in for inspections or repairs in September, realizing that time is running out to have these issues resolved at no cost.

Rush to Address Defects

As the warranty expiration date approaches, there is often a rush to address defects before the consumer is left footing the bill for potentially costly repairs. If a car is consistently experiencing problems despite being brought in for repairs multiple times, vehicle owners may begin to suspect that they’ve purchased a lemon.

• September is a critical time when drivers make a final push to have any defects diagnosed and repaired before the warranty period expires. Many consumers realize that this may be their last chance to get the manufacturer to fix ongoing issues.
• In cases where the car’s defects persist or worsen after repeated repair attempts, this rush to address the problem often triggers a spike in Lemon Law claims. Consumers become more likely to take legal action if the manufacturer fails to resolve the issues before the warranty ends.

Model Year Transitions and Dealership Promotions

New Model Year Vehicles Released

September is a pivotal month in the automotive industry, as it typically marks the release of new model year vehicles. Dealerships roll out the latest versions of popular cars, which generates excitement among consumers and results in a boost in vehicle sales. However, with this focus on new models comes increased consumer awareness about potential defects in the previous year’s models.

• As new model year vehicles enter the market, some consumers may notice issues with last year’s models they recently purchased, especially as dealerships may have been rushing to sell remaining inventory. Defects that were previously overlooked or undetected may become more apparent as people compare their vehicles to the newer models.
• This increased awareness can prompt consumers to scrutinize their vehicles more closely, especially if they are dealing with recurring issues or unresolved defects. As a result, Lemon Law claims may spike as drivers realize that their cars aren’t performing as they should, especially when compared to the new models being introduced.

Discounts on Older Models

September is also a time when dealerships offer deep discounts and promotions to clear out older inventory to make room for the new model year vehicles. These discounts can attract a surge of buyers looking for a deal, leading to an uptick in car purchases during this period. While these promotions may seem like a great opportunity, there’s a potential downside: some of the discounted vehicles may have underlying defects.

• Older models that have been sitting on dealership lots for a while might be subject to wear and tear or may have design flaws that weren’t addressed during production. These defects might not surface until after the vehicle is driven regularly, leaving new owners frustrated when problems arise soon after purchase.
• In some cases, dealerships might not fully disclose issues with discounted cars, and buyers may find themselves with a vehicle that requires frequent repairs or has significant mechanical problems. This can lead to an increase in Lemon Law claims as consumers who purchased these older models begin to experience persistent issues and seek legal recourse.

Post-Summer Maintenance and Repairs

Inspection and Repairs Post-Summer

As summer draws to a close, September is a popular time for vehicle owners to schedule routine maintenance and inspections. After months of long road trips, vacations, and heavy usage, many cars need a check-up to ensure they are in good working order. During these post-summer inspections, mechanics may uncover underlying issues that were not previously noticed or addressed during the busy summer months.

• Routine maintenance in September often includes oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks, which can reveal unresolved mechanical issues or emerging defects in the vehicle. For instance, mechanics might identify engine problems, transmission issues, or suspension failures that went unnoticed during the summer's heavy driving.
• As a result of these inspections, consumers may begin to realize that their vehicle has serious defects that weren’t apparent before, leading them to consider a Lemon Law claim if the issues persist after repair attempts.

Deferred Repairs Come to Light

Many drivers tend to defer minor repairs during the busy summer months, especially if they are focused on enjoying vacations or long road trips. Small problems like strange noises, warning lights, or minor performance issues may have been ignored due to the inconvenience of taking the car in for service during the height of summer activities.

• As the fall season begins and schedules return to normal, drivers are more likely to address these deferred repairs. However, what seemed like a minor issue in the summer may turn out to be a more serious problem. Engine misfires, transmission slipping, or electrical failures that were brushed off during the summer can resurface as significant defects once inspected by a mechanic.
• By September, these deferred repairs come to light, and drivers realize that the problems are more severe than initially thought. When these issues continue to persist after repair attempts, consumers often recognize that their vehicle may qualify as a lemon under state Lemon Laws.

The Perfect Storm of Circumstances in September

If you're experiencing vehicle issues or suspect you have a lemon, don't wait. Contact Lemon Daddy today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys can help you determine if your car qualifies under Lemon Law and guide you through the legal process to get the refund, replacement, or compensation you deserve. Call (888) 242-9392 or visit www.lemondaddy.com to get started.