​Our firm represented the Plaintiffs.  We were reminded how important it is for buyers to fully understand the laws regarding vehicle sales. The law requires dealerships to inform potential buyers of any significant past damage.The dealership failed in this duty by incorrectly reporting that the vehicle had not been wrecked or reconstructed.

The substantial punitive damages award in this case reflects how seriously the state takes these types of fraudulent practices. It serves as a deterrent to other dealerships that might consider deceiving buyers about a vehicle’s condition.

If you find yourself facing a similar situation where the vehicle you’ve purchased has undisclosed or hidden damages, remember you have avenues of recourse. Engaging with a knowledgeable South Carolina consumer law attorney who specializes in lemon laws and auto fraud can get you the help you need so that you aren’t stuck with an unsafe vehicle. We are ready to advocate on your behalf and make sure deceptive sellers are held accountable.

​Purchasing a used car should not be a leap into the unknown. By being informed, vigilant, and ready to seek legal help when necessary, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent car sales practices. If your car purchase takes a wrong turn, contact us to set up an appointment with Steven Moskos and explore your rights under South  Carolina's consumer laws. 

When you decide to purchase a new vehicle, you should walk away thrilled and filled with the anticipation of reliable performance and advanced technology. However, for owners of the 2024 GMC Canyon, this expectation has led to unexpected disappointments and safety concerns too often.

A Closer Look at the Car Complaints

The 2024 GMC Canyon has 164 registered consumer complaints filed with the NHTSA, making it one of the worst cars of 2024. The most common issues have been linked to exterior lighting. These issues compromise the vehicle’s functionality and pose some very serious safety risks when you’re driving.

Exterior Lighting Woes

An overwhelming 158 complaints about the GMC Canyon’s lighting system show the severity of the situation. There are issues ranging from headlights that flicker or fail to those that switch to high beam. These all impact your driving and endanger oncoming traffic. Turn signals that behave erratically mislead other drivers about the vehicle’s intended movements.For example, one consumer complaint noted a situation where the driver’s side headlamp remained stuck on high beam, leading to dangerous encounters with oncoming traffic.

Braking and Steering Concerns

A significant number of complaints have also been made about the vehicle’s braking and steering mechanisms. Many 2024 GMC Canyon drivers have found themselves in a situation where the adaptive cruise control mistakenly applies the brakes or where the vehicle fails to maintain lane integrity. These critical safety features are supposed to improve driver safety and vehicle reliability, but the issues have done the opposite.

Recall Repercussions

Amid these issues, GMC has initiated two recalls affecting the Canyon, addressing defects from the problematic headlights to improperly secured fuel pumps. These recalls show the systemic nature of the defects, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
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Your Rights Under Lemon Law

When you live in South Carolina and face ongoing issues with your new GMC Canyon purchased in the last three years, understanding your rights under the state’s Lemon Law is important. Steve Moskos helps protect consumers like you from the continued burden of these defective vehicles. If your 2024 GMC Canyon has repeated, unresolvable issues that impair its use, value, or safety, you may be entitled to compensation or replacement.

Owning a new GMC Canyon should be a rewarding experience, not a source of endless problems. If your vehicle experience has been less than you expect, it might be time to explore your legal options with a SC Lemon lawyer. Contact us today to evaluate your case.

When you decide to purchase a new car, your expectations are high, especially with the attraction of cutting-edge technology and the latest comforts. However, if you recently purchased the 2024 KIA EV9 SUV, you may have noticed that the reality has been less than ideal. Consumers have reported an array of technical difficulties that raise both safety concerns and questions about reliability. You should understand your rights if you’ve been experiencing these frustrating issues with one of the worst cars of 2024.

A Closer Look at the Car Complaints

Given the concerning 104 registered complaints to the NHTSA, the 2024 KIA EV9 SUV is proving problematic. It is particularly concerning when you take a deeper look at the failures associated with the electrical systems and driver-assist features.

Electrical System Malfunctions
A significant number of consumer complaints, 65 to be exact, are associated with the KIA EV9’s electrical system. Issues range from complete shutdowns of the digital display to malfunctions in charging the vehicles. These issues leave drivers without critical driving data like their speed or battery level. Some owners have even been left stranded without power. One customer reported that the car’s comprehensive screen went blank unexpectedly, disabling essential functions like the parking collision and forward collision warnings.

Braking Concerns
Safety has become a big concern for owners of the KIA EV9, with reported malfunctions in the braking system. There have been multiple instances where the vehicle’s brakes either failed to respond properly or required unusual force to engage, posing a severe risk in traffic situations. These failures compromise your ability to control the vehicle when you need it most.

Recall Repercussions

With these operational flaws, KIA has issued at least 5 recalls involving various components, from the electrical systems to structural issues. One recall addresses an instrument panel that fails to display vehicle information, such as the speedometer and warning lights, increasing the risk of accidents. This action shows a broader concern over the vehicle’s ability to perform safely and reliably.

Your Rights Under Lemon Law

​Choosing a new car should be a celebration, but when it turns into a source of frustration, knowing your rights can help you navigate toward a solution. Luckily, as a South Carolina resident, you don’t just have to accept it when you find yourself facing continuing issues with your 2024 KIA EV9 if purchased new in the last three years. If your vehicle exhibits persistent defects, there is recourse available. Under the SC Lemon Law, when the defects in your vehicle impair its use, safety, or value, and attempts at repair have been unsuccessful, you may be entitled to relief. Consult with a Lemon Law attorney, like Steve Moskos, who can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.

​With 77 total complaints filed through the NHTSA against the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, this vehicle is becoming known more for its reliability concerns across several critical systems than off-roading fun.

​Engine problems are alarmingly frequent, with 37 reports detailing incidents where the engine failed to perform as expected. Owners have found themselves in situations where the engine has completely shut down while driving on the highway, creating a potential risk for accidents and highlighting reliability issues that can’t be ignored.

​The electrical system of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler was the subject of 33 complaints focusing on its inconsistency. Drivers have experienced a total blackout of the vehicle’s dashboard during operation, making essential functions like the speedometer and fuel gauge unusable and compromising the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.

​Issues with the Wrangler’s brakes have also surfaced, adding another layer of concern for owners. Multiple complaints have been reported about the braking system, including incidents where brakes failed to engage effectively. These braking issues increase the likelihood of accidents and contribute to the growing distrust in the vehicle’s dependability.

​The seriousness of these issues doesn’t stop at the consumer complaints, given the 7 total recalls issued for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler. One critical recall was issued concerning the high voltage battery that could fail and cause fire hazards, affecting over 154,000 units. These recalls reflect systemic failures that expose passengers to serious safety risks.

​If you purchased a 2024 Jeep Wrangler, there are safeguards provided for consumers like you through South Carolina’s Lemon Laws. When you find yourself repeatedly dealing with vehicle repairs and safety concerns, and you’ve purchased your new vehicle in the last three years, South Carolina lemon lawyers like Steven Moskos can help.

You purchased your 2024 Jeep Wrangler for its rugged charm, but the significant number of concerns mean that you should proceed with caution. If you find yourself facing ongoing issues with your new Wrangler, we are ready to help you through the Lemon Law process so that your rights are protected. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation to explore your options and regain the peace of mind you deserve with your vehicle purchase.

South Carolina’s Lemon Law is designed to protect you when your new vehicle doesn’t meet standard performance and safety specifications. If you purchased your new 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV recently (in the last three years, as required by the Lemon Law) and it is repeatedly failing to perform safely despite reasonable repair attempts, you might qualify for a replacement or refund through the Lemon Law. If you find yourself constantly addressing the same issues with your CX-90, or if Mazda has not provided a permanent fix, it’s time to act.

A question under the Lemon Law is whether the defect or condition substantially affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt has five critical recalls that show some very serious safety challenges for potential owners. One risk highlighted involves a fire hazard following seat belt pretensioner deployment that could ignite interior carpet fibers after a crash. Additionally, there was a recall concerning the potential for passenger airbags to improperly deploy. All of these make it clear that this vehicle, which was supposed to be technologically advanced, has major safety flaws that could put you and your passengers at risk. 

SIGNS OF ODOMETER ROLLBACK

1. Inconsistencies in Vehicle Maintenance Records: A clear record should correspond with the car's odometer reading. Any discrepancy is a glaring red flag.
2. Wear and Tear Mismatch: Excessive wear on components like pedal rubbers or steering wheel, inconsistent with the reported mileage, warrants caution.
3. Tamper Evidence: Modern digital odometers are tough but not immune to tampering. Signs of forced entry or alterations are indicators.
4. Online Tools and Reports: Resources like Carfax are helpful in offering insights into a car's history, including past odometer readings.

How South Carolina Addresses the IssueSouth Carolina takes seriously the issue of odometer tampering. State regulations necessitate a detailed vehicle description during title applications. This includes vital information such as its make, model, year, and the all-important odometer reading. With fraudulent acts being rampant, attorneys like Steve Moskos often emphasize the importance of meticulous documentation to their clients.

Misrepresentations, especially deliberate ones, come with consequences. Knowingly offering false odometer statements is not just unethical but also illegal. In South Carolina, such actions can lead to legal repercussions, including substantial fines and even imprisonment.

EMPOWERING YOURSELF AS A CONSUMER

Staying informed is your most potent weapon against consumer fraud. If you're considering purchasing a used car:

• Conduct thorough research. Knowledge about the prevalent tricks and scams will always put you a step ahead.
• Use available online tools to verify a car's history.
• Always seek a comprehensive vehicle report.
• When in doubt, consult a professional. Experts, including attorneys who specialize in consumer fraud, can offer guidance, ensuring you make informed decisions.

While the used car market offers countless treasures, it also has its pitfalls. Odometer tampering, or rollback, is among the top deceptive practices that plague unsuspecting consumers. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, you can not only spot such frauds but also protect your interests, ensuring that your hard-earned money fetches you the value it deserves.

Looking up a TSB is a straightforward process:
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1. Head over to the NHTSA's site.
2. Enter your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or look up by vehicle year and model.
3. Retrieve a list of TSBs or manufacturer communications that apply to your vehicle.

Additionally, you can request a TSB on your vehicle is through your vehicle manufacturer’s dealership or repair shop.

Once you know are armed with the right information, you can begin work on getting it fixed. It's wise to approach a manufacturer’s mechanic since they possess specialized training about the specifics of your vehicle and are more equipped to tackle issues highlighted in TSBs.

So, what happens if the TSB does not fix the problem in your new car? You may have rights under the South Carolina Lemon Law. The SC lemon law is geared to protect consumers from manufacturing defects that can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

If you believe you have a lemon, notify the manufacturer in writing about the issue; if unresolved, you may need the help of a SC lemon lawyer, like us at Moskos Law Firm, who can assist you with a possible refund or replacement.

For those who discover they've unwittingly purchased a used vehicle that was previously deemed a lemon and repurchased by the manufacturer, it's pivotal to seek advice from an SC consumer fraud attorney who can help.

Having a vehicle that constantly fails to function correctly can be an ordeal. But armed with the right information about TSBs, you're equipped to tackle the challenges head-on. If you need a consumer lawyer or a South Carolina Lemon Law attorney, contact us to find out how we can help.

You’re excited about your new car. You signed the paperwork, were handed the keys, and drove away from the dealership believing everything was in order. Because obviously, you wouldn’t have been given the keys and the okay to leave if everything wasn’t okay, right? You were told you were financed and even given the paperwork which you have in the glove compartment of the car. (Reminder: Take that into your house and review the documents to make sure they are all there.)

Then, fifteen days later, or maybe even longer, you get a call from the dealership telling you to bring the car back. What? What are they talking about? It seems the dealership was unable to secure financing so they need the car to be returned. They say they could possibly work out another deal, but until then, they need the car. But you have paperwork showing you were approved for financing. But that doesn’t matter, according to the rather brusque sales manager who is insistent that you return with the car.

But you’re not taking the car back, not when you have proof you’ve been financed. A few days later, maybe less, you walk out of your office at work to discover your car is missing from the parking lot. You call the dealership and are told they now have it in their possession. You were given the opportunity to bring it back but failed to do so. The dealership had no other choice but to repossess it.

Now what? You made a down payment the dealership is telling you is non-refundable which means you’re without the money and the car. You’re going to lose your job if you don’t have a way to get to work. But the dealership has cut off all communication with you. You’re officially on your own. You think there’s nothing you can do. But that’s not entirely accurate.

​Depending upon all the facts of your situation, you may have recourse. Back in 2011, the Federal Trade Commission published a white paper “Deal or No Deal: How Yo-Yo Scams Rig the Game against Car Buyers” that details how dealerships work this type of scam, which is called a yo-yo transaction. If you’re in this situation right now, you may want to read the paper and ask yourself if anything in it sounds similar to what is happening to you. If the answer is yes, your next step should be to call a lawyer.

Now, that phone call isn’t a guarantee you’ll get your car back, but it’s the first step in being proactive. Don’t assume there’s nothing you can do until you’ve spoken to an attorney, specifically one familiar with consumer law.
 

Way back in 1960, Volkswagen created an ad with the slogan “We pluck the lemons; you get the plums.” The ad was about the manufacturer’s high quality when it came to inspecting cars before they left the factory and focused on an inspector’s discovery that the chrome strip on the glove compartment on one car was blemished and had to be replaced.
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Would that Volkswagen be considered a “lemon” in South Carolina? Under South Carolina law, a new car is considered a “lemon” when it has a manufacturing defect that affects the safety, value, or use of the vehicle. If that defect shows up within the first twelve months or 12,000 miles of a car’s purchase, whichever one comes first, then the manufacturer must fix the vehicle for free.