• In 2016, an AutoGuied.com study identified the rate of lemons of each auto manufacturer. The auto manufacturers in the top 5 (meaning that they had the highest rate of lemons) included Fiat (with 1 lemon per 76,808 vehicles), Cadillac (with 1 lemon per 103,167 vehicles), Porsche (with 1 lemon per 126,376 vehicles), Jeep (with 1 lemon per 131,474 vehicles), and Volkswagen (with 1 lemon per 202,802 vehicles). The list can be found below.

  2016 List of Auto Manufacturers with Highest Rates of Lemons

  • Fiat (1 lemon per every 76,808 vehicles produced)

  • Cadillac (1 lemon per every 103,167 vehicles produced)

  • Porsche (1 lemon per every 126,376 vehicles produced)

  • Jeep (1 lemon per every 131,474 vehicles produced)

  • Volkswagen (1 lemon per every 202,802 vehicles produced)

  • Subaru (1 lemon per every 259,950 vehicles produced)

  • Land Rover (1 lemon per every 328,206 vehicles produced)

  • Scion (1 lemon per every 375,732 vehicles produced)

  • GMC (1 lemon per every 400,266 vehicles produced)

  • Dodge (1 lemon per every 402,728 vehicles produced)

  • Volvo (1 lemon per every 409,821 vehicles produced)

  • Acura (1 lemon per every 516,436 vehicles produced)

  • Mazda (1 lemon per every 525,281 vehicles produced)

  • Chrysler (1 lemon per every 596,377 vehicles produced)

  • Chevrolet (1 lemon per every 640,438 vehicles produced)

  • Ford (1 lemon per every 676,484 vehicles produced)

  • Infiniti (1 lemon per every 742,753 vehicles produced)

  • Hyundai (1 lemon per every 814,997 vehicles produced)

  • Ram (1 lemon per every 856,136 vehicles produced)

  • Kia (1 lemon per every 886,941 vehicles produced)

  • Nissan (1 lemon per every 1,008,155 vehicles produced)

Unfortunately, Fiat is known to have the highest rate of defective vehicles sold when compared to all other auto manufacturers. The most recent lemons include the 2013 to 2018 model year Fiat 500, Fiat 500C, Fiat 500L, Fiat 500X, Fiat 500 Pop, Fiat 500e, and Fiat 124 Spider. Some of the most common issues present in these vehicles include the following:

• Transmission problems, resulting in jumping, jerking, lunging, etc.

• Leaking fluids, including water, oil, coolant, etc.

• Misalignment, causing the vehicle to veer to the sides

• Engine issues, resulting in sluggishness, loss of power, etc.

• Electrical issues

• Computer system issues

• Brake failure

• Overheating

Two of the top U.S. auto manufacturers are often included in lemon law lists. Both Ford and Chevy face lemon law claims quite frequently.

Ford models notorious for being defective include the Explorer, Escape, and Focus. The 2013 to 2017 model-year Ford Explorer were associated with a defective cross-axis ball joint, leading to damaged suspensions which could affect steering while driving. The 2008 to 2013 model-year Ford Escape were associated with multiple different defects, including transmission problems, power steering problems, loss of power, no start, hard start, and more. The 2008 to 2013 model year Ford Focus were associated with transmission problems, overheated gear shift, loss of power, suspension issues, steering problems, engine problems, and more.

Some Chevrolet models are notorious for having issues. The 2017 to 2019 model-year Chevy Bolt, for example, were recalled because of a defective battery and a fire hazard. Chevy Silverado 1500, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade (from model year 2015 to present) were all recalled due to transmission problems, power steering issues, and more.

Although many people pride themselves in only purchasing American-made vehicles, the truth is that doing so can come with an increased risk of ending up with a defective vehicle and having to file a lemon law claim.

This is very important question. Although there can be a correlation between recalls and lemon law claims, a recall does not always lead to a lemon law claim. This is because recalls can be issued for a host of different things; the significance of the recall depends on the severity of the risk posed to consumers. If an auto manufacturer often issues recalls that affect vehicle safety and increase the risk of accidents, then it is likely that the manufacturer will face lemon law claims. In fact, in 2022, the auto manufacturer with the most recalls (Ford) was also the manufacturer that produced the most lemons.

In 2022, the auto manufacturers with the highest recall rate were the following:

• Ford – with 8.8 million vehicles affected by recalls, specifically for issues with power trin, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes, and risk of electrical fires. Affected vehicles included the Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-350, and F-150.

• Tesla – with 3.8 million vehicles affected by recalls, specifically for electrical systems malfunctioning, airbag malfunctions, seatbelt malfunctions, issues with power steering, and more.

• General Motors (including Chevrolet) – with 3.4 million vehicles affected by recalls, specifically for issues associated with transmission, fuel injectors, and more.

Since all recalls are different, it would be misleading to claim that auto manufacturers that recall their vehicles are selling lemons. In many cases, these recalls are released out of precaution.

Based on the 2016 study mentioned above, the auto manufacturers with the lowest rate of lemons produced included Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, BMW, and Buick. However, it is important to note that these auto manufacturers still produce lemons – just at a much lower rate.

Even though consumers can research makes and models to ultimately make an informed purchase and stay away from auto manufacturers with high lemon rates, there is really no way to completely avoid purchasing a lemon. Sure, staying away from the auto manufacturers that have historically been associated with defective vehicles, safety recalls, and lemon law claims can be helpful. Any vehicle can be defective. If you are unlucky and end up with a defective vehicle, it is important that you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

If your vehicle has a defect that affects its use, value, or safety that cannot be repaired even after multiple repair attempts and is still under warranty, your vehicle likely qualifies as a lemon. If your vehicle cannot be repaired and your concerns are constantly ignored by the dealership/manufacturer, it is important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible with a lemon law lawyers. A lemon law lawyer will be able to help you explore the legal options available to you under the lemon law and your rights as a consumer. You could have the right to file a lemon law claim. You could also have the right to a vehicle buyback or a replacement vehicle.

If your vehicle is a lemon, you should seek legal help with a lemon law lawyer as soon as possible. If your vehicle meets the definition of a lemon, you could have the right to pursue a claim and get a full refund for the purchase price of the vehicle or a replacement vehicle. For more information about the legal options that are available to you, contact the lawyers here at our law firm as soon as possible. Our team here at Lemon Law Lawyer is ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to begin or continue your lemon law claim. If you are ready to speak with our knowledgeable attorneys here at Lemon Law Lawyer, contact us today!