California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Defect Lawsuit
Kimberly A. Mattei brought a civil lawsuit against auto manufacturer FCA US, LLC, under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as California's lemon law. She alleged that her newly purchased 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee harbored severe operational defects that the manufacturer's authorized service centers failed to repair despite multiple opportunities. Believing she was entitled to consumer protection remedies, Mattei demanded full restitution of the $58,317.08 purchase price, a civil penalty of up to two times her actual damages for willful misconduct, and compensation for incidental expenses. FCA US, LLC strongly contested the claims, maintaining that the vehicle did not present defects that substantially compromised its safety or value, and arguing that any repair delays did not result in harm to the owner. Following a trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the jury reached a complete defense verdict, finding that the vehicle's usage was not substantially impaired and that the owner had suffered no demonstrable harm from repair delays.
