Start with the records. Repair orders, warranty documents, mileage, and days out of service are more useful than general assumptions about whether a vehicle qualifies.
If your 2024 Dodge Hornet is spending more time at the dealership than in your driveway, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. California’s lemon law may offer remedies when a new or warrantied vehicle has persistent defects that the manufacturer can’t fix within a reasonable number of attempts. This article explains the basics in plain language and shares practical steps you can take now, plus when it might be time to call ZapLemon for a consultation.
2024 Dodge Hornet Lemon Law: California Basics
California’s lemon law (part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) protects consumers when a vehicle under the manufacturer’s warranty has a defect that substantially impairs use, value, or safety, and the maker can’t repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. It can apply to both purchased and leased vehicles, and in some cases to used vehicles that are still covered by the manufacturer’s new-vehicle warranty. In everyday terms: if your 2024 Dodge Hornet repeatedly has the same serious problem or sits in the shop for extended periods, you may have rights.
What counts as “reasonable” can depend on the facts, but California has a guideline called the “Tanner presumption” that can make things clearer within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first). Under that presumption, your vehicle may qualify if: (1) a serious safety-related defect has been attempted to be repaired two or more times; or (2) the same non-safety defect has been attempted four or more times; or (3) the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for more than 30 cumulative days. Even if your Hornet’s issues happen outside those limits, you may still have a claim—the presumption is a shortcut, not the only path.
If your Hornet qualifies, potential remedies can include a repurchase (buyback), replacement, or in some situations a negotiated cash-and-keep settlement. There’s usually a “mileage offset” that accounts for your use before the defect first appeared. Every case is fact-specific, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. This article is for general information only; to understand your options, you should consult a California lemon law professional.
How to Track Repairs and When to Call ZapLemon
Strong documentation can make a major difference. Always ask the service department for a detailed repair order every time you bring the Hornet in—before you leave the dealership. The paperwork should list your complaint in your own words, the technician’s diagnosis, the work performed, parts used, mileage in/out, and the days the car was out of service. Keep a simple log with dates, mileage, symptoms, and any warning lights or messages (for example: stalling at low speeds, transmission hesitation, “Check Engine” illumination, infotainment or Uconnect glitches, ADAS lane-keep warnings, hybrid/charging faults on R/T models, or repeated battery alerts).
Add photos or short videos that show the issue when it occurs, and note weather, speed, and fuel or charge level if relevant. If the dealership performs software updates or “flashes,” keep those records too. Review your warranty booklet to confirm coverage and note any recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) the dealer mentions. If the Hornet has been at the shop repeatedly for the same defect or has accumulated 30+ days out of service, consider escalating your concerns in writing to the manufacturer and keep copies of all correspondence.
It may be time to call ZapLemon if you’ve had multiple unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect, a safety-related failure that keeps returning, long stretches without your vehicle because it’s in the shop, or confusing pushback from the dealer or manufacturer about coverage. A quick consultation can help you understand timelines, documentation, and next steps without making any commitments. While this page can’t give legal advice, ZapLemon can review your situation and explain your options under California law.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page or contacting ZapLemon does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results depend on the facts of each case, and no guarantees are made. For advice about your specific situation, please consult an attorney. Attorney Advertising.
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Attorney advertising. General information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No result is promised or guaranteed.