r/AskLawyers 8h ago

California consumer/lawyer question regarding Jaguar I-PACE recall and failed arbitration

I'm trying to determine whether I should continue speaking only with a lemon law firm or whether there are other attorneys/practice areas I should be contacting.
Facts:
Purchased a used 2019 Jaguar I-PACE from a California dealer in June 2022, but I reside in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At the time of purchase, the vehicle was still covered under Jaguar's 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and the 8-year traction battery warranty.

The traction battery warranty remained in effect throughout the events described below.

Purchased a used 2019 Jaguar I-PACE from a California dealer in June 2022.

Approximately one week after purchase, the auxiliary battery failed and left me stranded overnight.

I had recently undergone chemotherapy and informed Jaguar of my disability-related transportation needs.

The auxiliary battery later failed again.

The vehicle later became subject to Jaguar's H514/H536 battery fire recalls involving reports that these vehicles could spontaneously catch fire, even while parked.

Jaguar imposed charging and parking restrictions due to fire risk.

I informed Jaguar that I could not reasonably comply with those restrictions because of my housing situation and disability-related transportation needs.

Jaguar was informed multiple times that I was disabled and dependent on reliable transportation.

Jaguar ultimately advised there was no repair available and no replacement vehicle would be provided.

Jaguar offered only a fair-market-value buyback.

Jaguar directed me to BBB Auto Line before I pursued arbitration.

BBB Auto Line declined to hear the dispute.

The traction battery later failed, resulting in a transmission shutdown, and I ultimately surrendered the vehicle due to safety concerns.

I filed AAA consumer arbitration after the transmission shutdown.

Jaguar failed to participate in the AAA arbitration process.

I am already speaking with a California lemon law firm.
My question is: based on these facts, are there any legal theories or practice areas beyond traditional lemon law that I should be exploring or attorneys I should be contacting?

Lemon law? Magnuson moss? Ive already contacted NHTSA, CA AG, NV AG, and DMV Nevada. No one is helping.

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u/No-Angle-982 8h ago

Were you advised to reject the fair-market buyback? That expediency could save you from years of expensive (and uncertain) litigation. And your tentative acceptance could open up negotiations for some additional cash compensation for health-related inconveniences and documented costs of same.

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u/snacksforfocus 7h ago

Have not been advised any way. Just seems wrong that the fair market buy back breaks so many laws they’re expected to operate by. Part of the devaluation reflected in the fair market buy back also reflects impact from them reportedly catching on fire and being recalled. This was supposed to be an investment, at a minimum 8 years as reflected by the 8 year battery warranty, which they ultimately broke out of lack of good faith practices. For me it results in a $25000 loss through no actions of my own.

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u/No-Angle-982 7h ago

Just a guess on my part, but if you've got years of your time to invest in litigation, you may well come out far better in terms of compensation. Juries are frequently inclined toward, e.g., chemo survivors versus heartless corporations. Maybe find counsel willing to work on contingency who'd seek big $ for your troubles plus punitive damages. Enough preliminary wrangling could expedite an acceptable settlement offer from JLR.