2024 Mazda CX-90 Lemon Law Case Study
Dangerous Steering Defect Leaves Brand-New Mazda CX-90 Undriveable for Months
Our client purchased a brand-new 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV on July 27, 2024, from Sport Mazda in Orlando, Florida. Within just weeks, the vehicle began exhibiting serious mechanical problems that would ultimately leave it stranded in the shop for over four and a half months.
The problems started with a check engine light in September 2024. Then came the far more dangerous issue: the steering wheel began sticking and resisting motion during turns — a defect that directly compromised driver safety. By February 2025, the vehicle was back in the shop with no end in sight, as the dealer estimated the repair wouldn't be completed until June or July 2025 due to back-ordered parts.
What Went Wrong
- Check engine light illuminated within two months of purchase, requiring a 4-day repair
- Steering wheel stuck while turning — a recurring and dangerous defect affecting vehicle control
- Extended shop time — 15-day repair for the steering issue, then an ongoing repair stretching past 116 days with back-ordered parts
- Check engine light returned during the third repair visit, indicating unresolved engine problems
A Clear-Cut Lemon Law Case Under Florida Law
This case was one of the strongest lemon law claims possible under Florida Statute Chapter 681. Here's why:
- Exceeded the 30-day threshold by 4.5x: Florida's Lemon Law presumes a vehicle is a lemon if it's been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more days. This CX-90 spent over 135 days in the shop — more than four times the statutory threshold
- Safety-critical defect: A steering wheel that sticks and resists turning is not a minor inconvenience — it's a direct threat to driver and passenger safety. This type of defect substantially impairs the use, value, and safety of the vehicle
- Multiple defect categories: The vehicle exhibited both steering system failures and persistent engine problems (recurring check engine light), demonstrating systemic quality issues
- Manufacturer's inability to repair: With parts back-ordered for months and no estimated completion date, Mazda demonstrated its inability to conform the vehicle to warranty within a reasonable time
How Easy Lemon Secured a Resolution
Free Case Evaluation
We reviewed our client's three repair orders documenting the check engine light, dangerous steering defect, and extended shop time. The case immediately met Florida's lemon law criteria on multiple grounds.
Documentation & Case Building
Our team compiled the sale contract, vehicle report, registration, and all three repair orders — creating a comprehensive record of the recurring defects and the 135+ days of lost vehicle use.
Demand to Mazda
We filed a formal demand with Mazda Motor Corporation, documenting the safety-critical steering defect, the recurring engine problems, and the extraordinary time out of service — far exceeding Florida's 30-day presumption threshold.
Settlement Negotiation
With overwhelming evidence of both a safety defect and Mazda's inability to complete repairs in a reasonable time, we negotiated a favorable resolution for our client.
Why This Mazda CX-90 Qualified as a Lemon
Florida's Lemon Law (Chapter 681, Florida Statutes) sets specific thresholds that entitle a consumer to a buyback or replacement. This case satisfied multiple criteria:
- Steering Defect: Required multiple repair attempts without permanent resolution.
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act eligible: Federal warranty protection provided additional remedies.
Case Resolved — Settlement Secured
Case Timeline
- Vehicle purchased: July 27, 2024
- First defect reported: September 10, 2024 (check engine light)
- Steering defect discovered: October 16, 2024
- Vehicle returned to shop: February 20, 2025 (parts back-ordered until June/July)
- Case filed with Easy Lemon: February 2025
- Settlement reached: March 2025
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. Each case is unique and depends on its specific facts and applicable law. Attorney advertising. Easy Lemon® by RockPoint Law P.C.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Attorney on Record
Steven Nassi, Esq.
Managing Partner — Easy Lemon by RockPoint Law P.C.
Licensed attorney specializing exclusively in lemon law across all 50 states. Steven leads the Easy Lemon legal team and has overseen thousands of successful lemon law settlements against major manufacturers including Mazda, General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, and more.
Having Problems With Your Mazda?
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