What Is an Auto Start-Stop System?
Most new vehicles built in the last several years come with an auto start-stop system. This feature shuts the engine off automatically when the car comes to a complete stop, such as at a red light or in traffic. When the driver lifts their foot off the brake, the engine restarts. The goal is to save fuel and reduce emissions.
The system sounds simple, but it involves the engine, battery, starter motor, sensors, and software all working together. When any of those pieces fail or communicate poorly, drivers can run into real problems.
Common Start-Stop System Complaints
Many consumers report issues with their start-stop systems that go beyond minor annoyance. Some of the most frequent complaints include:
- The engine fails to restart after stopping, leaving the driver stranded in traffic
- Rough, shuddering, or delayed engine restarts
- The system stalls the engine unexpectedly while driving at low speeds
- Warning lights related to the system appearing on the dashboard
- The system disabling itself and staying off without explanation
- Battery or charging system warnings connected to start-stop operation
- Unusual noises when the engine restarts
Some of these problems may seem like small quirks. But when an engine refuses to restart in the middle of an intersection, or stalls unexpectedly, the issue can become a serious safety concern.
When Does a Defect Become a "Nonconformity" Under the Law?
Florida's Lemon Law, Chapter 681 of the Florida Statutes, protects consumers who purchase or lease a new or demonstrator vehicle in Florida. Used vehicles are not covered under this law.
To qualify for protection, a defect must be a "nonconformity." That means the problem must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, and it must not conform to the manufacturer's warranty.
A start-stop system that fails to restart in traffic clearly raises safety concerns. A system that causes repeated stalling or rough restarts may impair the use and value of the vehicle. Whether a specific defect meets the legal standard depends on the facts, but many start-stop complaints can rise to that level.
The Lemon Law Rights Period
The law gives consumers a window of time to pursue these rights. That window is 24 months from the date the vehicle was originally delivered to the first retail buyer or lessee. Problems must appear and be reported for repair within this period.
If a start-stop defect shows up late in the rights period, it is still important to act quickly. You can read more about this situation in our post on defects that appear late in the rights period.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
The statute sets out two main ways a consumer may qualify for relief.
Three or more repair attempts for the same defect. If the manufacturer or its authorized dealer has made three or more attempts to fix the same nonconformity and the problem persists, the consumer may send written notice to the manufacturer. This notice is sometimes called a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification. After receiving it, the manufacturer gets one final opportunity to repair the vehicle.
Thirty or more cumulative days out of service. If the vehicle has been kept by the dealer or manufacturer for repairs for 30 or more calendar days in total, that can also qualify a consumer for relief, after providing the manufacturer with written notice and a chance to inspect and repair the vehicle. For recreational vehicles, that threshold is 60 days.
Keeping good records matters a great deal here. Consumers should save every repair order, every loaner or rental car receipt, and every communication with the dealer and manufacturer. Our post on days out of service under Florida's Lemon Law goes deeper on how those days are counted.
What Remedies Does the Law Allow?
If a vehicle qualifies under the statute, the consumer may be entitled to one of two remedies.
The first is a refund. This generally includes the purchase price of the vehicle, along with collateral charges and finance charges, minus a statutory offset that accounts for the consumer's use of the vehicle before the first repair attempt for the defect.
The second is a replacement vehicle of comparable make, model, and specifications.
The manufacturer and consumer may negotiate which remedy applies, or the issue may be decided through arbitration or in court.