Mini Countryman PHEV Lemon Law

Yes, the Song-Beverly Act applies to your Countryman PHEV regardless of its HOV lane eligibility status. If the vehicle has a substantial defect that MINI cannot repair, you are entitled to a refund or replacement. The HOV sticker is tied to the vehicle and would transfer if you receive a replacement of the same model.

Erratic switching between electric and gasoline modes indicates a defect in the hybrid control system, which is covered under the manufacturer warranty. Under Song-Beverly, this type of defect can substantially impair both the safety and use of your vehicle, particularly if it causes unexpected acceleration or deceleration behavior.

The Song-Beverly Act provides for either a replacement or refund, not diminished value specifically. However, if you accept a repurchase, the refund amount covers the full purchase price minus a usage offset, effectively compensating for any value loss. Separate diminished value claims may be pursued through other legal theories if applicable.

Request MINI's official battery performance specifications and compare them to your vehicle's actual performance data. If your battery capacity or range has dropped significantly below the warranted threshold within the coverage period, this is a defect, not normal degradation. Independent testing by a qualified EV technician can provide evidence to counter MINI's position in your Song-Beverly claim.