In a significant legal move, a couple from Florida has filed a lawsuit against a major automobile manufacturer over allegations of vehicle defects and warranty violations. Richard and Lisa Wiggins, represented by Krohn & Moss, Ltd., lodged their complaint in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, Florida on February 27, 2026, targeting BMW of North America, LLC. The plaintiffs are seeking to overturn a previous decision by the Florida New Motor Vehicle Board that favored the defendant.
The case stems from the purchase of a 2024 BMW X3 by the Wiggins on February 7, 2024. According to court documents, the vehicle was acquired for $50,130 from Bert Smith BMW in St. Petersburg, Florida. The plaintiffs allege that despite multiple repair attempts through BMW’s authorized dealership network, persistent defects have rendered the vehicle unusable for its intended purpose. Among these issues is a defective body/trim causing loud popping noises from the roof. “The X3 cannot be utilized for personal, family and household use as intended,” states the complaint.
The plaintiffs argue that BMW engaged in misleading advertising practices and failed to honor its written warranty obligations under both state and federal laws. They claim privity of contract with BMW due to direct interactions and reliance on warranties provided at purchase. The Wiggins assert that they lost confidence in the vehicle’s safety and reliability after repeated unsuccessful repairs. As per court filings, they notified BMW of these defects before initiating legal action and attempted to revoke acceptance of the vehicle.
Richard and Lisa Wiggins are pursuing several forms of relief through their lawsuit. They seek damages exceeding $50,000 for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, including compensation for diminished value and repair costs. Additionally, they request revocation of acceptance with full reimbursement or replacement under Florida’s Lemon Law provisions. In appealing the Lemon Law Arbitration Board’s decision which sided with BMW, they argue that adequate notice was given regarding defects which substantially impair vehicle value.
Representing Richard and Lisa Wiggins is attorney Katharine Sposato from Krohn & Moss Ltd., based in Northbrook, Illinois. The case is presided over by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 26-001309-CI.
Source: 26001309CI_Richard_Wiggins_v_BMW_of_North_America_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
