Definition of a Lemon Law

Lemon laws are consumer protection regulations that provide remedies for purchasers of vehicles and other consumer goods that repeatedly fail to meet standards of quality and performance. These laws make it easier for consumers to get compensation for defective vehicles.

Key Points About Lemon Laws

  • Protect consumers from defective vehicles
  • Apply to new and sometimes used vehicles
  • Cover persistent problems that occur within warranty
  • Provide specific remedies like replacement or refund

What Lemon Laws Cover

Lemon laws typically cover vehicles that have substantial defects affecting their use, value, or safety. These defects must occur within a specific time period or number of miles after purchase.

Common Issues Covered

  • Engine problems
  • Transmission failures
  • Brake system defects
  • Electrical system issues
  • Safety feature malfunctions

Not Typically Covered

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Damage from accidents
  • Owner modifications
  • Misuse or abuse
  • Minor cosmetic issues

Vehicle Qualifications

To qualify under lemon laws, your vehicle typically must meet certain criteria:

Required Conditions

  • Multiple repair attempts for the same issue
  • Problem occurs within warranty period
  • Defect substantially impairs vehicle use, value, or safety
  • Problem persists despite reasonable repair attempts

Available Remedies

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to one of these remedies:

Vehicle Replacement

Manufacturer provides a new, comparable vehicle

Refund

Full refund of purchase price minus reasonable usage fee. The usage fee is typically calculated based on the mileage at the time the defect was first reported.

Cash Settlement

Negotiated monetary settlement while keeping the vehicle

Important Timelines

Understanding the timing requirements for lemon law claims is crucial:

Warranty Period

Problems must typically occur within the manufacturer's warranty period

Repair Attempts

Usually requires 3-4 repair attempts for the same issue

Days Out of Service

Vehicle often must be out of service for 30 days or more

Think You Have a Lemon?

Don't wait to take action. Our experienced lemon law attorneys can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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