Lemon Law

A lemon law is a phrase that is traditionally applied to the purchase of a motor vehicle. The lemon laws in each state can vary – so be sure to check with your state for any specific items that may apply to your situation. The “lemon law” applies to the situation when the car that you purchase or lease is a “lemon”, generally the manufactured must replace it or refund the price. It is a guarantee of quality.

Generally, a car is considered a lemon in some very specific situations. A new vehicle may be considered a lemon and you may have rights under your state’s lemon law if it has serious problems that the dealer cannot fix in repeated attempts or the car had many problems that keep you from using it for about thirty total days (one month) out of the year.

Generally defects that can be considered under your state’s lemon law must be serious defects. The problem should affect the use, or safety of the vehicle. Some states may also consider defects that affect the value of your vehicle. In simple terms, an irritating rattle or loose noise is not a lemon defect. However, repeated stalling or movement issues can allow you to consider the lemon law in your situation.

A lemon law may apply to your car, truck, motorcycle, motor home, or recreational vehicle. It may apply if the vehicle is less than a year old and the vehicle has some serious problems.

If you think, that you may have a lemon car or vehicle under the lemon law, there are some things you can do. Keep records of all the repair orders for the vehicle. This can help show a problem is reoccurring. Keep records of all warranties. Keep records of the impact the problem has had in your ability to use the vehicle.

If you think you have a lemon, contact the dealer or manufacturer. They can help you in trying to resolve the situation, and may even offer a replacement vehicle if they feel you truly have a lemon. If the manufacturer is not able to help you, an attorney can help you determine what the lemon laws are in your state and pursue legal options to recover your losses from the lemon car or vehicle you purchased.

States have created lemon laws to help protect consumers. The purchase of a vehicle may be the biggest purchase, second only to the purchase of a home, that many people will make. Lemon laws provide some assurances that the investment you make in your transportation will not be wasted.