Lemon laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase vehicles that turn out to be defective. But not every problem qualifies. Here’s what you need to know to determine if your car might be a “lemon.”
Key Criteria for Lemon Law Claims
- Multiple repair attempts (usually 3+) for the same issue
- The problem substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- The vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty
- The issue persists within a certain time or mileage limit (varies by state)
Practical Checklist: What to Document
- Copies of all repair orders and invoices
- Dates and mileage at each repair attempt
- Written communication with the dealer or manufacturer
- Notes on how the defect affects your daily use
Steps to Take
- Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications.
- Notify the manufacturer in writing about the ongoing issue.
- Follow your state’s lemon law procedures for arbitration or resolution.
- Consult a lemon law attorney to evaluate your case.
Not sure if your car qualifies under lemon law? Contact Ginsburg Law Group, PC for a review of your situation. We’re here to help you get answers.
