A new (or newer) car is supposed to reduce stress—not create it. But if you’re stuck in the loop of:

• same warning light,
• same “could not duplicate,”
• same repair attempt,
• same problem coming back…

…you may be wondering if you have a lemon law or warranty claim.

Here’s a plain-English guide to what matters, what to document, and what to do next.

Step 1: Identify the pattern that triggers legal options

Many strong cases have a few things in common:

• The vehicle is new or still under warranty (sometimes used vehicles qualify too)
• There are multiple repair attempts for the same issue
• The issue affects use, value, or safety
• The problem persists despite repairs, or the car has been out of service for a meaningful number of days

A common rule of thumb people hear is “3 repair attempts.” That’s not a universal rule everywhere, but it’s a helpful signal that it’s time to take the situation seriously and start building a clean paper trail.

Step 2: Your paperwork is your power

Your best evidence is usually:

• Repair orders (every visit)
• Invoices showing what was complained of and what was done
• Dates the car was dropped off and picked up
• Notes about symptoms (photos/videos help)
• Warranty booklet / purchase or lease documents

One critical detail: what you said on the repair order matters.
If the repair order says “customer states: noise,” it’s weaker than “customer states: grinding noise when braking at low speed; occurs daily; safety concern.”

Be specific. Be consistent. Don’t downplay it.

Step 3: Don’t let “could not duplicate” kill your claim

Dealers often write “could not duplicate” when the problem is intermittent. That doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of options.

What helps:

• Video of the issue happening
• Photos of warning lights
• A written log: date/time, weather, speed, conditions, what happened
• Bringing the car in while the problem is active (if safe)

Intermittent issues are real. The goal is to make them provable.

Step 4: Understand the two common paths: repurchase vs. cash settlement

Depending on facts, state law, and manufacturer behavior, outcomes can vary. Two common resolution types are:

• Repurchase / buyback: Manufacturer takes the vehicle back and pays certain amounts (rules vary)
• Cash settlement: You keep the vehicle and receive compensation (amounts vary)

Which path makes sense depends on:

• how dangerous the issue is,
• whether you trust the vehicle,
• how long you’ve been dealing with it,
• whether you have negative equity,
• and your practical needs (work, kids, commuting).

Step 5: Watch for these “case killers” (and how to avoid them)

Some things can complicate claims:

• Missing repair orders (always request a printed copy)
• Waiting too long to report the issue
• Modifying the vehicle in ways the manufacturer can blame
• Not giving the dealer a fair chance to repair (varies by state)
• Trading the vehicle in before documenting the pattern

If you’re thinking about trading it in just to escape the headache, talk to a lawyer first—sometimes you can preserve your rights, but timing matters.

Step 6: What to do if the manufacturer offers “goodwill”

Manufacturers sometimes offer:

• a small cash offer,
• extended warranty,
• a few months of payments,
• or “we’ll fix it again.”

Sometimes that’s fine. Sometimes it’s a lowball attempt to close the file.

Before you sign anything, check whether the paperwork includes:

• a release of claims,
• confidentiality,
• or language that limits future rights.

Quick checklist: What to gather before you call a lawyer

• Purchase/lease agreement
• Current mileage
• Warranty status
• All repair orders (in order)
• Timeline of the issue
• Photos/videos of symptoms
• Any communications with the manufacturer

Want a quick case review?

If your car has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue—or it’s been out of service and you’re losing patience—call 855-978-6564 or email info@ginsburglawgroup.com. We’ll tell you what documentation matters and what the next step typically looks like.

This article is general information and not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts, evidence, and jurisdiction.