Lemon Law

1. Qulifying Vehicles:

• Typically applies to new vehicles under a manufacturer’s warranty, though some states extend coverage to used or leased vehicles.
• The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
  

2. Reasonable Repair Attempts:

• The manufacturer or authorized dealer must be given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect.
• Usually defined as:
  • 3–4 repair attempts for the same issue, or
  • The vehicle is out of service for 30+ cumulative days within the warranty period.
    

3. Consumer Remedies:

• If the defect cannot be fixed after reasonable attempts, the consumer may be entitled to:
  • Replacement of the vehicle, or
  • Full refund (minus a usage fee based on mileage).

4. Federal Law – Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act:

• Supplements state Lemon Laws by allowing consumers to seek recourse for breach of warranty.
• Does not require arbitration unless agreed to after a dispute arises, reinforcing the consumer's right to access courts.