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What is the Lemon Law?
The Lemon Law that a manufacturer has a legal obligation to repair a new motor vehicle. A "lemon" is defined as a new vehicle (not including new vehicles leased or demonstration, motorcycles, recreational vehicles or mobile homes) that has a defect that substantially impairs the use and / or market value of the vehicle. This does not include defects caused by consumers of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modification of the vehicle.
In addition, a lemon car is one which does not conform to the express warranty and can not be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts - at least four visits to correct the malfunction of the same during the warranty period or a year of the delivery vehicle, or if the vehicle has been out of service for repair of a combined total of at least 30 days during the same period. If the fault persists, the manufacturer must replace the lemon with a new vehicle or give a full refund.
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However, a buyer must first use the free mediation or arbitration procedures that the manufacturer has created to deal with complaints. In mediation, the manufacturer tries to satisfy the customer through a solution. If the customer is not satisfied, the two sides will proceed to the second step, arbitration. Here, a neutral third party, make a decision without the intervention of lawyers. Consumers should be prepared for the arbitration procedures for maintaining all receipts for vehicle maintenance and repairs, letters of mechanics, and all maintenance records on the vehicle.
Consumer Tips
When buying a vehicle, consider these suggestions:
TAKE TIME: Contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau for information on dealers and manufacturers.
Ask questions: Research the vehicle you are considering buying. Check with sources such as Consumer Reports and Consumer Digest.
NETWORK with other customers: Talk to people who have driven or who own the same vehicle.
Learn: Read the warranty before buying the vehicle and ask about the arbitration process.
After you purchased: Try to resolve problems with the distributor. If you do not succeed, contact the manufacturer to fix the problem. Meet with the representative of the manufacturer to control the vehicle. Participate in mediation or arbitration procedures. If all else fails, find a lawyer and consider filing a lawsuit.
For further assistance call the CONSUMER PROTECTION HOTLINE at 1-800-351-4889.
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