Lemon laws protect buyers of defective vehicles. If your car has persistent problems the dealer cannot fix, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.
What qualifies as a lemon
Generally, a vehicle must have a substantial defect that remains after multiple repair attempts during the warranty period.
- Substantial defect affecting safety, value, or use
- Multiple repair attempts for the same problem
- Defect occurs during warranty period
- Reasonable number of days in the shop
New vs. used car coverage
Most lemon laws cover new cars. Some states extend protections to used cars or certified pre-owned vehicles.
How to file a lemon law claim
Keep detailed repair records, send a demand letter, and pursue manufacturer arbitration or lawsuit if necessary.
Resource FAQ
How many repair attempts before my car is a lemon?
Most states require 3-4 attempts for the same problem, or 30+ days out of service, but thresholds vary.
Does lemon law cover used cars?
Some states include used cars, especially certified pre-owned vehicles. Check your state requirements.
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