Lemon Law Attorneys

What is Lemon Law or Auto Lemon Law?

Lemon law or Auto Lemon law (vehicle lemon laws) falls under the consumer protection law area. Auto lemon laws provide automobile (car) owners with an automatic warranty that gives them certain rights. If your car is considered by your state's law to be a "lemon," the manufacturer is usually required to repair or replace it. These laws also typically extend to motor cycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and other motor vehicles.

The manufacturer's own warranty also applies, especially if it provides better coverage or protection than the lemon law. Auto lemon laws vary from state to state, but the following is a general guideline in determining if you could possibly have a claim.

A lemon is typically a motor vehicle with one or more substantial problems that:

• Occurs within the first certain amount of time (typically 12 to 18 months) of delivery or certain number of miles (typically 12,000 to 18,000 miles) on the odometer, whichever occurs first.
  
  
• Cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (typically 3 or 4).
  
  
• Keeps the vehicle out of service for a certain number of calendar days (typically 30 days). Calendar days do not necessarily have to be in a row.
  
  
• Substantially reduces the use, value, and/or safety of the vehicle to the buyer.
  
  
• Are not caused by abuse of the vehicle or neglect of standard vehicle maintenance.

Required time, odometer mileage, number of repair attempts and calendar days the lemon vehicle is out of service, as well as other lemon law requirements vary from state to state. Consult with a lemon law attorney in your state to find out your state's specific auto lemon laws.

Should I hire a Lemon Law Attorney?

You have rights under the auto lemon law. Knowing these rights will maximize your chances of successfully asserting your rights. Keep good records of all the repairs you've had done, and check your vehicle's warranty in order to inform yourself about the proper steps to take to guarantee legal recourse. Be sure to try to resolve the matter with the automobile dealer, then the manufacturer. If you cannot resolve the problem with the dealer or manufacturer, use the form on this page to find a qualified lemon law attorney to help you with your claim.