Lemon Law
What Steps Should I Take?
- When you buy your car, read your warranty and owner`s manual carefully. Follow all maintenance guidelines.
- When you notice a defect, take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repairs as soon as possible. Prepare and leave a detailed list describing each defect each time you take the vehicle in for repair. Keep a copy for yourself.
- Get repair orders for all warranty work. Ask for detailed repair orders and keep them.
- Be sure the repair orders show how many days the vehicle was in the shop.
- Keep a personal record of the number of days the vehicle is in the shop, dates, and mileage.
- Keep a record of all related expenses, such as towing charges and rental car fees, and save all receipts.
- After the third repair for the same defect or if the vehicle has been out of service for 15 business days, notify the manufacturer and the finance company in writing (if you have not done so already) and send the notification by certified mail, return receipt requested. Ask the manufacturer to have the car fixed. Send a copy to the dealer. You will probably find the address of the manufacturer in your warranty or owner`s manual or you can get it from the dealer.
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Do not return the car or stop making payments. Talk to an attorney if you are at this point.