Lemon laws are meant to protect buyers of faulty cars falling short of quality and performance criteria. All states in the US, including the District of Columbia, have passed their Lemon Laws to protect consumers buying faulty cars.
Although these laws have a shared purpose, the particular terms and coverage can differ greatly from one state to another. For instance, California introduced changes to its Lemon Law on January 1, 2025, and the changes will affect how consumers are protected. When buyers receive defective cars, they must now follow a new process.
According to a California Lemon Lawyer, if your car keeps breaking down mechanically, electrically, or with brake problems that make it less safe, less useful, or worth less, that’s a warning sign that it might be a lemon.
Lemon Law claims can be confusing, but one thing is for sure: this law is designed to protect consumers.
Understanding Lemon Laws: A Brief Overview
Lemon law shields the motor vehicle buyer from buying one that would become unsuitable for use or commercial reasons after it attained the necessary degree of quality and performance.
Lemon laws primarily apply to new cars that require ongoing repairs or have hazardous conditions within the first year or 12,000 miles of use. You most likely have a lemon if problems persist even after your car has been repaired.
Lemon laws address your entitlement to use repairs, replacements, or refunds under such circumstances. If you are injured because of a lemon car, you can also hold the manufacturer accountable for the damage it caused. Product liability attorney Barry A. Roach says you can file a compensation claim when you are hurt by a defective product.
Getting familiar with the lemon laws in your state is essential, as they vary from state to state.
Eligibility Criteria for Lemon Law Claims
Does your car qualify for a lemon law claim? A car should meet certain criteria to determine eligibility. Usually 18,000 miles (ca. 28,968 km) or a year after purchase, it should still be under warranty and have a specified mileage limit.
Second, the vehicle has to be faulty and impact its safety with use or worth. The incident has to take place within the warranty time and cannot be caused by consumer neglect or misuse.
It is likely that you will provide evidence of multiple repair attempts for the same problem, though the number varies by state. Lemon laws usually do not transfer their advantages to used cars; thus, your car has to be new or certified pre-owned.
The Role of Repair Attempts
Your lemon law claim is founded on repair efforts. During every repair visit, you must track whether the issue with your car is resolved or not. You will need to demonstrate that you have given the dealer or manufacturer a fair opportunity to fix the flaws.
Usually, the term means having brought the car in for repairs two or three times for the same defect. Should the problem persist and at these times erroneous repairs have been performed, your claim would be reinforced.
Maintain all records, including correspondence regarding your repairs, receipts, and service records; such evidence will support your case and show good faith effort on your part.
Timeframe for Filing a Claim
When can lemon law claims be filed? Claim deadlines vary by state, so you usually have a short time. Depending on state laws, you can file claims two to four years after purchase or first repair attempt.
In some cases, missing that period could mean that your claim is void. Some states require “notice” before filing. If you suspect it’s a lemon, have your claim drafted with the help of a lemon law lawyer.
Documentation Needed for Your Claim
Gathering lemon law documents can be overwhelming, but it’s necessary to build your case. Gather all repair records, invoices, and receipts for your issues. You can also record dealer or manufacturer communications about those issues.
Keep a thorough record of your car’s malfunctions, including dates and descriptions. If you tried to fix the problems multiple times, record them. Search any warranty documents that explain coverage. You could also photograph the defects.
This organized documentation will support your claim and prove the car is a lemon. Be thorough without missing important details. For your peace of mind, hire a lemon law lawyer who can represent you and advocate for you.
