Common Questions About Lemon Laws

A "lemon" is a vehicle with a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The defect must be covered by the manufacturer's warranty and significantly impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

Each state has specific criteria for what qualifies as a lemon, including the number of repair attempts required and the amount of time the vehicle has been out of service.

Lemon laws typically cover substantial defects that affect the vehicle's safety, value, or use. Common covered defects include:

• Engine problems (misfires, stalling, power loss)
• Transmission failures or shifting issues
• Brake system malfunctions
• Steering problems
• Electrical system failures
• Persistent warning lights or computer errors
• Hybrid or electric vehicle battery issues

Minor cosmetic issues, normal wear and tear, and damage caused by accidents or abuse are generally not covered.

The number of required repair attempts varies by state, but general guidelines include:

• Safety defects: Usually 1-2 unsuccessful repair attempts
• Non-safety defects: Typically 3-4 unsuccessful repair attempts
• Days out of service: Usually 30 cumulative days for repairs

These requirements must typically occur within the warranty period or within 1-2 years of purchase, depending on your state.

It depends on your state. Some states have specific used car lemon laws, while others only cover new vehicles. However, even if your state doesn't have a used car lemon law, you may still be protected under:

• Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Protects consumers with vehicles still under the original manufacturer's warranty
• Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranties: Extended manufacturer warranties may provide lemon law-like protection
• Implied warranties: State laws that require vehicles to meet minimum standards of quality

Yes. Under most state lemon laws, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney fees if you have a valid claim. This means:

• No upfront costs or retainer fees
• No out-of-pocket expenses during the case
• No fees deducted from your settlement
• You pay nothing regardless of the outcome

We only take cases we believe have merit, and the manufacturer pays our fees directly. There is never any cost to you — not now, not ever.

The timeline varies depending on the manufacturer and complexity of your case:

• Initial evaluation: 1-2 business days
• Case preparation: 1-2 weeks
• Manufacturer response: 30-60 days
• Settlement/resolution: 90-150 days total on average

Most cases settle within 90-150 days. Complex cases or those requiring litigation may take longer, but we work efficiently to resolve your claim as quickly as possible.

To evaluate your claim, we'll need:

• Vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN)
• Purchase or lease date and current mileage
• Description of the problems you've experienced
• Repair history and service records
• Copy of your warranty (if available)

Don't worry if you don't have all of this information yet. We can help you gather the necessary documentation during the evaluation process.

Yes, you can continue driving your vehicle while we pursue your claim. However, we recommend:

• Documenting any new problems that occur
• Taking your vehicle to the dealer for repairs if problems persist
• Avoiding unnecessary modifications to the vehicle
• Maintaining regular maintenance as required by your warranty

If the defect poses a safety risk, please contact us immediately to discuss your options.

If your lemon law claim is successful, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies:

• Full refund: Return your vehicle and receive a complete refund of all payments, including down payment, monthly payments, registration fees, and taxes. The manufacturer may deduct a "mileage offset" for your use of the vehicle.
• Vehicle replacement: Exchange your defective vehicle for a brand new comparable model of equal or greater value.
• Cash settlement: Keep your vehicle and receive monetary compensation for the diminished value caused by the defects.

The best remedy depends on your situation, and we'll help you determine which option makes the most sense for you.

If you financed your vehicle and receive a refund, the manufacturer's payment will typically cover:

• The remaining loan balance (paid directly to your lender)
• Your down payment (returned to you)
• Monthly payments you've made (returned to you)
• Registration, taxes, and fees (returned to you)

In most cases, you'll receive money back even after the loan is paid off. We ensure the settlement is structured properly so you're made whole.

Leased vehicles are covered under lemon laws just like purchased vehicles. If your claim is successful, you may receive:

• Refund of all lease payments you've made
• Refund of your down payment or capitalized cost reduction
• Refund of registration fees and taxes
• Early termination of your lease with no penalties

You can also choose a replacement vehicle or cash settlement if you prefer. Leased vehicles often have strong lemon law protections.

No. Filing a lemon law claim does not affect your credit score. When your claim is resolved:

• Any outstanding loan will be paid off by the manufacturer
• The account will show as "paid in full"
• There are no negative marks or late payments
• Your credit history remains intact

Lemon law claims are a consumer protection, not a debt issue, so your credit is never at risk.

Yes. Every state has its own lemon law with different requirements for:

• Number of required repair attempts
• Days out of service required
• Coverage for new vs. used vehicles
• Time limits for filing claims
• Types of vehicles covered (cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, etc.)

We handle cases in all 50 states and know the specific requirements for your location. Check our state-by-state guide for detailed information about your state's lemon law.

Generally, the lemon law of the state where you currently reside applies to your claim. However, there are exceptions:

• If you registered the vehicle in your current state, that state's law typically applies
• If you purchased from a dealer in another state but immediately moved, your current state's law usually applies
• Federal protections under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may apply regardless of location

We'll evaluate which state's law provides you with the best protection and proceed accordingly.

Yes. Time limits vary by state but generally include:

• Warranty period: Problems must occur during the original manufacturer's warranty
• Mileage limits: Often 12,000-24,000 miles, depending on the state
• Filing deadline: Usually 1-4 years from purchase or end of warranty, depending on state law

Don't wait — the sooner you contact us, the better. Even if you think you may have missed a deadline, reach out. There may be exceptions or federal protections that still apply to your situation.