Posts Tagged ‘lemon law trucks’
What is a Lemon Car or Truck?
Thinking you might have a lemon car? Every state has its own lemon law and may differ on the exact definition of a lemon car. Along with state lemon laws, there is a federal lemon law manufacturers must comply with. If your vehicle has defects or conditions that make it unsafe, non-usable, or otherwise diminish the value of the vehicle and they have not been repair within a reasonable number of attempts, you may have a lemon car or truck. It is your right to receive a copy of all all repair orders and your responsibility to keep track of the number of attempts. It is important to bring your vehicle in for repair as soon as a defect arises.
Remember, there is more to a vehicle being a lemon car or truck than just having a defect. Most states require you to give the manufacturer or dealer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. The number of repair attempts varies per state, but there are some general guidelines that apply to most.
- If the defect is likely to cause serious injury or death, some states only require one unsuccessful attempt to fix the defect.
- When the defect or condition is not that severe, but still substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle, state laws vary from three to four unsuccessful attempts.
- Sometimes there is a time limit, such as if a vehicle is out of service for thirty days, it can be considered a lemon car or truck.
If your meets one of the above, the first thing you should do is give the manufacturer or dealer a chance to comply with your state’s lemon law. Normally, this means they are required by the lemon law to either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price of the vehicle. In most states, they may deduct the usage costs. If the manufacturer does not follow through with this, it is time to consult with a lawyer in your state.
