Follow These Steps to File a Complaint if the Car You Bought Turned Lemon

Nearly many Americans find it necessary to own a car. These days, automobiles play a crucial role in our daily lives. They help us go to and from work, school, the grocery store, and more.

Finding out your new car is a lemon is one of the most painful experiences. Many car buyers don’t know what to do if their vehicle is a lemon. ‘Is it worthwhile filing a complaint with the BBB?‘ is one of the most frequent queries you may hear.

This article provides the steps to follow if the car you bought turns out to be a lemon and when you should file a lemon law complaint.

What is lemon law?

Cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty, just like any other product. They are accompanied by a guarantee that the product will perform satisfactorily for a predetermined period. If an issue occurs during that time, the manufacturer will provide repairs.

A product is referred to as a “lemon” if the producer makes a reasonable number of attempts to fix it but is unsuccessful.

What to do when you have purchased a lemon 

It’s crucial to keep track of all the issues and fixes made to the car if you want to receive a refund or replacement for a lemon. If you believe your car is faulty, you may find these steps helpful:

– Make a note of the issues and determine whether the warranty covers them.

– Research the state’s legislation. Consult the National Consumer Law Center’s and Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Auto Line’s instructions regarding lemon laws (NCLC).

– Inform the manufacturer and the dealership in detail about your issues.

– Keep a record of everything, including the manufacturer’s and the dealer’s repairs.

– If repairs cannot correct the fault, get in touch with the manufacturer to start the repurchase procedure.

– Obtain legal counsel if issues continue.

‘Is it worthwhile filing a complaint with the BBB?‘ you might be wondering. An independent arbitrator evaluates the claims as part of the BBB program and makes a decision. It’s important to note that the arbitrator’s ruling only applies to the manufacturer and not the customer. You can still go to court if you disagree with the arbitrator’s ruling.

Is there a time limit within which one should file a lemon law complaint?

Each state’s lemon legislation has specific requirements. A lemon law complaint must be filed under Texas lemon law within six months of the earlier of: 

1 – The express warranty term expires 

2 – 24 months post the purchase; or 

3 – 24,000 miles after the car is delivered (except TRVs).

Whichever of the possibilities mentioned above occurs first determines the time frame for filing the case. As soon as the customer notices that the dealer has made numerous attempts to fix the vehicle but has been unsuccessful, they should register a complaint.

 Final word

Every car buyer should know the state’s applicable lemon laws and take action quickly. Contact the experts at Allen Stewart if you require assistance with claims under the lemon law.

Andrew Richardson is the author of this Article. To know more about Odometer reading exempt please visit our website: allenstewart.com