Got Sold a Lemon Car? Follow These Steps if Your Car is Defective

Finding out that your new car is a lemon is the last thing you want to happen. However, if it ever occurs to you, you will have a lot of questions on your mind. Next, what should I do? Would I receive a refund or a replacement vehicle for the faulty one? Is it worthwhile filing a complaint with the BBB? 

If a damaged car cannot be rectified promptly, established regulations require automakers to refund your money or replace the vehicle. 

This article delves into lemon laws and your options if you are sold a lemon car.  

Overview of lemon law for cars 

State-specific lemon laws differ, but almost all follow two guidelines based on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which regulates all warranties. You are entitled to a refund or a replacement automobile if your vehicle satisfies the requirements below. 

The vehicle has a substantial defect – A substantial defect is a problem that prevents your car from actually working, such as malfunctioning brakes or frayed seat belts. The problem must have developed during the warranty period and be related to the manufacturer’s assembly of the car. 

A reasonable number of attempts were made to fix the vehicle – The maker is required to provide you with “a reasonable amount of repairs” after you become aware of a fault. Your car might be regarded as a lemon if a problem still exists after repairs. 

Steps to follow if you bought a lemon car 

Keeping track of each problem and repair is essential to receiving a refund or a new car for your lemon car. Take these steps if you suspect your car may have a problem: 

• • Make a note of the problem and check your warranty paperwork to determine if it’s covered.

• • Look up your state’s laws. The National Consumer Law Center’s (NCLC) guide to lemon laws and the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Auto Line are two examples of resources that may be useful.

• • Inform the manufacturer and the dealership of your issues.

• • Keep detailed records of everything, including manufacturer and dealer maintenance.

• • If repairs don’t work to correct the problem, send a letter to the manufacturer to begin the buyback procedure.

• • If issues persist or the dealership or manufacturer delays the buyback procedure, speak with a lawyer. 

How can the BBB help in lemon law cases? 

Many question, ‘Is it worth filing a complaint with the BBB?‘ and ‘what does the BBB do?’ To resolve disputes regarding vehicles covered by the state’s lemon law, the BBB Auto Line program offers arbitration to producers and owners of vehicles. 

In arbitration, the parties present the Arbitrator with their claim, then consider it and render a ruling. Once the consumer approves, arbitration decisions are legally binding on the manufacturer. 

The bottom line 

If your new or old car has undergone numerous repairs only to have problems continue, it may be deemed a lemon, depending on the laws of your state. Allen Stewart has years of experience in lemon law and can provide you with the best assistance.

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