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Between 75,000 and100,000 vehicles are returned to automakers annually, and immediately put back into the stream of commerce even though they were returned for mechanical problems that can not be corrected. If you believe you purchased a lemon, contact an attorney today to protect your rights under state lemon laws.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Laws

Q: What exactly is a lemon?

A: A lemon is a vehicle with major mechanical problems caused by a defect covered by the manufacturer's warranty that substantially impairs the use or market value of the vehicle.

Q: Are little things like a defective cup holder or bad ashtray covered?

A: Probably not, the defect or combination of defects must substantially impair the use or market value of the vehicle. Minor defects are unlikely to qualify, unless they are sufficient in number that the use or market value is substantially impaired.

Q: How do lemon laws protect me?

A: State lemon laws protect consumers by providing that the manufacturer must repurchase the lemon, or that they must replace the vehicle.

Palm Springs Lemon Law Lawyer

If your vehicle is a lemon and is still under warranty, we can help you get your car replaced or your purchase price refunded from the manufacturer by pursuing legal action under California's Lemon Law. To learn more about Lemon Law, please review the general information below and our Lemon Law practice area page. To speak with an experienced lemon law attorney, please contact Caronna, Johnson, & Hoddick, LLP today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our automotive fraud and lemon law attorney spent 15 years managing auto dealerships before beginning the practice of law. We are respected throughout Southern California and frequently receive referrals from dealerships, businesses and other attorneys.

Lemon Laws - An Overview

Approximately 1% of all new and almost-new cars purchased or leased in the United States are considered lemons. This means that one car out of every 100 new cars will cause its owner trouble, from repeated minor inconveniences, to major safety problems. Major consumer protection and fraud agencies report that three of every four complaints they record relate to vehicles. Because of the high occurrence of vehicle dissatisfaction, all states have passed so-called lemon laws. Many new car owners would be relegated to "making lemonade" with their problem vehicles without the protection these statutes provide. Learn how lemon laws protect you, and avoid potential hassles dealing with your lemon.

"Lemon" Defined

Each state provides its own definition of the circumstances and defects that classify a vehicle as a lemon, but generally, a vehicle is considered a lemon in the following circumstances

  • It has a defect that has not been repaired in spite of 3-4 repair attempts
  • The defect is a serious safety hazard, and has not been repaired after the first attempt, or
  • The vehicle was in the shop for at least 30 days out of the first year.

Lemon laws in each state differ and can be complex. An attorney who is well versed in lemon law can help you sort through the issues. If you need help with your defective new car, call a lemon law attorney today.

How Lemon Laws Work

State and federal law defines what constitutes a lemon, and what remedies are available for the consumer. Once it has been established that a vehicle is a lemon, the manufacturer must either replace it, or buy it back. Lemon laws also provide specific processes and timelines for making a claim under the law. You must adhere to your state's specific requirements for establishing that a vehicle is a lemon and time periods to obtain a remedy. If you have recently purchased a new car that you believe to be a lemon, you should not hesitate to act.

Lemon Buy-backs

It is estimated that every year automakers buy back 75,000-100,000 vehicles because of state lemon law requirements. Unfortunately, some states allow the resale of a problem vehicle to a new buyer without warning of its lemon status. It appears that some manufacturers may even participate in what is sometimes called "lemon laundering," where vehicles are transported across state lines for resale in order to avoid requirements to warn the next buyer.

How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Someone Else's Lemon

You can protect yourself against the possibility of buying a pre-owned lemon.

  • Have a trusted auto repairperson thoroughly check out the vehicle before you buy.
  • Take it for a test drive to insure it fits your specifications.
  • Check the vehicle's history. All cars and trucks manufactured after 1981 have a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) assigned to them. With the VIN, you can check of the history of the vehicle. A VIN check should uncover the vehicle's lemon status, as well as its title and registration history, odometer check, whether it has been in a major accident, was sold at a salvage auction, or even whether it was stolen.

To learn more about a vehicle's history, CARFAX Vehicle History Reports, or other similar services can provide you with pertinent information.

Conclusion

Thousands of new vehicles end up as lemons each year. Lemons cause inconvenience, lost opportunity, and even dangerous safety hazards to those who own them. Fortunately, every state has passed laws that keep you from being without a remedy. Lemon laws can be complex and confusing. If you believe you have purchased a lemon, call a lemon law attorney today.

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