Know Your Rights
Under the Law
State and federal laws protect you from being stuck with a defective vehicle. You don't have to settle for a car that doesn't work.
The "Reasonable Number of Attempts" Rule
Generally, if a manufacturer or dealer cannot fix a serious warranty defect after a "reasonable" number of repair attempts, you are entitled to a remedy.
- Usually 2-4 attempts for the same issue
- Or 1-2 attempts for a serious safety defect
Days Out of Service
Even if they fix different problems each time, if your car is in the shop for too long, it may be declared a lemon.
- Typically 30 cumulative days in the shop
- Does not have to be consecutive days
Potential Remedies
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the law typically requires the manufacturer to provide one of the following:
Buyback (Repurchase)
Full refund of your down payment, monthly payments, and payoff of your loan/lease (minus a usage fee).
Replacement
Swapping your defective vehicle for a new, comparable model.
Cash Compensation
"Cash and Keep" - you keep the car and receive cash for the diminished value.