Recognizing the importance of vehicles to our lives, every state has enacted a lemon law to protect consumers when they purchase or lease a defective product. The lemon laws establish a standard for when vehicles should be repurchased or replaced by the manufacturer.

The federal lemon law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) protects citizens of all states. State Lemon Laws vary by state and may not necessarily cover used or leased vehicles. The rights afforded to consumers by Lemon Laws may exceed the warranties expressed in purchase contracts. Lemon Law is the common nickname for these laws, but each state has different names for the laws and acts. California Lemon Law Web Site

Most states have passed some form of car lemon law to protect car buyers in situations where they have purchased a vehicle that is defective beyond repair. Frequently, these laws apply only to new cars, but you should check with your state to be sure. These lemon laws may entitle you to a replacement or refund, though you must give the manufacturer a reasonable amount of time to address the situation and repair the vehicle.

First off, remember that the definition of a "Lemon" varies from state-to-state according to each state's Lemon Law. For instance motorcycles are expressly covered in some states and expressly excluded in others. This is why if you feel you have a possible lemon law or breach of warranty case, you should immediately contact an automobile lemon car attorney who handles this type of case in your state who will do a "free case evaluation" to determine exactly what your rights are under your state's laws. Remember, any delay could harm your case.

The federal lemon law also provides the warrantor may be obligated to pay your attorney fees if you prevail in a lemon law suit, as do most state lemon laws.

What kinds of defects are covered by the Car Lemon Law?

Any defect or condition included in the manufacturer's warranty that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value or safety to the consumer is covered under the Car Lemon Law.

Engine problems Transmission problems Water leaks Paint defects Electrical problems

Brake problems Steering problems Vibrations Bad smells Rattles And many other defects

In order to qualify as a lemon car under most state laws, the car must (1) have a substantial defect covered by the warranty that occurred within a certain period of time or number of miles after you bought the car, and (2) not be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. In most states, the lemon law only applies to new cars.