Lemon Law FAQ

Answering Questions About Lemon Law

Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about Lemon Law and what is involved in hiring a lemon law attorney. We can help you determine if your vehicle will qualify as a lemon, and assist you with filing a claim.

If you have more questions that aren't addressed here or on other pages of our website, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation! Let The National Lemon Law Center help you find a local lemon law attorney today!

What is a “lemon”?
A lemon is a product with defects or nonconformities which cannot be repaired within a reasonable amount of time or repair attempts. Generally, a person with a car, truck, SUV, computer or appliance with a warranty may seek lemon law relief after seeking multiple repairs or noticing problems with the product.

It is safe to say that if you are visiting this page and are dealing with the stress and hassle of a defective vehicle or appliance, you may have a lemon on your hands.
Do lemon laws only apply to motor vehicles?
Most people think of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other motor vehicles when considering lemon laws. However, other consumer products may be covered as well.

Electronics, appliances and similar products may also be covered under your state's lemon laws, depending on where you live. Federal lemon law also protects consumer from these types of lemons.
How do I know if I have a claim?
Determining valid lemon law claims will vary depending on a number of factors. Determining what qualifies as defective and what constitutes a reasonable number of repairs may even be open to interpretation.

Your state’s lemon law as well as federal lemon law will dictate whether you may seek legal relief. Such laws will also dictate what form of relief you may qualify for.
Why do I need a lemon law attorney?
While you can try to resolve this situation yourself, it is highly recommended that you consider consulting a lemon law attorney to pursue your claim. The dealership or manufacturer may try to deny any liability or may offer you a settlement that is below what your case is actually worth. In such a case, you may not know what you can fight for in court or how to determine the true worth of your claim.

An attorney will know what laws apply to your case and can protect your interests through the life of your claim. Whether it is settled out of court or must go to trial, an experienced lemon lawyer can guide you through the process.
What will it cost to work with a lemon law attorney?
Fortunately, it will cost you nothing to work with a lemon lawyer found through the National Lemon Law Center.
We focus on recovering our compensation from the manufacturer or dealership. Therefor, you will not be charged for any out-of-pocket legal fees. Your initial consultation with us is also free!
What are the possible outcomes of my lemon law claim?

Your state, the damages incurred from the lemon, and other factors will determine what you can recover in a lemon law claim. You may be able to receive a cash settlement or a replacement vehicle. The manufacturer or dealership may also offer to buy the product back from you. In some cases, you can also recover compensation for repair costs, early termination costs, and other costs incurred as a result of the defect.
Do federal lemon laws cover older vehicles?
Some state lemon laws only cover new vehicles to a certain mileage. However, federal lemon laws do not have a mileage limit. Even if a vehicle is not new, an owner who has a lemon on their hands may seek relief under federal law.
What relief is available to me under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act?
The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act is one of several federal lemon laws. Under this Act, a consumer who purchases a defective product may be entitled to a free replacement product or a full refund if the manufacturer is unable to repair the product after a reasonable number of attempts. The consumer may also be entitled to money for attorney fees that arose from taking legal action under this Act.
Is a product protected under lemon law if the warranty has expired?
If a product defect occurred during the warranty period, but was not caught or repaired before it expired, it may still be protected under lemon law. An experienced lemon lawyer can help determine if your product qualfiies.