Common Lemon Law Myths

Dispelling Myths About Lemons

There are a number of myths about lemon laws that can affect how a person views a troublesome car, truck, SUV, computer or other product. At the National Lemon Law Center we want to dispel these myths and help our clients understand the truth about state and federal lemon laws. While we are happy to offer you a free consultation, we have also listed some common lemon law myths below.

Contact a lemon law attorney today to learn more about what can be done to help your claim!

Myth: Lemon laws only apply to motor vehicles

Fact: The truth of the matter is that lemon laws may apply to all types of consumer products that include warranties. This means that cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, computers, home appliances and a number of other products may all be covered under your state’s lemon laws, as well as under federal lemon law.

Myth: I can’t file a claim for a used product.

Fact: Even if you purchased a used vehicle or other product, you may still be able to file a claim or lawsuit if the product had a warranty or if repairs were promised.

Myth: If the warranty on the product expires, lemon law will not protect it.

Fact: A problem may occur during the warranty period that is not repaired before the warranty expires. If this is the case, you may still be able to seek relief under lemon laws. However, a lemon lawyer can evaluate your particular case to see if this applies.

Myth: Before a consumer can take legal action, he or she must have taken the vehicle in for at least four or more repairs.

Fact: The key question in a situation involving a lemon is whether a reasonable amount of repairs were attempted. This means that the number of repairs required vary depending on the state, the product, the warranty and other factors as well.

Myth: Once my car is fixed, I no longer have a lemon law claim.

Fact: Even if the vehicle is fixed now, you may still be able to take legal action and file a lemon law claim. The problems you have been experiencing may reoccur, or you may face other defects with the vehicle in the future. By taking action under your state’s lemon laws, you can be sure that your interests are protected.

Myth: I can return my car within 3 days of purchasing it.

Fact: Although you may be able to return some consumer products within 3 days of your purchase date, this usually does not apply to motor vehicles. Some dealerships elect to offer this privilige, but this is not a widespread practice, and is not required by law. If you have found yourself with a lemon, it is best to talk to a lawyer about your options rather than trust the dealership to take back the vehicle.

Myth: The dealership is required to inform me if the vehicle I'm purchasing has been in an accident.

Fact: Depending on the state, the dealership may or may not be required to inform you if the vehicle you are purchasing has been involved in an accident. In some situations, the dealer may not even be aware that the vehicle in question was involved in a collision.

Myth: I can't afford to hire a lawyer.

Fact: At the National Lemon Law Center, we do not charge up front for our services. This, combined with the fact that you may be able to recover money for attorneys fees from your lemon law lawsuit, means that you will most likely pay no out of pocket expenses for our legal representation.