You may have heard the term “lemon law” when referring to a car purchase. The lemon laws in Wisconsin dictate that a vehicle with a major defect that substantially impairs its operation, safety, or market value must be repaired to satisfactory condition within a reasonable number of attempts or days.
If the manufacturer cannot repair the vehicle, it must either replace the vehicle with the same (or similar enough) vehicle or accept a return of the vehicle for its original purchase price.
Here are some FAQs to understand the laws in more detail:
LEMON LAW REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VEHICLES
The lemon law applies in Wisconsin if:
· The issue(s) with the vehicle “seriously harms” its use, value, or safety.
· The issue(s) with the vehicle is covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
· The issue(s) with the vehicle occurs within the lemon law coverage period.
· The vehicle came with the issue(s). (i.e. You didn’t drive it off the lot and immediately
sideswipe a curb.)
IS MY CAR A LEMON?
How does the lemon law work for new cars?
· You purchased a new car,
· A defect seriously harming the use, safety, or value of the vehicle occurs,
· Within the first year,
· And the dealer failed 4 times to fix the defects, OR
· You could not operate the vehicle (“out of service”) for 30 days or more due to defects.
FILE FOR A “LEMON LAW” ON A NEW CAR?
It involves documenting the defects, repair attempts, and then following the statutory requirements on providing the manufacturer and opportunity to “fix” the situation – involving either providing a new vehicle or buying back your lemon.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAR IS A LEMON?
Your vehicle has been back to the dealership for the same defect 4 times, or has been out of service for 30 days or more.
LEMON LAW TIME LIMIT
The lemon law coverage period in Wisconsin is the term of the original manufacturer’s warranty or one (1) year from delivery, whichever comes first.
All failed repair attempts on the vehicle must be made during this period.
As long as all repair attempts were made within the lemon law period, you have 36 months (3 years) to make your lemon law claim.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BOUGHT A LEMON?
Keep all the documents from your purchase and repairs. Take notes on all conversations. Discuss your case with a lawyer. You may be entitled to a new car, money for your losses, and/or other damages from the manufacturer or seller.
If you or a loved one finds themselves in legal trouble, regardless of age, it is important to contact an experienced attorney before it is to late. At Jones Law Firm we can help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation. Please contact us by text or phone at (414) 775-7445 or email at laura@jlfwisconsin.com anytime.
*Any articles in the Libra or posted by Jones Law Firm LLC are not legal advice for a particular client or situation. Further no attorney-client relationship is intended or created with this post.*
