Not having your vehicle work correctly can lead to lost time, money, and of course frustration. Understanding the law and how it applies to your situation is the first step in retaking control of your situation.

Lemon laws are statutes designed to protect consumers. Most state statutes are similar to the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which makes breach of warranty a federal offense. Individual states have enacted their own laws which specify what vehicles are covered, the criteria for being classified as a lemon, the coverage period, and the responsibilities of the manufacturer.

If you think you have a lemon, you’ve come to the right place. Here you will find answers you are looking for including:

How does your state define a lemon?

How do car warranties and recalls impact coverage under the law?

Do these laws also apply to used cars?

How do the state statutes treat leased cars?

What you should do if you think you have a lemon?

Do you need to hire a lawyer?

If you do hire a lawyer, who pays for it?

What about the consumer protection laws for products other than cars such as boats, computers, or even puppies?

Tips on getting started:

• Start by visiting the link to your state’s statutes to learn what qualifies as a lemon in your state.

• It is up to you to prove repair attempts! To protect your rights, begin keeping detailed records including type of repairs, dates of repairs, who you talked to, and all receipts.

• Consider contacting your state’s Attorney General’s office.

• If you are unclear on how to proceed, consider having an attorney review your case.