Lemon Law Eligibility Estimator
Use this calculator to get an estimate of whether your vehicle might qualify under general Lemon Law criteria. Please remember that Lemon Laws vary significantly by state, and this tool provides a simplified, general assessment. Always consult with a qualified attorney in your state for specific legal advice.
Eligibility Assessment:
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for (var i = 0; i < reasons.length; i++) {
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- ' + reasons[i] + ' '; } outputHTML += '
Estimated Potential Refund/Replacement Value:
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outputHTML += '
- ' + reasons[i] + ' '; } outputHTML += '
Understanding Lemon Laws: Your Rights as a Consumer
Buying a new or used vehicle is a significant investment, and discovering it has persistent, unfixable problems can be incredibly frustrating. This is where "Lemon Laws" come into play. Designed to protect consumers, these laws provide remedies for buyers of new (and sometimes used) vehicles that fail to meet acceptable standards of quality and performance.
What is a "Lemon" Vehicle?
Generally, a vehicle is considered a "lemon" if it has a substantial defect or condition that significantly impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or dealer has been unable to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts or within a reasonable amount of time. The specifics of what constitutes a "reasonable number of attempts" or "reasonable time" are defined by each state's individual Lemon Law.
Key Criteria for Lemon Law Eligibility
While laws vary, most states consider a vehicle a lemon if it meets one or more of the following general criteria:
- Repeated Repair Attempts for the Same Defect: If the same substantial defect has been subject to a certain number of repair attempts (commonly three or four) by the manufacturer or its authorized dealer, and the defect still persists. For example, if your car repeatedly stalls and the dealership has tried to fix it four times without success.
- Excessive Days Out of Service: If the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of a certain number of days (often 30 days or more) due to one or more substantial defects. This period typically includes all days the vehicle is at the dealership for warranty repairs, regardless of whether it's for the same issue or different ones.
- Substantial Impairment: The defect must "substantially impair" the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. A minor rattle might not qualify, but a faulty braking system, a persistent engine issue, or a defect that makes the car unreliable for daily use likely would.
- Within a Specific Time/Mileage Period: The defect(s) must typically occur and be reported within a certain timeframe or mileage limit from the original purchase date. This "presumption period" varies by state but is commonly 12 to 24 months or 12,000 to 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What Remedies Are Available?
If your vehicle is determined to be a lemon, you generally have two primary remedies:
- Vehicle Replacement: The manufacturer may be required to provide you with a comparable new vehicle.
- Refund: The manufacturer may be required to repurchase the vehicle from you. This refund typically includes the purchase price (plus taxes, registration fees, etc.) minus a "reasonable allowance for use" of the vehicle, which is usually calculated based on the mileage accumulated before the first report of the defect.
How Our Lemon Law Calculator Works
Our calculator provides a simplified estimate of your vehicle's potential eligibility based on common Lemon Law criteria. You'll input:
- Original Vehicle Purchase Price: The initial cost of your vehicle.
- Mileage at First Substantial Defect Report: When the problem first became apparent and was reported.
- Total Repair Attempts for the SAME Substantial Defect: How many times the dealer tried to fix the identical issue.
- Total Days Vehicle Out of Service for ALL Substantial Defects: The cumulative time your car spent in the shop for warranty repairs.
- Vehicle Age Since Purchase (Months): How old your vehicle is in months.
- Current Vehicle Mileage: Your vehicle's current odometer reading.
The calculator then assesses these inputs against general thresholds for repair attempts and days out of service, and considers if the defect occurred within a typical presumption period. If it indicates potential eligibility, it will also provide an estimated potential refund value, factoring in a common mileage offset for your use of the vehicle.
Important Disclaimer
It is crucial to understand that Lemon Laws are state-specific. The thresholds for repair attempts, days out of service, and the presumption period can vary significantly from one state to another. This calculator offers a general guide and should not be considered legal advice. If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, your best course of action is to:
- Keep meticulous records of all repair attempts, dates, mileage, and communications.
- Consult with a qualified Lemon Law attorney in your state. They can provide accurate information based on your specific circumstances and state laws, and guide you through the legal process.
Don't let a faulty vehicle diminish your investment. Understand your rights and seek professional guidance if you suspect you have a lemon.