The Lemon Law in Michigan is a state-specific statute designed to safeguard buyers who purchase new vehicles with significant defects.
What is Michigan Lemon Law?
This legislation ensures that manufacturers uphold their warranty obligations when a vehicle exhibits major issues affecting its use, value, or safety. Based on specific situations, consumers may be entitled to a refund. It’s crucial for Michigan residents to be aware of their protections under this law to secure appropriate remedies if they encounter a lemon.
What is Michigan Lemon Law?
Personal, family, or household four-wheeled vehicles, including small fleets under ten vehicles. Excludes buses, large trucks, and motor homes.
Michigan Lemon Law Coverage Period
The Michigan Lemon Law specifies a coverage period during which consumers are protected against substantial defects in their vehicles. This period typically begins on the date of purchase and extends for a certain duration or mileage, whichever comes first. It’s essential for consumers to be aware of this timeframe to ensure they can exercise their rights effectively.
Michigan Lemon Law Coverage Period
Coverage lasts until the expiration of the express warranty period, or for 1 year from the original date of delivery, whichever comes first.
Michigan Lemon Law Repair Attempts
In Michigan, the Lemon Law defines a vehicle as a lemon when significant issues persist despite multiple repair efforts. Typically, this involves four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 cumulative days within the warranty period. It’s essential for consumers to maintain detailed records of all repair attempts and communications with the manufacturer or dealer to support their Lemon Law claim.
Michigan Lemon Law Repair Attempts
Protection is applicable after four unsuccessful repair attempts or after the vehicle is unavailable due to repairs for a total of 30 business days.
Michigan Lemon Law Claim & Consumers Rights
Filing a Lemon Law claim in Michigan requires consumers to comply with specific steps to ensure their rights are protected.
First, the manufacturer or authorized dealer must be notified of the vehicle’s defect and given an opportunity to repair it.
It’s crucial to maintain thorough documentation of all repair attempts, including invoices, work orders, and any communications with the manufacturer or dealer.
If, after several repair attempts, the defect persists, the consumer may initiate a formal complaint under the Lemon Law.
This process may involve arbitration procedures or legal action, depending on the specific circumstances.
Consulting with an attorney who specializes in Lemon Law can provide guidance and improve the chances of a successful resolution.
Michigan Lemon Law FAQ
What does the Lemon Law mean? Lemon Laws protect consumers by providing remedies when vehicles have defects that significantly affect their value, safety, or use.
Which vehicles are usually covered under the Lemon Law? Generally, Lemon Laws cover new vehicles purchased or leased primarily for personal, family, or household purposes
What qualifies as a substantial defect under the Lemon Law? If a defect affects your vehicle’s safety, performance, or value significantly, it’s typically covered by the Lemon Law
How many repair attempts are required before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon? Most states require three to four unsuccessful attempts to repair the same defect, or 30 cumulative days out of service within the warranty period, before the vehicle is considered a lemon
What steps should I follow if my vehicle may qualify as a lemon? If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, immediately notify the manufacturer or authorized dealer about the defect and allow them to attempt repairs
What documents should I keep for my Lemon Law case? Comprehensive documentation such as invoices, repair orders, warranty papers, and written communication is essential to strengthen your Lemon Law claim
What compensation can I get if my vehicle is considered a lemon? Typical remedies include vehicle buyback (refund), replacement with a comparable vehicle, or monetary compensation for diminished value or incidental expenses
Do I need an attorney for my Lemon Law claim? An experienced Lemon Law attorney can offer valuable guidance and may help you obtain a more favorable resolution.
Will pursuing a Lemon Law claim cost me money? Many Lemon Law attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay legal fees only if your claim is successful—often covered by the manufacturer
Am I allowed to use my car while my Lemon Law case is ongoing? Typically, you can keep using your vehicle while your claim is being processed, ensuring you carefully record any new problems
