Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU)

Don't let a faulty vehicle sour your car-buying experience. Know your Lemon Law rights.

You already know that researching the car you're interested in before you shop can give you a leg up at the dealership. Did you also know that you should be familiar with your state's Lemon Laws? A dealer who is aware you've done your homework is less likely to try and unload a lemon on you. And, if you're ever stuck with a defective vehicle, knowing Lemon Law basics can help you protect yourself.

What is a lemon?

A lemon is a vehicle that continues to have defects during the warranty period that impair its use, value or safety. If you've taken your car to be repaired for the same defect numerous times, but the defect still exists, you may have a lemon on your hands.

What are Lemon Laws?

Lemon Laws protect consumers by ensuring that vehicle warranty complaints are resolved by the manufacturer within a specific period of time. In Virginia, consumers have 18 months after the vehicle is delivered to them to seek recourse under the state's Lemon Laws.

Is my vehicle eligible for Lemon Law protection?

To be eligible, your vehicle must be used partly for personal, family or household purposes (if it's used solely for business, the Lemon Law will not apply, but other laws may). Lemon Laws vary from state to state and between new and used vehicles.

I think I have a lemon. What should I do?

Document everything. In most states, you have Lemon Law coverage only if the vehicle has been in the repair shop for a cumulative number of days, so you'll need to provide proof:

Each time you take your car to be repaired, make sure the service advisor writes up the repair order correctly.
Before you sign the repair order, check the date, time in, and odometer reading to verify they are correct.
When you pick up the car, review the repairs done, date, time and mileage out. If you need bring it in again to have the same defect repaired, be sure to document the problem the same way each time or you may forfeit your rights under the “reasonable attempts to repair for the same defect” clause.

If your vehicle is determined to be a legal “lemon,” you are usually entitled to a refund or comparable replacement vehicle. A refund includes your purchase price, taxes, and any dealer-installed options, minus an offset for your usage of the vehicle. Again, this varies from state to state.

Be an informed consumer and know your rights. Click here to learn the specifics of your state's Lemon Laws or contact your state attorney general's office for more information.