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DO LEMON LAWS COVER ALL VEHICLES?

Ronald S. Weiss Dec. 30, 2020

Lemon cars is a term that describes defective motor vehicles that have been subjected to repeated, and often unfixable problems. Such defects may affect the car's safety, utility, and value. If your vehicle appears to be a lemon in Michigan or Ohio, it is imperative that you consult with a knowledgeable lemon law attorney as soon as possible for detailed guidance.

At Ronald S. Weiss Attorney & Counselor, I am committed to providing experienced legal services and comprehensive representation to individuals facing Lemon Law issues. As your attorney, I will review the circumstances surrounding your unique situation, fight vigorously to protect your rights, and help you in your pursuit of a Lemon Law claim. I am proud to serve both drivers and vehicle owners in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Toledo, Ohio, and across the states of Michigan and Ohio, so reach out today!

Understanding Lemon Law Protections

Lemon Laws are designed to provide adequate coverage to drivers and car owners whose vehicle develops a problem within the first year of purchase or within the manufacturer’s express warranty period. When these defects can't be repaired by the car manufacturer's authorized dealership, this is when Lemon Laws come into play. To qualify as a lemon, generally, the car must:

  • Have a significant defect that is covered by the warranty that occurred within a specific period or after a number of miles traveled.

  • Have a substantial defect that can't be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

  • Have spent 30 days or more at the dealership for repairs within the first year of purchase.

If you are in Ohio, additional provisions include:

  • eight or more repairs in an effort to fix various problems; or

  • one attempt to repair a defect that was likely to cause death or serious injury.

Which Vehicles Are Covered by Michigan’s Lemon Law?

Michigan's Lemon Law provides coverage for any of the following vehicles that are purchased or leased in the state:

  • Passenger vehicles

  • Pickup trucks

  • Sport utility vehicles (SUVs)

  • Vans

The law also applies to cars purchased or leased by a resident of Michigan and covered by the express warranty at the time of lease or purchase. However, the law does not cover motorhomes, buses, motorcycles, large trucks (aside from vans and pickups), or off-road vehicles; other laws could apply for those items.

Does Michigan's Lemon Law Cover Used Vehicles?

Unfortunately, Michigan's Lemon Law does not generally cover used vehicles. However, the law does apply to a car that is still "covered by a manufacturer's express warranty at the period of lease or purchase," provided that the authorized dealer or car manufacturer was notified about the fault within one year of delivery to the car's original purchaser. Therefore, Michigan's Lemon Law might apply to any used vehicle that meets the above criteria under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.

Which Vehicles Are Covered by Ohio’s Lemon Law?

Ohio's Lemon Law provides coverage to passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and other non-commercial cars that are designed to carry a maximum load of one ton and are used only for personal driving. Also, the Lemon Law applies to new vehicles that develop a problem within the first 18,000 miles or 12 months of ownership. The law covers both purchased and leased new vehicles.

Does Ohio's Lemon Law Cover Used Vehicles?

Unfortunately, the Lemon Law in Ohio generally doesn't apply to used cars. The law only covers new cars that develop a fault during the first 12 months or 18,000 miles of purchase.

How Our Firm Can Help

A repeated, unfixable problem with your vehicle can have a significant impact on the car's safety, usage, and value. If your car repeatedly breaks down and meets the lemon law requirements for Michigan or Ohio, you may be well within your rights to obtain a refund or a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer. Alternatively, you may be entitled to some form of financial recovery. Hiring a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney who can help protect your rights and seek rightful compensation is an important first step toward getting the justice you deserve.

I have devoted my career to providing experienced legal counsel and representation to clients fighting against auto manufacturers and dealerships selling defective cars. As your legal counsel, I will investigate the details of your case and determine the best way to proceed with your Lemon Law claim. I will work diligently to help you pursue a Lemon Law claim on your vehicle in Michigan and Ohio and will fight to protect your rights and represent your best interests. With me on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands as I pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.

If you have purchased or leased a defective vehicle in Michigan or Ohio, state Lemon Laws can offer you the relief you need. Call Ronald S. Weiss Attorney & Counselor today to schedule a one-on-one case consultation. I can offer you the experienced legal guidance you need, fight to protect your rights, and help you pursue the best possible outcome. I'm proud to serve clients across Michigan and Ohio — so call today to get the help you need!