When Can a Vehicle Be Considered a Lemon in Michigan?

Navigating the complexities of Michigan’s Lemon Law can be both daunting and confusing for vehicle owners experiencing persistent issues with their automobiles. At The Liblang Law Firm P.C., we provide legal guidance and representation to consumers facing such challenges. With over three decades of experience as consumer advocates, we are uniquely positioned to help you understand when your vehicle can be considered a lemon under Michigan law.

Michigan’s Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards. These laws ensure that if your vehicle has significant defects that impair its use, value, or safety, you may be entitled to relief. However, not all problematic vehicles qualify as lemons, and there are specific criteria that must be met.

Criteria for a Vehicle to Be Considered a Lemon in Michigan

1. Substantial Impairment: The vehicle must have a defect or condition that substantially impairs its value, use, or safety. This means that the issue must be significant enough to impact the vehicle’s performance or your ability to use it as intended.
2. Warranty Coverage: The defect must occur within the manufacturer’s warranty period. This ensures that the vehicle’s issues are not due to normal wear and tear or other external factors beyond the manufacturer’s control.
3. Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: You must have given the manufacturer or its authorized dealer a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem. Under Michigan law, this typically means that the vehicle has been subject to repair four or more times for the same issue within two years of the first repair attempt or it has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more days during the warranty period or the first year, whichever comes first.
4. Notification to the Manufacturer: After the third repair attempt or after the vehicle has been out of service for at least 25 days, you must notify the manufacturer of the need for repair. This gives the manufacturer one final opportunity to address the defect.

If your vehicle meets these criteria, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement vehicle under Michigan’s Lemon Law. It’s important to note that the process involves specific steps and documentation, including keeping detailed records of all repair attempts and communications with the manufacturer or dealer.

Get Legal Help

At The Liblang Law Firm P.C., we understand how frustrating it is to deal with a lemon. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process to obtain compensation. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation case review to evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action.

With our extensive experience in lemon law cases, you can trust us to provide the authoritative and professional representation you need. We are committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that you receive fair treatment and justice.

Schedule a Consultation

If you believe your vehicle may be a lemon, do not hesitate to contact us. Let our experience work for you in navigating the complexities of Michigan’s Lemon Law and fighting for your rights as a consumer.