How Do I Know if My Car Qualifies as a Lemon?

Purchasing a vehicle is a significant financial investment, and it can be frustrating and stressful when your new or leased car fails to meet expectations due to recurring defects. Fortunately, lemon laws exist to protect consumers from vehicles that fail to perform as promised under the manufacturer’s warranty. If you suspect your car might be a lemon, understanding the criteria under Michigan’s Lemon Law is essential. At the Liblang Law Firm P.C., we help Michigan consumers confidently identify and address lemon law issues.

What Is a Lemon?

Under Michigan Lemon Law, a “lemon” refers to a vehicle with persistent defects that impair its use, safety or value. These defects remain unresolved despite multiple repair attempts by the manufacturer or its authorized service centers. The law specifically applies to new passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and vans purchased or leased in Michigan that are still covered by the manufacturer’s express warranty.

It’s important to note that even if your vehicle does not qualify under Michigan’s state lemon law, federal statutes such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may offer additional protection.

Criteria for Determining if Your Vehicle Qualifies as a Lemon

To determine if your car qualifies as a lemon, it must meet specific criteria under Michigan law. These include:

1. Significant Defect

The defect or condition must impair the vehicle’s use, safety or value. Examples include engine failure, defective brakes, malfunctioning airbags, electrical issues or problems with the transmission. Minor or cosmetic issues typically do not qualify under lemon law protections.

2. Repeated Repair Attempts

Michigan Lemon Law presumes a reasonable number of repair attempts have been made if:

• The defect persists after four or more attempts to fix the same issue within two years of the first repair attempt.
• The vehicle has been out of service for 30 days or more (cumulative) due to repairs within the warranty period or the first year of ownership.

3. Exclusions and Limitations

The law does not cover defects resulting from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications. Additionally, it primarily applies to new vehicles, though in some cases, used cars with existing warranty coverage may also receive protection if defects were reported within the first year.

Signs Your Car Might Be a Lemon

If you’re frequently returning to the dealership for repairs, it may be time to evaluate whether your vehicle is a lemon. Common signs include:

• Unresolved safety recalls or persistent safety system failures (e.g., airbags, brakes).
• Persistent check-engine light warnings despite repairs.
• Long durations when your car is undriveable due to recurring issues.
• Repairs that temporarily address problems but fail to provide lasting solutions.

How The Liblang Law Firm P.C. Can Help

If your car meets these criteria, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement or compensation under Michigan law. At the Liblang Law Firm P.C., our experienced lemon law attorney works hard to protect consumer rights and seek favorable outcomes for clients. With decades of experience, we offer trusted guidance and ensure you’re well-represented throughout the process.

Contact Us Today for Assistance

Don’t endure the frustration of a defective vehicle alone. If you suspect your car is a lemon, the Liblang Law Firm P.C. can help. We’ll review your case, explain your rights and help you pursue the resolution you deserve. Contact our firm today to get started.