How Does Michigan Define A “Reasonable Number” Of Repair Attempts For A Lemon Vehicle?

Michigan drivers who purchased a defective vehicle don’t have to suffer in silence. The state’s Lemon Law provides clear protection for consumers stuck with problematic cars, trucks and SUVs. If your vehicle remains defective despite multiple repair attempts, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At The Liblang Law Firm P.C., we help Michigan consumers navigate lemon law cases. Here’s what constitutes a lemon under the law:

• Defects that greatly affect the usability, safety or value of your vehicle
• Problems that prevent the vehicle from conforming to the manufacturer’s express warranty
• Issues that persist despite repair attempts during the warranty period
• Defects reported within one year of the original delivery date

Which Vehicles Are Protected Under Michigan’s Lemon Law?

Michigan’s Lemon Law covers specific vehicle types purchased or leased within the state. The protection extends to:

• Passenger vehicles
• Sport utility vehicles (SUVs)
• Pickup trucks
• Vans

These vehicles must have been purchased or leased in Michigan with a manufacturer’s express warranty. If you’re a Michigan resident who purchased the vehicle out of state, the law may still apply.

The law does not cover motor homes, buses, commercial trucks, motorcycles or off-road vehicles. Additionally, the protection generally applies to new vehicles, though some used vehicles still under manufacturer warranty may qualify.

What Constitutes A “Reasonable Number” Of Repair Attempts?

Michigan law defines a reasonable number of repair attempts using specific criteria. Your vehicle might be eligible for protection under lemon law if either of these conditions is met:

Four or More Repair Attempts

If the same defect persists after four or more repair attempts within two years of the first repair attempt, your vehicle meets the reasonable number threshold. The manufacturer must have had adequate opportunity to fix the problem, and the issue must substantially impair your vehicle’s use, value or safety.

30 or More Days Out of Service

Alternatively, if your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more days during the warranty term, you may have a valid lemon law claim. This timeframe is calculated within one year from the original delivery date to the first buyer, whichever comes first.

Notably, the 30-day rule doesn’t require the same problem to cause all the downtime. Multiple different issues that keep your vehicle in the shop can collectively meet this threshold.

What Steps Should You Take If Your Vehicle Qualifies?

If your vehicle meets either repair attempt criterion, you must provide the manufacturer with one final opportunity to fix the problem. Send written notice via return receipt service after the third repair attempt or after 25 days of service time.

The manufacturer has five business days to complete repairs once they receive your vehicle at their designated facility. If they fail to fix the problem within this timeframe, you become eligible for:

• A complete refund of the purchase or lease price
• A comparable replacement vehicle
• Cash settlement for your troubles

Keep detailed records throughout this process:

• Maintain copies of all correspondence with manufacturers and dealers
• Save work orders showing repair dates and vehicle mileage
• Document all time your vehicle spends in the repair shop
• Follow all warranty requirements, including using authorized dealers

Protect Your Rights With Professional Legal Help

Michigan’s Lemon Law provides robust protection for consumers, but navigating the process requires persistence. The Liblang Law Firm P.C. has successfully recovered substantial settlements for clients. If your vehicle has required multiple repair attempts for the same issue or has spent extensive time in the shop, don’t wait to seek professional legal assistance. Contact us to explore your options under Michigan’s Lemon Law.