How to Tell If Your New Car Is a Lemon in Michigan
Purchasing or leasing a new car is an exciting milestone. With any new vehicle, you expect it to run smoothly, provide reliability, and meet the promises made at the time of purchase.
However, not every vehicle lives up to these expectations. When persistent defects or safety concerns arise, your new car may qualify as a "lemon" under Michigan law.
At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we are experienced in helping our clients understand their rights under Michigan’s lemon law and pursue the remedies to which they are entitled. If your new vehicle has experienced ongoing issues or safety defects, we can help you determine whether it qualifies as a lemon and explore your options.
What Constitutes a Lemon in Michigan?
Michigan’s lemon law is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles with substantial defects. To determine whether your car qualifies as a lemon, your vehicle must meet specific criteria. Generally, to qualify as a lemon, your car must:
Have a significant defect that is covered by the warranty and that occurred within a specific period or before a certain number of miles traveled.
Have a substantial defect that impacts the vehicle's use, value or safety and cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. According to Michigan Consumer Protection, the vehicle will need to undergo at least four repair attempts within two years of the first repair attempt (this can get specific and should be discussed/analyzed by an attorney familiar with the statute).
Have spent 30 days or more at the dealership for repairs within the first year of ownership due to a defect.
Minor inconveniences that don’t impact the owner's use, value or safety typically won’t qualify your vehicle as a lemon under Michigan law. For example, a defective radio or a slight cosmetic issue typically would not be covered. However, problems that prevent the car from operating as it should, such as engine failure or recurring brake malfunctions, could certainly qualify. The defect certainly doesn't need to be engine or brake related, those are simply two illustrations of defects that are likely to qualify.
Additionally, the issue cannot be the result of an accident, neglect, or unauthorized modification. If you believe your new vehicle might qualify as a lemon, reach out to our experienced Michigan lemon law attorney today.
Common Issues That Might Make Your Vehicle a Lemon
The designation "lemon" pertains to issues that are recurring and that impact the usability or safety of the vehicle. The most frequent types of issues that commonly result in a vehicle being deemed a lemon include the following:
Engine or transmission failures: Major mechanical issues that prevent the vehicle from running properly.
Defective brakes: Frequent brake system malfunctions or problems that reduce your vehicle’s ability to stop safely.
Electrical system problems: Persistent issues with essential electrical components, such as the ignition system or navigation display.
Powertrain issues: Problems with the powertrain, such as gear-shifting difficulties or strange noises during vehicle operation.
Malfunctioning airbags or safety features: Defects that impact airbags, seat belts, or other critical safety equipment can create potentially life-threatening risks.
Recurring leaks: Persistent leaks, whether from the engine, transmission, or sunroof, that cannot be repaired after reasonable attempts.
If your new vehicle has experienced one or more of these significant defects soon after purchasing or leasing your vehicle, reach out to our experienced Michigan lemon law attorneys for guidance on what steps to take and how you can recover compensation. Certainly, if you have problems outside these examples, please reach out as well, so that we can work through your specific facts.
What to Do If You Think Your New Car Is a Lemon
If you suspect that your new car is a lemon, it's important to take the right steps to protect your rights. While the specifics of every case vary, the general steps you should take with the assistance of an attorney include the following:
Consult a lemon law attorney: If your vehicle is experiencing recurring issues, speak with a skilled Michigan lemon law attorney who can represent your interests and handle negotiations on your behalf.
Document all issues and repairs: Keep a detailed record of every defect or problem your car experiences. Include the dates, descriptions of the issues, and repair attempts. Save receipts, service orders, and any correspondence with your dealer or manufacturer.
Review your warranty: Double-check the terms of your vehicle’s warranty to confirm the coverage period and scope.
Have your attorney contact the manufacturer or dealer: Have your attorney notify the manufacturer or dealer about the issue. They must be given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair the defect.
Track the repair attempts and downtime: Keep track of how many attempts have been made to fix the defect and how many total days your vehicle has been out of service at the dealership.
Negotiating with manufacturers can be challenging. They may try to deny your claim or minimize the issue. By working with an experienced attorney, you can make sure your case is handled effectively and your rights are respected.
Contact an Experienced Michigan Lemon Law Attorney Today
Dealing with a defective car can be frustrating, especially when it's a new vehicle. However, there are steps you can take to seek repairs and pursue compensation under Michigan's lemon law.
At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we’re committed to helping you resolve your case efficiently. We’ll help you gather the necessary documentation, communicate with the manufacturer, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
If your new car is experiencing recurring defects that threaten its performance or safety, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation. With offices in Toledo, Ohio, and West Bloomfield, Michigan, we serve clients throughout Ohio and Michigan.