Nobody purchases a new or used car expecting it to have problems. Yet, the reality is that things can and do sometimes go wrong. That’s why lemon laws exist – to protect consumers who have purchased a car with significant, reoccurring mechanical defects.

These laws provide remedies for those who have purchased a vehicle (under warranty) with one or more ongoing defects. Typically, in the form of a lemon buyback (refund) or replacement vehicle. Lemon laws are state-specific and vary widely in terms of consumer rights and obligations.

But which states in the US have the strongest lemon laws? In this post, we’ll go over the various protections offered by lemon laws in the US and discuss which states have the most consumer-friendly legislation.

The Lemon Law Landscape of The United States

Before discussing the strongest lemon laws in the US, let’s take a closer look at the lemon law landscape.

The federal lemon law – The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act – is a law that provides consumers with basic protections when they purchase consumer products (including cars). This act requires manufacturers to honor their warranties and abide by any written agreements. It also makes it easier for consumers to take legal action if they feel their rights have been violated. In addition, it makes the manufacturer liable for any costs associated with successful lawsuits.

However, this federal law doesn’t provide much detailed guidance when it comes to lemon laws. Therefore, it’s up to the states to define their own lemon laws and determine what kind of protections they want to offer consumers.

Some states have very comprehensive lemon laws, while others offer minimal protections. As a result, the strength of lemon laws can vary greatly from state to state.

Which States Have the Strongest Lemon Laws?

Here are a few of the top states with the best lemon laws:

1. California Lemon Law

CA lemon law in the US is considered one of the strongest. Most states’ lemon laws only cover new vehicles, but California offers protection for both new and used cars under its lemon law. In addition, the state’s lemon law also covers leased vehicles.

To qualify for the lemon law in California, a vehicle must:

• Be covered under the manufacturer or dealer warranty when the defect or nonconformity was first reported; and
• Have one or more defect/nonconformities that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety; and
• Have been subjected to a reasonable number of repair attempts by a manufacturer-certified facility to fix the defect/nonconformity; or
• Have been out of service for repairs on one or more defects/nonconformities for at least 30 days; and
• The defect or nonconformity must not have been caused by driver abuse or neglect.

If your car meets these California lemon law requirements, you may be entitled to a refund of your purchase price or a replacement vehicle. You may also be entitled to reimbursement for certain expenses, such as towing and rental car costs.

Be aware that the lemon law process can be complex, and you may need the assistance of an experienced CA Lemon Law Attorney to navigate it. They will help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking a resolution.

2. New Jersey Lemon Law

The New Jersey lemon law is another strong set of regulations for consumers. Like the California lemon law, it covers both new and used vehicles that are under warranty.

Under the New Jersey lemon law, consumers are entitled to a replacement vehicle or buyback if their car has been in the shop three or more times. Towing costs and other fees may also be covered if the consumer meets the necessary requirements.

3. Washington Lemon Law

The Washington lemon law only applies to new cars under warranty, but it is still considered one of the strongest lemon laws in the US.

Under the Washington lemon law, if a car is in the shop four or more times for repair of the same nonconformity. Or, if it has been out of service for 15 days or more within one year of purchase, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a buyback.

The state also has provisions that allow consumers to recover towing fees, rental car costs, and other expenses related to the lemon law claim.

Final Thoughts

It pays to know your lemon law rights in your state. The lemon laws in California, New Jersey, and Washington are some of the strongest in the US. However, there may be other states with strong protections as well. Doing your research can help you understand what kind of protection you have if you purchase a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon.

Author Bio: Brian K. Cline’s Lemon Law Legal Group provides premier legal services. Our California lemon law lawyers aggressively and ethically force vehicle manufacturers to buy back defective and dangerous vehicles. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of combined trial experience.