The lemon law, as it is commonly called, protects the buyers of new (and sometimes used) vehicles. Many times, it also pertains to any leased trucks, cars, or vans that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. While the law itself doesn’t eliminate all problems you might encounter with the car, it can make sure the manufacturer honors the provisions of their warranty. It also allows Minnesota residents the ability to have arbitration to find a suitable way to get restitution, such as refunding the purchase price or some of it, replacing the vehicle with another, and more.
What Vehicles are Covered?
In Minnesota, it covers any new vehicle that was leased or purchased in the state, but it also covers used vehicles that still have their manufacturer’s warranty. The car must be used 40 percent or more for personal, household, and family purposes.
Leased vehicles also fall under the law if the term of the lease is more than four months.
To qualify, the defect has to be reported within two years or within the warranty period, whichever is first. However, if you’re still having the same issue that continues, you can make your claim up to three years later.
Their Responsibility
The manufacturer is required to ensure that the product they make and sell is sound. Your vehicle is considered a lemon if there have been four or more attempts to fix the issue that was unsuccessful. If the defect causes failure of the braking or steering system, they only have to try and fix it once before it is considered a lemon.
The Minnesota Lemon Law is there to protect you from purchasing a vehicle that never seems to get fixed. Visit Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center ® to learn more.
