Consumers who buy new vehicles have an expectation that, with a little maintenance, the vehicle will last for many years. Unfortunately, some consumers are disappointed when their new vehicles fail to provide even the most basic reliability and safety. Ohio lemon laws protect consumers in these circumstances, and here’s what you need to know.
What is Covered Under Lemon Laws?Ohio lemon laws cover manufacturer defects that are included in the vehicle warranty. This includes all components that are listed in the warranty, so you should first review the documentation that came with the vehicle. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to find out if the faulty parts are covered. You must also report the problems to the manufacturer. Document all repairs, dates of reporting issues to the manufacturer, and any conversations with the dealership or manufacturer
How Do Consumers Know When a New Vehicle is a Lemon?
Just because a you have a problem with your new vehicle, it does not necessarily mean that you have a lemon. The laws in Ohio define a lemon as situations in which:
- One attempt to repair a serious problem with the vehicle fails to remedy the issue
- The vehicle is in the repair shop for at least 30 days cumulatively within the first year or 18,000 miles
- A mechanic attempts to fix the problem three or more times to no avail – either the problem is not fixed or it happens again
- The consumer has the vehicle in the shop eight or more times for multiple problems
What Consumers Can Do
Consumers can work with the dealership or manufacturer to find a solution. The manufacturer can either refund the money spent on the vehicle or provide the consumer with a comparable new vehicle. If you have tried these options and gotten nowhere, it may be time to contact an attorney to discuss the case.
Learn More About Your Rights Under the Lemon Law
