If you're a Rochester, NY resident dealing with a defective vehicle that constantly requires repairs, you're not alone. Many drivers in Rochester find themselves stuck with cars that underperform or are unsafe — and that's where New York's lemon law comes in. The law protects drivers like you to make sure you aren't left footing the bill for a vehicle that doesn’t work as promised.
When a defective car just won’t stay fixed, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or compensation under the Rochester lemon law. Here’s what qualifies:
- The manufacturer or dealer fails to repair the same problem after a reasonable number of attempts.
- The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs.
- The problem began within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.
What is Considered a “Lemon” in Rochester, NY?
A vehicle is considered a "lemon" in Rochester if it has a defect that affects its safety, performance, or value, and the issue persists after multiple repair attempts. To qualify:
- The defect must have occurred while the vehicle was under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The vehicle must have been purchased or leased in New York or be registered in the state.
- The vehicle is mainly used for personal, family, or household purposes.
Watch Attorney Emma Robison Explain Rochester Lemon Law:
Free Case Review for Rochester Drivers
At Robison Lemon Law Group, we provide free consultations to Rochester vehicle owners who believe they have purchased or leased a defective car. Our legal team has years of experience negotiating with manufacturers to make our clients get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today and get your free case evaluation.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Ruled "Unreasonable"?
Under the Rochester lemon law, manufacturers must be given a fair opportunity to fix your car’s defect(s). However, they don’t have an endless number of attempts. In most cases, an unreasonable number of attempts is:
- More than four repair attempts for the same problem.
- 30+ days (total) spent in the shop for repairs.
Common Vehicle Defects in Rochester Lemon Law Cases
We frequently encounter the following vehicle defects in lemon law claims in Rochester:
- Engine failure or stalling
- Transmission slipping or delays
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Brake or steering instability
- Airbag deployment failure
- Fuel system problems
If your vehicle is dealing with any these issues or other serious defects, it may be time to consider pursuing a lemon law claim.
How the Rochester Lemon Law Process Works
- Report the Defect
Write to or call the dealership or manufacturer to explain the defect. They will direct you to a manufacturer-certified repair facility to begin the repair process. Be sure to document the defect and all repair attempts made. - Allow for Repair Attempts
The manufacturer or dealer must be given at least 4 attempts to fix the issue or 30 days total in the shop for repairs. - Request a Buyback or Replacement
If the issue is not resolved after an unreasonable number of attempts, you can request a full refund or replacement vehicle under New York lemon law. - Take Legal Action
If the manufacturer refuses to cooperate, our attorneys at Robison Lemon Law Group will take the necessary steps to file a claim and fight for your rights.
Why Hire a Rochester Lemon Law Attorney?
Handling a lemon law claim without legal representation can be extremely challenging – and in some cases, impossible. Manufacturers have extremely high powered legal defense teams to fight lemon law claims.
A skilled Rochester lemon law attorney knows how to manage these negotiations and avoid low settlements. When you hire us, we’ll make sure your paperwork is accurate, your rights are protected, and you get the compensation you’re owed. From documentation to final negotiations, we’ve got you covered.
What Does a Rochester Lemon Law Lawyer Cost?
At Robison Lemon Law Group, we don’t charge upfront fees to take cases. When we win your case, the manufacturer will be responsible for all of our fees and court costs. You pay nothing to hire us.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If we win your lemon law case, you could receive the following:
- A Full Refund
This includes the purchase price of the vehicle, minus some deductions, like for mileage over 12,000 miles. - A Replacement Vehicle
If you’d prefer, you can request a comparable vehicle of equal or greater value. If you choose a higher-priced vehicle, you’ll pay the price difference in MSRP. - Coverage for All Legal Fees
If your case is successful, the manufacturer is required to cover your attorney’s fees and court costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester Lemon Law
What qualifies a car as a lemon in Rochester?
A vehicle with a significant defect (which was reported in the first 2 years or 18,000 miles) that impairs its safety, performance, or value - and remains unresolved after several repair attempts - may qualify under Rochester’s lemon law.
Is there a time limit for filing a Rochester lemon law claim?
Yes, the New York statute of limitations states that you must file a claim within 4 years from the vehicle's original delivery date. We recommend not waiting this long, as doing so can make your case more challenging.
How long does a Rochester Lemon Law case take?
Lemon law cases in Rochester can take several months to a year, depending on the nature of the defect, the manufacturer’s willingness to settle fairly, or whether litigation is required.
Can I negotiate a lemon law claim without an attorney?
While it's possible, manufacturers often offer low settlements or resist claims when a consumer doesn’t have an attorney. It’s an easy win for them. A skilled New York lemon law lawyer will strengthen your case and help you manage negotiations to get the compensation you deserve.
What damages can I recover?
If you win your case, you may recover:
- The purchase price of the vehicle, or
- A comparable replacement car (of equal or greater MSRP)
- Coverage for all legal fees and court costs
- Additional costs like towing or rental fees
Contact a Rochester Lemon Law Lawyer Today
If you’re stuck with a defective vehicle, don’t wait to take action. Our Rochester-based lemon law attorneys at Robison Lemon Law Group are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Request your free consultation now!
Get a Free Case Evaluation
Request a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Our Lemon Law attorneys will strategically evaluate your situation and recommend the best course of action.
Colorado Lemon Law Requirements
While federal laws such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act govern product liability and warranties, Colorado lemon laws provide specific protections for owners of defective new vehicles.
Lemon laws in Colorado only apply to new vehicles. Unfortunately, there are no similar laws in the State of Colorado that apply to used cars.
New Car Lemon Law in Colorado
- The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use or decrease the market value of the car.
- The defect must arise within one year of purchasing the vehicle or delivery of the car, whichever is later.
- Customers must make reasonable attempts to correct the defect before lemon laws apply.
- Colorado defines a reasonable number of attempts to 3 visits or more tries in the first year of owning the car.
- Lemon laws will also apply if the car has been in for repair for more than 24 business days for the same repair. The 24 business days do not have to be consecutive.
- Defects like rattles or squeaks will not trigger lemon laws in Colorado because they do not affect the use or market value of the car.
- Before suing under Colorado’s lemon laws, the consumer must send a written notice of the defect to the manufacturer by certified mail.
- Once the notice has been mailed, the consumer must also go through the manufacturer’s informal dispute resolution process, if one exists.
- You must also allow the manufacturer another chance to repair the car after this notice.
- If there is a defect that cannot be repaired after reasonable attempts, the manufacturer has the option to replace the vehicle or refund you the purchase price
Breach of Warranty in Colorado
Lemon laws are just another way that you can force a manufacturer to adhere to the warranty that already comes with your new vehicle. In Colorado, you can sue a manufacturer by going through the lemon law process as well as suing under “common law” breach of express warranty. In fact, lemon laws are considered a form of breach of warranty laws. They are simply specific to the automotive industry.
To prove breach of warranty in Colorado, you must show:
- The manufacturer expressly warranted the product to perform in a certain way
- The plaintiff was reasonably expected to use the product
- The product was not as warrantied
- The violation of the warranty caused you damages or other losses
- The plaintiff notified the manufacturer of the breach of warranty within a reasonable time after discovering the problem
Lemon laws are similar, but they are less strict. They do not require that you prove any particular damage, for example, other than that the vehicle was not working as expected.
Exceptions to Colorado Lemon Laws
Colorado lemon laws are limited. You must discover the defect within one year of the date that you purchased the vehicle or the time of the delivery of the car, whichever is later. Motorcycles and motorhomes are not covered. Generally, the car must also be used for personal reasons, which means that business-use vehicles likely don’t qualify for lemon law protections. Used cars also do not qualify under Colorado lemon laws, either.
In Colorado, lemon laws are also explicitly tied to the language in the manufacturer’s warranty language. That means that if the manufacturer does not cover a specific item, then there likely is no lemon law protection for that defect.
It also means that if the warranty is for less than one year, then the shorter warranty period will apply, rather than one year that is set out by Colorado law.
Colorado Lemon Law Cases
Robison Lemon Law Group, LLC has significant experience with lemon law cases.
For example, we won cases that deal with:
- Engine failures
- Electrical defects
- Brake issues
- Alignment problems
- Rattling and shuddering that causes problems controlling the car
- Transmission issues
- Turbo problems
Every case is different. Previous successful cases are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Let us evaluate your situation to determine whether pursuing a lemon law claim is the right option for you.
Talk to an Experienced Lemon Lawyer in Colorado and Get a Free Case Evaluation
If you suspect that your vehicle has a defect that triggers Colorado lemon laws, you need to act quickly because of Colorado’s short period in which to attempt to address the flaw. Having an attorney help you with this process can be extremely beneficial.
Contact the team at Robison Lemon Law Group, LLC by filling out the Question/Contact form to your right.
Find Out if YOU Qualify for the Lemon Law
Not sure if your car, truck, or motorcycle is a lemon? Find out in seconds using our lemon checker.
Did you buy your car new or used?