New York City Lemon Law
Thousands of New Yorkers unknowingly purchase and lease defective vehicles every year. As excitement quickly turns into frustration, it's important to know that New York has a lemon law in place to protect consumers like you from defective vehicles that cannot be repaired.
If your vehicle meets the qualifications of New York City lemon law, you may be entitled to a full refund or replacement vehicle. Does your vehicle meet these requirements?
- The dealer has made an unreasonable number of repair attempts to fix the vehicle.
- Your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more total days.
- The defect showed symptoms within the first 18,000 miles or 24 months of ownership.
If your vehicle meets these qualifications, you may be eligible for a claim under New York lemon law.
What Qualifies as a Lemon in New York?
A "lemon" under New York law refers to a new or leased vehicle that has a defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. To qualify under New York Lemon Law, the vehicle must:
- Be covered under the original warranty when the defect was first reported to the manufacturer.
- The new vehicle was purchased or leased in New York or is currently registered in New York.
- You use your vehicle primarily for personal use.
Watch Attorney Emma Robison explain the New York Lemon Law:
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Robison Lemon Law Group provides free consultations to New York City residents who believe they have a defective vehicle. Our lawyers will determine if you have a valid case and guide you through the next steps.
What is a "Unreasonable" Number of Repair Attempts?
The manufacturer must be unable to repair the vehicle within a "reasonable" number of repair attempts- but how many attempts is deemed "unreasonable"? In New York, this usually means that within the initial 24 months or 18,000 miles:
- The dealer has made at least four unsuccessful repair attempts to fix the vehicle and it continues to exist.
- The car has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days.
Common Defects That Lead to Lemon Law Complaints in New York
Some of the most common issues that have led to lemon law complaints in New York City include:
- Engine Problems
- Electrical System Failures
- Transmission Issues
- Fuel System Defects
- Airbag Defects
- Steering or Brake Problems
These issues can make the vehicle unsafe to drive and significantly decrease its overall performance. If your car is experiencing any of these defects and cannot be fixed, it could be classified as a lemon under New York law.
How Does the New York Lemon Law Process Work?
Simply noticing a defect or nonconformity doesn't automatically qualify your vehicle as a lemon under New York City lemon law. To earn compensation for your defective vehicle, the following steps must be taken:
- Report the Defect to the Dealer or Manufacturer
Notify the dealership of the defect and bring it in for service. Keep a copy of all repair orders for your records. Make sure they document the date of the defect, the nature of the issue, and the repair attempt(s) made. - Allow the Dealer or Manufacturer a Reasonable Time to Repair
The manufacturer's authorized repair facility must be given a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. The number of attempts depends on the severity of the issue, but the law typically allows up to 4 repair attempts - or 30 days of being out of service. - Request a Refund or Replacement Vehicle
If the issue remains unresolved after an unreasonable number attempts, you can ask for a refund or replacement vehicle with the help of a New York City lemon law lawyer. The manufacturer may offer a settlement or compensation, but you are entitled to seek legal help if they refuse to comply. - Initiate a Court Case
If the manufacturer doesn't offer a satisfactory resolution, you can or file a lawsuit under New York's Lemon Law.
The Role of a Lemon Law Lawyer in New York
Consumers may try to pursue a lemon law claim without an experienced attorney - but earning a fair settlement is very difficult. Having an experienced lemon law lawyer in New York can significantly increase your chances of success. An attorney can help you file a claim, gather necessary documentation, and negotiate with the manufacturer for the compensation you deserve.Â
How Much Does a New York City Lemon Law Lawyer Cost?
Under NY Lemon Law the manufacturer is responsible for attorney fees and costs, which means you don't have to pay anything unless they win your case. In other words, it costs nothing upfront to hire a New York City lemon law lawyer.
What Does the Lemon Law Entitle You To?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under New York law, you may be entitled to:
- A Full Buyback
This includes a refund of the purchase price of the vehicle minus a deduction for usage based on miles over 12,000. - A Replacement Vehicle
If you prefer, you can request a replacement vehicle of equal or greater MSRP. If the vehicle is of greater MSRP the consumer is responsible for the difference. - Â Reimbursement for Legal Fees
If your case is successful, the manufacturer may be required to pay your attorney's fees and court costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact a New York Lemon Law Lawyer Today
If you suspect that your vehicle is a lemon and have experienced persistent defects that haven't been resolved after multiple attempts, contact a New York City lemon law lawyer immediately to evaluate your case. The sooner you start the lemon law claims process, the better your chances of success.
Don't let a defective vehicle cause ongoing frustration. Reach out to an experienced lemon law lawyer in New York for a free consultation today and get the compensation you deserve.
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