Buying a new car is a significant investment, and you expect it to work as advertised. But what happens when your brand-new vehicle repeatedly lands you in the repair shop? If you’re in Minnesota, you’re protected by the Minnesota New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act, commonly known as the state’s lemon law. This isn’t about a minor scratch; it’s about serious, recurring defects that impact your vehicle’s usability.
This blog post will walk you through the key aspects of Minnesota’s lemon law, helping you understand your rights and how to proceed if your new car turns out to be a lemon.
What constitutes a “lemon” in Minnesota?
The law doesn’t define “lemon” directly, but it focuses on substantial defects that affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. This typically involves a problem that:
Substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. This isn’t a minor inconvenience; it’s a significant issue. Think repeated failures of major systems like the engine, transmission, or brakes, not a faulty door handle.
Occurs during the warranty period. This is usually the manufacturer’s warranty, but it can extend beyond it in certain scenarios.
Has been subject to a reasonable number of repair attempts. The law doesn’t specify a magic number of repairs, but the more attempts, the stronger your case. The key is that the repairs haven’t fixed the problem. The dealer must also have had a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect.
What are your rights under the Minnesota Lemon Law?
If your vehicle meets the criteria above, you have the right to demand either:
A replacement vehicle: The manufacturer may be required to replace your lemon with a comparable vehicle.
A refund of the purchase price: You may be entitled to a full refund of the purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for your use of the vehicle.
The Process:
Before initiating legal action, you must typically follow these steps:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all repairs, including dates, descriptions of the problems, and names of service personnel. Photos and videos are incredibly helpful.
- Notify the manufacturer: You’ll need to formally notify the manufacturer of the defect and your dissatisfaction. Often, this involves sending a certified letter. The manufacturer will typically investigate the issue and possibly offer additional repairs.
- Arbitration (Often Required): Minnesota’s lemon law often involves mandatory arbitration. This is a less formal process than going to court, and a neutral arbitrator will hear both sides and make a decision. This step is crucial, and failure to comply can weaken your case.
- Legal Action (If necessary): If arbitration fails to resolve the issue favorably, you can pursue legal action. An attorney specializing in lemon law can significantly increase your chances of success.
Important Considerations:
Time Limits: There are time limits for filing a claim under the lemon law. Don’t delay; act promptly.
Used Vehicles: While the Minnesota Lemon Law primarily applies to new vehicles, some protections may extend to used vehicles under certain circumstances, particularly if they are still under a manufacturer’s warranty.
Legal Representation: Considering legal representation is highly recommended. A lemon law attorney can guide you through the process, ensure your rights are protected, and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Don’t let a faulty vehicle ruin your peace of mind. Understanding your rights under Minnesota’s lemon law is the first step toward securing a fair resolution. Remember to document everything, follow the proper notification procedures, and consider seeking legal counsel if necessary. Your new car should work, and this law helps ensure it does.