What Is The Manufacturer's Duty To Refund Or Replace?

The law has special refund and replacement provisions for cars that have substantial defects or problems, commonly called lemons. Under the law, if the manufacturer or the authorized dealer has been unable to repair a car`s problem after a reasonable number of attempts, the buyer or lessee may go through a manufacturer`s arbitration program, or to court, to seek a full refund of the car`s purchase price (minus a deduction for the use of the vehicle). The law considers a reasonable number of attempts to be any one of the following:

Four or more unsuccessful attempts to repair the same defect; or
One unsuccessful attempt to repair a defect which has caused the complete failure of the steering or braking system and which is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; or,
A car which has been out of service due to warranty repairs for 30 or more cumulative business days.

In each case the initial defect must occur within the warranty period, or two years, whichever comes first, but the manufacturer`s repair attempts may extend to the end of the third year. Even if you do meet one of the above categories, you may still have a lemon law claim, but it will be harder to prove.

Other Minnesota Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Minnesota Motor Vehicle Warranty Statue?
A: Popularly known as the lemon law, Minnesota`s motor vehicle warranty statue was created to help protect you when you buy or lease a car, pickup truck, or van, which is … More
Q: What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: The Minnesota lemon law covers new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Minnesota. It also covers used vehicles which are still under the original manufacturer`s … More
Q: What Is The Manufacturer's Duty To Repair?
A: The manufacturer or its authorized dealer must repair a motor in accordance with the terms of the warranty, even after the manufacturer`s warranty has expired, if: The … More
Q: When Would A Refund Or Replacement Not Be Given?
A: Be aware that the manufacturer does not have to make a refund or replace the vehicle if: The problem does not substantially impair the use or market value of the … More
Q: What Are The Refund And Replacement Eligibility Requirements?
A: Just because a repair shop has made a number of unsuccessful attempts to fix your car you are not automatically eligible for a refund or replacement vehicle. You must … More
Q: What Can I Expect If I Am Awarded A Refund?
A: If you are awarded a refund under the terms of the lemon law, the manufacturer must refund: The full purchase price of the vehicle, or the amount you actually paid on … More
Q: How Does Arbitration Work?
A: Automobile manufacturers doing business in Minnesota must offer consumers an arbitration program which considers consumers` warranty related disputes. A manufacturer`s … More
Q: How Should I Prepare My Lemon Law Claim?
A: Keep copies of all purchase orders, sales receipts, lease agreements, warranties, repair invoices, letters and other documents concerning your vehicle and any of its … More
Q: What If I Decide To Sue?
A: If you feel you must bring a lawsuit under the lemon law for a refund or replacement vehicle, you should consult an attorney (you may be eligible to recover the … More