What Are My Options For Action Under The Lemon Law?

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What Are My Options For Action Under The Lemon Law?

If your manufacturer either fails to make a final attempt to repair the defect, or if the defect still exists after such an attempt, you may seek to receive a replacement vehicle or a refund via the following options:

ManufacturerSponsored Arbitration: If the manufacturer has a dispute settlement procedure that complies with Federal Trade Commission regulations, the law requires that you utilize such a procedure before you may file a lawsuit under the Lemon Law.

Arbitration, also known as informal dispute settlement, is an informal process consumers may use to obtain speedy resolution of a warranty dispute without having to go to court, and it is legally binding on the manufacturer. At an arbitration hearing, the seller and buyer testify before an arbitrator about the condition of the vehicle.

You can find out if your manufacturer sponsors a certified arbitration program by reading the information accompanying your warranties, asking your dealer for information, or by contacting the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General.

Court Action: If the manufacturer does not have a certified arbitration program, or if you have rejected the decision of a certified program, you may file a lawsuit against the manufacturer in court.

If you are seeking court action, you should consult an attorney.

You must file a lawsuit under the Lemon Law within three years of date of delivery, or within two years after your vehicle reached 15,000 miles.

If the court finds in your favor, you may be reimbursed for any reasonable attorney`s fees.

Other Rhode Island Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: This law covers new and leased automobiles, motorcycles, vans, and trucks that weigh less than 10,000 pounds. These vehicles must have been sold or replaced in the … More
Q: What Is The Lemon Law Term Of Protection?
A: The term of protection is for the first year or 15,000 miles from date of delivery, whichever is reached first. This term of protection may be extended by any amount … More
Q: What Types Of Defects Are Covered?
A: It covers defects that are covered by the warranty; that substantially impair the use, safety, or market value of the vehicle; and that were not caused by an accident, … More
Q: What Do I Need To Do Before I Can Claim That My Car Is A Lemon?
A: The vehicle must have been taken in to the manufacturer or authorized dealer for a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect(s). It is already presumed that … More
Q: What If My Problem Does Not Fit The Requirements Of My State's Lemon Law?
A: You still may be able to invoke the Lemon Law as long as you can justify that the number of repair attempts or days out of service you encountered were unreasonable. … More
Q: What Are The Possible Outcomes?
A: If it is determined that your vehicle is a lemon, you are entitled to receive either a comparable replacement vehicle that is acceptable to you, or a refund. In the … More
Q: Does The Manufacturer Have To Tell Potential Purchasers Of The Car That It Was Deemed A Lemon?
A: Yes, full disclosure is required.
Q: Does My State Have A Used Car Lemon Law?
A: Yes, it is RI General Law § 315.4. The law requires that dealers must provide written warranties with all used motor vehicles sold. More
Q: What Types Of Vehicles Are Covered Under The Used Car Lemon Law?
A: This law covers used passenger motor vehicles—excluding motorcycles, motor homes, and offroad vehicles—that are normally used for personal, family, or … More
Q: What Types Of Defects Are Covered Under The Used Car Lemon Law?
A: The law requires a dealer to repair any defects in covered parts that occur during the applicable warranty period and that substantially impair the value of the used … More

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