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What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?

The lemon law does not apply just to passenger cars. It covers any new motor vehicle other than a house trailer, provided that the vehicle does not have a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more. Thus, the law covers pickup trucks, motorcycles and most vans, as well as cars. And the purpose for which the vehicle is purchased or leased is not relevant. But, any cars purchased or leased prior to October 1, 1987 is not covered by the lemon law.

The following table summarizes what is covered, how many times the vehicle has to be repaired for the same defect and the warranty period.

Vehicles CoveredRepair Interval and Coverage Period
Any new motor vehicle other than a house trailer, provided that the vehicle does not have a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more. This includes pickup trucks, motorcycles and most vans.4 repair attempts or more than 20 days out of service during any 12 month period.
2 years or 24,000 miles.
Note:Generally, the term Repair Attempts, as it relates to Lemon Law, refers to one or more attempts to fix the same defect although some states consider a vehicle to be a lemon if it required the specified number of repairs within the coverage period.

A car is out of service while being repaired or waiting for parts.

Warranty Period refers to the Manufacturer`s Express Warranty. Where the Coverage Period lists more than 1 option, the period applies to that option which occurs first.

This is only a summary, to get the complete Lemon Law Statute select your state from the combo box menu on the right side of this page, and click Get Statute.

Other North Carolina Lemon Law FAQs

  • Q: What Is The Lemon Law?
    A: The 1987 General Assembly enacted a lemon law to give better remedies to North Carolina consumers who buy or lease a new car that is a lemon. The lemon law (a) defines … More
  • Q: When Is A Car A Lemon?
    A: A vehicle is a lemon if it is seriously defective and could not be repaired in a reasonable number of attempts. Seriously Defective A serious defect is any defect or … More
  • Q: What Remedies Are Available To The Consumer?
    A: If the manufacturer has not fixed the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, the purchaser or leasing consumer is entitled to choose a comparable, new … More
  • Q: What Steps Should I Take?
    A: When you buy your car, read your warranty and owner`s manual carefully. Follow all maintenance guidelines. When you notice a defect, take the vehicle to an authorized … More
  • Q: What About Arbitration?
    A: Many auto manufacturers have established dispute resolution programs for customers with warranty problems. Some require you to use these programs before you go to … More
  • Q: When Should I Consider Seeing An Attorney?
    A: If arbitration fails, or if you did not have to use arbitration and did not want to, you should consider seeing a private attorney. Many people are reluctant to do … More
  • Q: Where Can I Get More Information About The Lemon Law?
    A: North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division P.O. Box 629 Raleigh, NC 27602­0629 919­733­7741 www.jus.state.nc.us/cpframe.htm North … More

Lemon Law Sub-categories

Lemon Law Attorney

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