Have you ever heard the term “lemon” used to describe a problematic car? In Michigan, it’s more than just slang—it’s the foundation of a powerful consumer protection law. The Michigan Lemon Law safeguards your rights as a vehicle purchaser, ensuring you’re not left stranded with a defective new car.
When your newly acquired vehicle falls under the Lemon Law’s umbrella, Michigan mandates that the seller either replace your defective vehicle or refund the purchase price. This law is meticulously designed to shield car buyers like you by placing the full weight of responsibility for a faulty new vehicle where it belongs: on the shoulders of the dealer and manufacturer.
If your car qualifies as a “lemon,” you have the legal right to seek justice. Navigating these waters alone can be daunting, which is why having a specialized Lemon Law attorney in Michigan becomes your most valuable asset. With expert legal guidance, you can confidently pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Timothy Abeel & Associates, we understand the challenges you face when you purchase a vehicle that spends excessive time in the shop. Our firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers who feared they were stuck with broken vehicles, and we know how to navigate the complexities of the Lemon Law to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
To fully understand your rights and how we can assist you, let’s dive deeper into Michigan’s Lemon Law and how our firm can help you with your car, SUV, pickup truck, or other passenger vehicle issues.
Michigan Lemon Law Explained
Michigan’s Lemon Law covers all “new” vehicle purchases and leases. However, “new” in this context simply means that the vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s express warranty. This definition extends the law’s coverage to:
- Vehicles sold as new
- Vehicles sold as used but still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty
- Leased vehicles still under manufacturer warranty
This second point is crucial to understand. While there isn’t a specific Michigan used car Lemon Law, used vehicles can qualify as “new” if the manufacturer’s warranty is still in effect.
It’s important to distinguish between the manufacturer’s warranty and any dealer warranty you might receive from a used car dealer. The Lemon Law for used cars in Michigan only applies to vehicles covered by warranties from the manufacturer, not those provided by the dealer.
To navigate the complexities of Michigan’s Lemon Law effectively, it’s beneficial to consult with a Lemon Law lawyer. Michigan consumers can rely on such expertise to understand their rights and pursue appropriate action.
The Lemon Law process typically unfolds in two distinct stages:
Reasonable Number of Repairs
The Michigan Lemon Law process begins when you report the vehicle’s defect to the manufacturer or dealer and take it in for repairs. This report must occur during the term of the manufacturer’s warranty or within one year of the vehicle’s delivery, whichever comes first. For instance, if your vehicle has a three-year warranty, the Lemon Law only applies during the first year.
The manufacturer is given a reasonable opportunity to fix the vehicle. This period ends when the same defect persists after four or more repair attempts or the vehicle is out of service for at least 30 days.
In either case, the dealer gets one last chance to fix the vehicle before moving to the second stage. You or your Michigan Lemon Law lawyer must notify the manufacturer or dealer of the last chance by sending a written letter after the third repair attempt or the 25th day out of service.
Replacement or Refund
If the vehicle remains unusable after this final repair attempt at an accessible repair facility, you and your Michigan Lemon Law lawyer can pursue either:
- A comparable replacement vehicle, or
- A refund of the purchase or lease price
The comparable replacement must be a vehicle currently in production and acceptable to you. You are not obligated to accept the replacement and always have the right to request a refund instead.
If you opt for a refund, it will include the entire purchase or lease amount you paid to the dealer, minus:
- A reasonable allowance for use of the vehicle
- The appraised amount of any damage beyond the defect or normal wear
Regardless of whether you choose a refund or replacement, the dealer must also reimburse you for towing and rental car expenses.
Why Should You Call a Lemon Law Lawyer in Michigan?
A Michigan Lemon Law attorney provides invaluable services to consumers dealing with defective vehicles. These services include:
Reviewing Your Situation
An experienced lawyer will carefully listen to your case and determine if it falls within the scope of Michigan’s Lemon Law.
Advising You of Your Rights Under the Michigan Lemon Law
Your attorney will explain how the law works and where you stand in the two-stage process, ensuring you fully understand your rights and options.
Explaining the Steps You Need to Take to Protect Your Rights
Under Michigan’s Lemon Law process for both used and new cars, you must allow the manufacturer and dealer time to attempt repairs. A Michigan Lemon Law attorney will guide you through each step, including the written notice requirements you must meet before requesting a replacement or refund.
Gathering Records to Support Your Lemon Law Claim
Documenting your vehicle’s defects and repair attempts is critical. Your lawyer will help collect and organize these records to build a compelling case for vehicle repurchase or replacement.
Communicating With the Dealer or Manufacturer to Provide Notice of Your Claim
As the dealer’s final repair opportunity approaches, your attorney will provide the required written notice of your intent to exercise your rights under the Lemon Law.
Negotiating a Fair Refund
If you choose a refund, the dealer may try to minimize the amount. Your Michigan lemon law attorney will negotiate assertively for a fair refund based on your vehicle use and other relevant factors.
For more information on how we can assist you with your defective vehicle claim, contact us online or by phone. Let our expertise in Michigan’s Lemon Law work to protect your rights and secure the best possible resolution for your case.
Let Timothy Abeel and Associates Help With Your Michigan Lemon Law Case
If you’ve purchased a lemon, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a Michigan Lemon Law attorney. At Timothy Abeel & Associates, we will advocate for your consumer rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our team’s extensive experience enables us to effectively handle and win your Lemon Law case.
With Timothy Abeel & Associates, you need not worry about attorney’s fees. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if your claim succeeds. When the manufacturer agrees to pay out in court, we bill them directly for our services. This approach ensures that pursuing your rights under the Lemon Law is accessible and risk-free for you.
We encourage you to contact us today for a free case review. If our Michigan Lemon Law attorneys determine you have a valid case, we’ll pursue your claim vigorously without charging you for our services.
Don’t let a defective vehicle continue to disrupt your life. As experienced Lemon Law attorneys, Michigan‘s consumers can trust us to navigate the complexities of the law and fight for their rights. Let Timothy Abeel & Associates put our expertise to work, transforming your automotive frustration into a victory for your consumer rights.
Passenger motor vehicles that are self-propelled, sold in Michigan, and subject to registration and title in Michigan or any other state. The law excludes motorized bicycles, motor homes used as a dwelling place, garden tractors, recreational vehicles, off-road vehicles, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds in gross vehicle weight. Under Michigan’s Lemon Law, used cars must still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty to qualify.
No, motorcycles, boats, and unregistered off-road vehicles do not qualify under Michigan’s Lemon Law. Only passenger vehicles, including both new cars and used vehicles with an active manufacturer’s warranty (such as cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans), are eligible. To qualify for legal action, these vehicles must persistently suffer from the same problem even after a reasonable number of repair attempts. If you’re uncertain about your vehicle’s eligibility, consulting a lemon law attorney in Michigan can clarify your legal rights.
A defect or condition “substantially impairs” a vehicle if it renders it unreliable, unsafe for normal operation, or reduces its resale market value below the average for comparable vehicles. If your vehicle suffers from such a defect, you may be entitled to additional remedies to ensure it meets expected safety and operational standards. For more information, consider booking a free case evaluation with our legal experts. They possess an intricate knowledge of Michigan state Lemon Law and can thoroughly review your case, providing valuable insights tailored to your specific situation.
If the manufacturer, its agent, or an authorized dealer fails to correct a qualifying defect after a reasonable number of attempts, Michigan law requires that the manufacturer either replaces the vehicle or repurchases it from the consumer. The remedy will depend on the circumstances of each case and may be subject to negotiation or legal proceedings.
If the problems with your vehicle started after the first year or outside the warranty period (whichever is longer), you may still be protected under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law, which provides for loss in value.
No, filing a Lemon Law claim in Michigan is free, and you are not responsible for attorney fees. The law is designed to reimburse the owner of a defective vehicle without burdening them with additional expenses or costs. A fee-shifting provision requires the vehicle’s manufacturer to pay all attorneys’ fees and other legal costs if the consumer wins the case. This is in addition to reimbursement for all service visits and repairs at the dealer.
All your expenses are covered regardless of the remedy you choose – whether it’s a vehicle repurchase or a replacement vehicle. This ensures consumers can pursue their rights under the Lemon Law without financial risk.
Yes, we file Lemon Law claims for vehicle owners throughout Michigan, regardless of their location within the state. Our experienced team of Lemon Law lawyers in Michigan can handle your case efficiently, no matter where you’re located. If an expert inspection of your vehicle is necessary, we’ll arrange for a qualified professional to come to you.
Additionally, we can assist clients outside of Michigan, including those seeking an Ohio lemon law attorney for expert legal representation in their lemon law cases
A significant number of cases are settled within 30 to 90 days. However, if we can’t reach a satisfactory resolution during this period, and the manufacturer refuses to provide our clients with everything they’re legally entitled to, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit to protect our clients’ rights.
Even if your vehicle doesn’t meet all the Michigan Lemon Law criteria, we may still be able to assist you through other consumer protection laws. If your vehicle is a 2018 model or newer and has undergone an unreasonable number of repairs under the manufacturer’s warranty, you may have a valid claim.
If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, contact Timothy Abeel & Associates P.C. immediately. Our firm specializes in securing fair settlements for owners of defective or malfunctioning vehicles as swiftly as possible. Call us at 888.611.5481 or reach out through our website to determine if you have a potential breach of warranty or loss in value claim.