Oregon Lemon Law Attorney: Expert Legal Representation

Passenger motor vehicles that are self-propelled, sold in Oregon, and subject to registration and title in Oregon or any other state qualify for the Oregon Lemon Law. This law excludes motorized bicycles, motor homes used as dwelling places, garden tractors, recreational vehicles, off-road vehicles, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds in gross vehicle weight. For most vehicle purchases, the car Lemon Law will apply, and we can help protect your interests, having handled countless Lemon Law cases for motor vehicles in the state of Oregon.

The Oregon Lemon Law covers cars, motorcycles, and other street-legal vehicles, such as motor homes, protecting owners against defects that impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. However, this law does not cover boats, off-road vehicles, and recreational vehicles.

Under Oregon’s Lemon Law, a defect or malfunction qualifies if it substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. This means the issue either renders the vehicle unreliable or unsafe for normal operation or significantly reduces its resale value compared to similar vehicles.  To be eligible, the defect must be reported within a two-year period of the vehicle’s original delivery and have undergone a reasonable number of good faith unsuccessful repair attempts. The law particularly emphasizes defects that are likely to cause serious bodily injury.

If the manufacturer, its agent, or an authorized dealer fails to correct a qualifying defect after a reasonable number of attempts, Oregon law requires the manufacturer to either replace the vehicle or repurchase it from the consumer. The specific remedy will depend on the circumstances of each case and may be subject to negotiation or legal proceedings.

Even if the problems with your vehicle began after the first year of ownership or outside the warranty period (whichever is longer), you may still have legal recourse. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act could provide protection in these cases, potentially compensating you for loss in value due to the defect or malfunction.

No, filing a Lemon Law claim in Oregon is free of charge, and you are not responsible for counsel fees. The law is designed to fully reimburse the owner of a defective vehicle without burdening them with additional expenses or costs. It includes a fee-shifting provision that requires the vehicle manufacturer to pay all attorneys’ fees and other legal costs if the consumer wins the case. This is in addition to reimbursement for all repairs and service visits at the dealer.

Importantly, all your expenses are covered regardless of the remedy you choose – whether it’s a vehicle repurchase, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement allowing you to keep the 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 Oregon, regardless of their location within the state. 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 Oregon, including those looking for a California Lemon Law lawyer.

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 Oregon 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.

Yes, Oregon’s Lemon Law imposes specific time limits for filing a claim. You have 24 months (two years) from the date of original delivery or 24,000 miles on the odometer, whichever comes first. For example, if you reach 24,000 miles after 18 months of ownership, you would no longer be eligible to pursue a claim through the court under this law.

It’s important to note that these limits apply only to your initial report of the vehicle’s issues. Once you’ve made the initial report, subsequent repair attempts can extend the coverage period. The law allows you to file a case after the second repair attempt for severe safety issues, or after the fourth failed attempt for all other issues.

All claims made through Oregon Lemon Law lawyers must be filed in court within 12 months of your coverage period expiring. This means that even if you’ve met the initial reporting requirements, you still need to act promptly to preserve your legal rights.

The Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act applies to various products that come with warranties, including vehicles. The Act has several key points that apply to vehicle warranties:

• No product is required to have a warranty
• Warranty content must be written in simple, understandable language
• Ambiguities in warranty language will be interpreted in favor of the consumer
• Dealers and manufacturers cannot require branded parts to maintain warranty validity
• Service contracts are subject to the same rules

If you have a full warranty, the dealer or manufacturer must repair any defect without charge within a reasonable period and after a reasonable number of attempts. Failure to do so makes them liable for an exact-match vehicle replacement or a full refund.

Even if you can’t file under Oregon’s Lemon Law due to an expired claims period, you may still have a case through the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. An experienced Lemon Law attorney in Oregon can help you pursue such a claim.

Leased vehicles are covered under Oregon’s Lemon Law, even though the lessee is not the original purchaser. To be eligible, your leased vehicle must have a manufacturer’s warranty provided by the business leasing you the car. If you’re experiencing persistent issues with a leased vehicle, you can still pursue a claim through an Oregon Lemon Law attorney.

Filing a Lemon Law claim in Oregon for a new car requires careful adherence to specific steps. Following these steps precisely is crucial to protect the validity of your claim.

First, you must notify the manufacturer or dealer in writing about the defect. Send a certified letter to the address provided in your owner’s manual or warranty documentation. This letter must include comprehensive information: 

• Your name and contact details
• Vehicle make
• Vehicle model
• Vehicle year
• VIN
• The dealership where the vehicle was purchased
• Date of purchase
• Detailed description of the vehicle issue(s)
• List of repair attempts with copies of receipts or work orders
• A statement indicating that you’re providing the dealer or manufacturer a final opportunity to repair the vehicle

Upon receiving your letter, the manufacturer is legally obligated to respond with the name of a repair facility you can reasonably access. If this final repair attempt fails to resolve the issue, it’s advisable to contact an Oregon Lemon Law attorney to handle your case moving forward.

Remember, you must allow the dealer or manufacturer one last attempt to fix the problem before you can pursue a replacement vehicle or refund under the Lemon Law.

Oregon does not have a specific Lemon Law for used vehicles. Currently, no legislation provides Lemon Law protections for used car purchases in the state, regardless of warranty status.

However, you may still have protections under other laws. The Uniform Commercial Code of Oregon could protect you in certain circumstances, such as if a dealer fails to disclose that lemon vehicles are being sold “as-is.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also has a special Used Car Rule that could apply to your situation. If you’ve purchased a defective used vehicle, consider consulting with a knowledgeable attorney to explore your legal options beyond traditional Lemon Laws.

There is no specific federal Lemon Law. Drivers who don’t qualify under their state’s Lemon Law often look for federal options, but must explore alternative avenues. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which applies to nearly all new cars with warranties, serves as the primary federal protection for car buyers. This act has become the model for many state-specific Lemon Laws. This act became the model for many state-specific Lemon Laws.

No, Oregon’s Lemon Law specifically applies only to cars purchased from registered Oregon dealers. The state government explicitly exempts vehicles purchased across state lines, similar to policies in neighboring states like California. 

You must be an Oregon resident at the time of purchase to qualify. The sole exception is if the vehicle was registered in Oregon at the time of purchase, but it cannot have been registered in any other state first.

Whatever you do, never abandon your vehicle at the dealership or anywhere else. Even though long waiting times in the shop can be frustrating, abandonment can be construed as voluntary repossession. If you have abandoned your vehicle, this could impact both your credit and your Lemon Law claim.

Dealing with a defective vehicle is both aggravating and potentially hazardous. Rather than abandoning your car or spending valuable time negotiating with a dealer, consult an Oregon Lemon Law attorney to handle your case professionally.

At Timothy Abeel & Associates, we never take no for an answer. With our experience and knowledge in winning Lemon Law cases and securing maximum settlements, you can relax knowing your case is in expert hands.

We offer 100% risk-free representation with no upfront fees or ongoing charges. Start your case today by calling Timothy Abeel & Associates at 888.611.5481 or visiting our website to learn more about our process.