New Jersey’s Lemon Law: What Every Car Buyer Should Know

New Jersey’s Lemon Law: What Every Car Buyer Should Know

When purchasing a vehicle in New Jersey, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the state's Lemon Law, designed to protect consumers from defective automobiles. This law provides a framework for resolving disputes between car buyers and manufacturers, ensuring that those who invest in a vehicle receive a product that meets quality standards. Here’s what every car buyer should know about New Jersey's Lemon Law.

What is the Lemon Law?

New Jersey’s Lemon Law, officially known as the New Jersey Lemon Law (N.J.S.A. 56:12-29 et seq.), applies to new cars and trucks purchased or leased in the state. It defines a "lemon" as a vehicle that has substantial defects affecting its use, value, or safety, which the manufacturer or dealer has failed to repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for protection under New Jersey's Lemon Law, your vehicle must meet specific criteria:

  • The vehicle must be new and still under warranty.
  • It must have a defect that occurs within the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • The defect must substantially impair the vehicle's use, safety, or value.
  • The manufacturer or dealer must have had a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect, usually defined as three attempts for the same issue or if the vehicle is out of service for 20 days or more.

Steps to Take if You Have a Lemon

If you suspect you have purchased a lemon, follow these steps to address the issue:

  1. Notify the Dealer or Manufacturer: Inform them of the ongoing issues with your vehicle. Keep detailed records of every repair attempt, including dates and descriptions of the problems.
  2. Document Everything: Maintain a comprehensive file of all communication, repair orders, and receipts. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim under the Lemon Law.
  3. Make a Formal Request: If the issue remains unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts, send a written notice to the manufacturer, formally requesting a replacement or refund.
  4. Consider Mediation or Arbitration: If the manufacturer denies your claim, you may be entitled to a mediation or arbitration process. New Jersey Lemon Law requires manufacturers to participate in this process before you can pursue litigation.

What You Can Expect

In the event your vehicle is deemed a lemon, you may be entitled to a refund of your purchase price or a replacement vehicle. The manufacturer may also be required to cover your attorney fees and other related costs incurred during the process.

Limitations and Exclusions

It’s important to note that New Jersey's Lemon Law does have limitations. Used vehicles, vehicles purchased ‘as-is,’ and defects caused by improper maintenance or modifications are generally excluded. Additionally, the law won’t cover minor defects that don’t significantly affect the use or value of the vehicle.

Conclusion

Understanding New Jersey’s Lemon Law can empower car buyers to advocate for their rights when facing a defective vehicle. If you believe you've purchased a lemon, document your experiences and take action promptly. By following the necessary steps, you can seek a resolution and ensure you get the quality vehicle you deserve.