When a new car has either one serious problem or a recurring string of problems that can't be fixed, it is commonly called a "lemon." Therefore, state lemon laws offer certain protections for consumers who may otherwise be stuck with a problematic automobile.
Michigan's Lemon Laws
Michigan lemon laws are encoded in the Warranties on New Motor Vehicles Act, which covers new automobile purchases for one year or the term of the manufacturer's express warranty.
What Automobiles Are Covered Under the Lemon Laws?
The lemon law does not cover buses, trucks, and motor homes. The law only covers a "new motor vehicle" purchased after June 25, 1986. Specifically this means motor vehicles that are purchased or leased in Michigan or purchased or leased by a resident of Michigan, and that is covered by a manufacturer's express warranty at the time of purchase or lease.
The details of Michigan lemon laws are listed below. See FindLaw's Lemon Law section to learn more.
| Code Section | 257.1401, et. seq. |
| Title of Act | Warranties on New Motor Vehicles Act |
| Definition of Defects | Nonconformity to manufacturer's express warranties that significantly affects use or value of vehicle |
| Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair | Term of manufacturer's express warranty or 1 year from date of delivery of new motor vehicle to original consumer, whichever is earlier |
| Remedies | Manufacturer's option: replace with a comparable replacement vehicle currently in production and acceptable to consumer or accept return of vehicle and refund full purchase price including cost of any options or other modifications installed or made by or for the manufacturer, less a reasonable allowance for consumer's use of vehicle, not to exceed 10¢ per mile driven at time of initial report of same defect or conditions or 10% of purchase price, whichever is less, and less an amount equal to any appraised damage that is not attributable to normal wear and tear; consumer has right to demand refund |
Note: State and federal consumer statutes provide important remedies to Michigan consumers, ranging from monetary damages to buy-backs of defective vehicles. Michigan consumer laws are constantly changing -- contact a Michigan lemon law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Michigan Lemon Laws: Related Resources
