A new automobile with a recurring problem that limits its value or usability and that the dealer is unable to fix is commonly called a lemon. State lemon laws, therefore, ensure certain protections for consumers when purchasing new automobiles. Essentially, manufacturers and dealers must either replace a lemon or refund the purchase price if it fails to perform to the standards of its warranty for up to a year or two, or a certain number of miles (whichever comes first).
Some states (not including Minnesota) also protect used car purchases, but with different criteria.
Minnesota Lemon Law at a Glance: What is a Lemon?
A lemon, under Minnesota statute, is an automobile that "does not conform to all applicable express warranties, and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer..." within two years. A nonconformity would be any of the following conditions:
The following chart lists additional provisions of Minnesota's lemon law. See FindLaw's Lemon Law section for more articles and resources. Car safety recalls follow a different process, even if they may overlap with lemon claims.
| Code Section | 325F.665 |
| Title of Act | Not specified |
| Definition of Defects | Nonconformity to all applicable express warranties which significantly affects the use or market value of vehicle |
| Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair | During term of applicable express warranty or during period of 2 years following date of original delivery of vehicle to consumer, whichever is earlier |
| Remedies | Buyer's option: Replace with comparable vehicle or accept return and refund to consumer full purchase price including cost of any options or other modifications made/installed/arranged by manufacturer (or agents or dealer) within 30 days of original delivery, and all other charges, less a reasonable allowance for consumer use of vehicle |
Note: State laws are constantly changing, typically through new legislation, higher court decisions, or ballot initiatives -- contact a Minnesota lemon law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Minnesota Lemon Law: Related Resources
