Anyone who buys a “lemon†is in for a sour experience. Of course, the “lemon†we’re referring to here is a new car that has a serious problem. Maybe the steering wheel locks up. Perhaps the electrical system doesn’t work right. Whatever the cause, when a car’s defect substantially impairs your ability to use or re-sell it then your state lemon law may be able to help. Here’s a quick summary of the law in Wyoming.
Wyoming Lemon Laws
Most cars come with express warranties guaranteeing that they will work. Manufacturers and their dealers are legally responsible for repairing the car if it doesn’t comply with the warranty, and lemon laws build off of this requirement. Wyoming law gives consumers the right to have a problematic, unfixable car replaced or refunded.
There’s a process involved here. First, a consumer must notify the manufacturer or dealer within one year of taking delivery of the car. Once this notification occurs, the dealer or the manufacturer has a “reasonable number of attempts†to repair the defect. Wyoming law defines this as more than three attempts or else a total of 30 days where the car is out of service to fix the problem. If they still can’t fix the problem and if it “substantially impairs the use and fair market value†of your car, then you have a right to either a replacement or a refund. The manufacturer gets to choose which one.
Wyoming’s lemon law can be enforced by consumers. Once any informal dispute resolution processes (arbitration) have been exhausted, consumers can sue to force a manufacturer to replace or refund their car. A court can also order the manufacturer to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees.
| Code Section | 42-17-101. |
| Time of Act | Not specified. |
| Definition of Defects | Noncomformity to applicable express warranties which significantly affect the use or market value of the vehicle. |
| Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair | Consumers must notify the manufactuer within one year of taking delivery. Once notified, manufacturers have a reasonable number of attempts to correct the problem. |
| Remedies | Replace with new or comparable vehicle of same type and similarly equipped or accept return and refund full purchased price including all collateral charges less a reasonable allowance for consumer use. |
Related Resources for Lemon Laws
Meeting your state’s lemon law can be tough. Manufacturers and dealers know the rules and know how to work within and around them. For more information, read up on how lemon laws can help you and lemon law in general. You can also contact a local lemon lawyer for further advice and assistance.
