by The Missouri Attorney General’s Office and Lemon Laws
Introduction
Readers, if you have recently purchased a new vehicle that has turned out to be a lemon, you may be feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office is here to help. We can provide you with information about the state’s lemon laws and how they can help you get a refund or replacement vehicle.
What is a Lemon Law?
A lemon law is a state law that protects consumers who have purchased a new vehicle that has substantial defects that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The Missouri Lemon Law, also known as the "New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act," was enacted in 1987 to provide consumers with a way to get relief from defective vehicles.
How the Missouri Lemon Law Works
Eligibility for the Lemon Law
To be eligible for the Missouri Lemon Law, your vehicle must meet the following criteria:
- It must be a new vehicle that has been purchased or leased in Missouri.
- It must have a substantial defect that has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
- The defect must have been reported to the manufacturer within a reasonable amount of time after the vehicle was purchased or leased.
Filing a Lemon Law Claim
If you believe that your vehicle is a lemon, you can file a claim with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The claim must be filed within two years of the date that you purchased or leased the vehicle. The claim must include a copy of your vehicle’s purchase or lease agreement, a description of the defect, and a list of the repairs that have been attempted.
The Lemon Law Process
Once you have filed a Lemon Law claim, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office will investigate your claim. The investigation may include an inspection of your vehicle by an independent expert. If the investigation confirms that your vehicle is a lemon, the Attorney General’s Office will work to negotiate a settlement with the manufacturer. The settlement may include a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash payment.
Other Legal Options for Lemon Law Cases
Small Claims Court
If you are unable to reach a settlement with the manufacturer through the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, you may be able to file a lawsuit in small claims court. Small claims court is a less formal and less expensive way to resolve disputes. However, the amount of money that you can recover in small claims court is limited.
Private Attorneys
If you have a complex or high-value lemon law case, you may want to consider hiring a private attorney. Private attorneys can provide you with legal advice and representation throughout the lemon law process. However, hiring a private attorney can be expensive.
Missouri Lemon Law Table
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | New vehicles |
| Purchase/Lease Location | Missouri |
| Defect Type | Substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts |
| Reporting Timeframe | Within a reasonable amount of time after purchase or lease |
| Claim Filing Deadline | Two years from purchase or lease date |
| Investigation | By Missouri Attorney General’s Office |
| Settlement | Negotiated by Missouri Attorney General’s Office |
| Remedies | Refund, replacement vehicle, or cash payment |
Conclusion
If you have purchased a lemon, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office can help you get the relief that you deserve. We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about your rights under the Missouri Lemon Law.
Check Out Our Other Articles
- Missouri Lemon Law: A Step-by-Step Guide
- What to Do If You Have a Lemon
- How to File a Lemon Law Claim
FAQ about Missouri Attorney General Lemon Law
What is the Missouri Lemon Law?
The Missouri Lemon Law, also known as the New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act, protects consumers from purchasing defective vehicles. It provides remedies for vehicles with substantial manufacturing defects that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
What vehicles are covered under the Lemon Law?
The Lemon Law applies to new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Missouri. It does not cover used vehicles or vehicles sold as-is.
What is considered a "substantial defect"?
A substantial defect is one that materially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Examples include engine problems, transmission issues, and major electrical malfunctions.
How many repair attempts are allowed under the Lemon Law?
Manufacturers are allowed a reasonable number of repair attempts, typically 3-4. However, if the vehicle cannot be repaired after these attempts, the consumer may be eligible for a replacement or refund.
What remedies are available under the Lemon Law?
If the vehicle cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer may be eligible for:
- A refund for the purchase price of the vehicle
- A replacement vehicle
- A cash settlement
How do I file a Lemon Law claim?
You can file a Lemon Law claim by contacting the Missouri Attorney General’s office. You will need to provide documentation of the vehicle’s defects and repair history.
What is the time limit for filing a Lemon Law claim?
You must file a Lemon Law claim within 2 years of the vehicle’s purchase or lease date.
Can I hire an attorney to represent me in a Lemon Law case?
Yes, you have the right to hire an attorney to represent you in a Lemon Law case. However, you are not required to do so.
What are the costs associated with filing a Lemon Law claim?
There is no filing fee to file a Lemon Law claim. However, you may be responsible for the costs of hiring an attorney or expert witness.
What is the success rate of Lemon Law cases?
The success rate of Lemon Law cases varies depending on the specific circumstances. However, many consumers are successful in obtaining remedies under the Lemon Law.
