Protecting Your Rights If You Were Sold A Lemon

Many people prefer to purchase new vehicles, as new vehicles tend to perform more reliably than pre-owned vehicles. In addition, if there are problems with a new car, the costs of repair will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. It is very inconvenient and potentially costly when your new vehicle requires constant repairs. After a certain number of repairs, you may come to the realization that you purchased a lemon.

Serving Consumers Throughout Connecticut

If this describes your situation, it is essential to discuss your case with a lawyer who understands Connecticut’s Lemon Law and how it may apply to you. At Consumer Law Group, LLC, our Hartford-area lemon law attorneys fully understand these laws and can take effective action on your behalf. Protecting the rights of consumers is our firm’s sole focus. Since our founding in 1997, we have represented thousands of individuals in a broad range of consumer claims.

Holding Auto Manufacturers Accountable Under The Connecticut’s Lemon Laws

Under Connecticut’s Lemon Law, auto manufacturers are required to replace the vehicle or buy it back if they are unable to repair the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts. Generally, if a vehicle cannot be fixed after four attempts, the manufacturer will likely have to replace the vehicle or buy it back from the consumer. There are other situations in which the lemon law can also apply.

Our attorneys will carefully examine the facts of your case. If you purchased a lemon, we will explore all possible methods of dispute resolution, including negotiation, arbitration, or if necessary, a lawsuit, to force the auto manufacturer to replace your vehicle or buy it back.

While Connecticut’s Lemon Law does not apply to used cars, if you have reason to believe you purchased a defective used vehicle, you may have legal recourse. If you are concerned about paying for an attorney’s representation, you should not be. Connecticut’s Lemon Law contains provisions that provide for the payment of attorneys’ fees and other costs if the claim is successful. We do charge a modest fee to assess auto warranty claims, and we may charge additional fees to handle a lemon law claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Lemon Law

Many consumers have questions about how Connecticut’s Lemon Law works and what protections it offers. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from clients dealing with problematic vehicles.

How long do I have to file a Lemon Law claim in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, you must file your Lemon Law claim within two years from the date of the vehicle’s original delivery to you. This timeframe is strict, and failing to file within this period may result in losing your right to seek remedies under Lemon Laws. Additionally, the defect must occur during the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

It’s important to note that the filing deadline applies to initiating the formal Lemon Law process, not just reporting problems to the dealer. For this reason, we recommend contacting an attorney as soon as you suspect your vehicle might qualify as a lemon. Documentation is crucial, so maintain detailed records of all repair attempts, including dates, descriptions of the problems and copies of work orders from the beginning.

How many repair attempts are required before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut’s Lemon Law, a vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it meets one of these conditions:

• The manufacturer or its authorized dealers have made four or more attempts to repair the same substantial defect, and the defect still exists.
• The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days since delivery.
• The defect is so significant that it poses a serious safety risk, and at least two repair attempts have been made without success.

Each of these situations focuses on substantial defects – those that significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value or safety. Minor issues like slight rattles or cosmetic imperfections typically don’t qualify. The determination of what constitutes a substantial defect can sometimes be contested by manufacturers.

What should I do if the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge my vehicle as a lemon?

If a manufacturer refuses to acknowledge that your vehicle is a lemon despite meeting the qualifying conditions, you have several options:

• First, file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Automobile Dispute Settlement Program. This state-run arbitration program provides a less formal alternative to court. While you’re not required to have an attorney for this process, legal representation significantly increases your chances of success.
• If arbitration doesn’t resolve your issue, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. The Connecticut Lemon Law includes provisions for recovering attorneys’ fees if you prevail, making legal representation more accessible.

Throughout either process, continue documenting all communications with the manufacturer and dealership. Save emails and letters and take notes during phone conversations, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with.

Many manufacturers have dedicated departments that handle Lemon Law claims. Before pursuing formal legal action, a strongly worded letter from an attorney often motivates manufacturers to offer an acceptable resolution, potentially avoiding a lengthy dispute process.

Contact Consumer Law Group, LLC

We provide initial case evaluations. To discuss your situation in detail, call 860-924-7556 or email us to get started. Se habla español.