The Georgia Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease a defective vehicle. This law requires vehicle manufacturers to replace or repair a vehicle that has a significant defect, commonly known as a “lemon.” In this article, we will explore the Georgia Lemon Law in detail, including what it covers, how it works, and what steps you can take if you have purchased a lemon vehicle.
What is the Georgia Lemon Law?
The Georgia Lemon Law is a consumer protection law that applies to new vehicles purchased or leased in Georgia. This law requires vehicle manufacturers to repair or replace a vehicle that has a significant defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The law applies to both cars and trucks but does not cover motorcycles, motor homes, or off-road vehicles.
What does the Georgia Lemon Law cover?
The Georgia Lemon Law covers defects that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of a vehicle. These defects must be reported to the manufacturer or authorized dealer during the manufacturer’s warranty period, which is typically the first 2 to 3 years of ownership or the first 36,000 to 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
How does the Georgia Lemon Law work?
Under the Georgia Lemon Law, if a vehicle has a significant defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price, less any reasonable allowance for use. A “reasonable number of attempts” is typically defined as three or more attempts to repair the same defect, or the vehicle being out of service for a total of 30 or more days.
What steps should you take if you have purchased a lemon vehicle?
If you believe you have purchased a lemon vehicle, the first step is to contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer to report the defect. You should keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer or dealer. If the defect cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
If the manufacturer or dealer is unwilling to provide a replacement or refund, you may need to file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division. You may also wish to consult with an attorney who specializes in lemon law cases.
Conclusion:
The Georgia Lemon Law provides important protections to consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles. If you believe you have purchased a lemon vehicle, it is important to understand your rights under the law and take appropriate action to seek a replacement or refund. By keeping detailed records and working with the manufacturer or dealer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
