Buying a new car is supposed to be exciting. You picture road trips, that new-car smell, and the peace of mind that comes with a reliable ride.

But for some, that dream quickly turns into a frustrating nightmare. You’re back at the dealership for the third time for the same weird noise, or your brand-new car is spending more time in the service bay than in your driveway. Your car might be what’s known as a “lemon.” And the good news is, you have powerful rights designed to protect you. But you have to ACT NOW.

What  is a “Lemon”?

In legal terms, a lemon is a new vehicle (and sometimes a used one still under warranty) with a substantial defect that the manufacturer can’t fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

Substantial Defect: This is a problem that affects the car’s safety, value, or use. Think: brakes failing, engine stalling, or a transmission that shudders violently. A faulty cup holder? Probably not. A recurring issue that makes the car undriveable? Definitely.

Reasonable Number of Attempts: This is the key. Most state lemon laws give the manufacturer a few chances to fix it. A good rule of thumb is if it’s been in the shop:

4 or more times for the same issue, or 30+ total days for a combination of problems.

The bottom line:

If your new car is constantly broken and the dealership can’t seem to fix it, you likely have a lemon on your hands.

From day one, you must become a documentation ninja. Every visit, every call, every conversation matters. Here’s your starter pack:

Keep Every Repair Order. Every single time you take the car in, get a detailed work order. It should clearly state your complaint, the technician’s diagnosis, the work performed, and the dates the car was in the shop.

Note the “Days Out of Service.” Track the total number of calendar days your car has been parked at the dealership. This 30-day benchmark is critical for many lemon laws.

Be Specific and Persistent. When you describe the problem, be as detailed as possible. Don’t just say “it makes a noise.” Say, “a high-pitched whining sound comes from the front passenger wheel at speeds above 45 mph.” Repetition is your friend—it proves the problem is ongoing.

Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

I know you’re busy. Dealing with a lemon is the last thing you have time for. But procrastination is your enemy here, for two huge reasons:

The Clock is Ticking. It is important to file a lemon law claim as soon as possible before the two year Statute of Limitations closes. If you miss this window, you lose your right to pursue a claim forever. Don’t let your rights expire.

The Problem Won’t Fix Itself. Hoping the next repair will be the charm is a risky gamble. The value of your car is depreciating every day you drive it (or it sits in a lot). The longer this drags on, the more money you lose.

Your Path to a Fresh Start

If your car meets the lemon law criteria, you are typically entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer. You get your money back (minus a small amount for mileage) or a new, working car of equal value.

This isn’t a fight you have to face alone. While you can contact the manufacturer directly, the process can be confusing and slow. This is where consulting with a lawyer who specializes in lemon law can be a game-changer. They know the rules, they handle the paperwork and negotiations, and they can cut through the red tape to get you results faster—often at no direct cost to you, as their fees are typically paid by the manufacturer.

 Your Next Move

If you’re reading this and nodding along, it’s time to stop feeling frustrated and start taking control.

Gather your repair documents. Right now.

You bought a new car for reliability and peace of mind. Don’t settle for anything less. Act now, protect your rights, and get back on the road with confidence.