Industry Tips
Lemon Law - New Car
The Lemon Law protects non-commercial motor vehicles sold or registered in New York State, except for motorcycles, certain motor homes, and off-road vehicles.
You are protected against all material defects for 18,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. You must be the original purchaser, lessee or person to whom the vehicle was transferred during the warranty period.
If you experience problems, you must report them to the manufacturer or authorized dealer who must correct them free of charge. If the same problem cannot be repaired after four or more attempts, or if the car is out of service for 30 or more days, you may be entitled to a new car or refund. Refunds are for the amount of purchase, plus license and registration fees, minus a mileage allowance if the vehicle has been driven more than 12,000 miles.
To enforce the law, you may sue the manufacturer or participate in an approved arbitration program. The Better Business Bureau offers AUTO LINE, a FREE and easy way to resolve car problems.
The following manufacturers participate in Auto Line: Alfa Romeo, Acura, Audi, General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC Truck, Oldsmobile), Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota and Volkswagen. You may also participate in the New York State Attorney General's arbitration program upon payment of a filing fee. This program is open to all car models but accepts lemon law replacement or buy-back requests only.
Upon the purchase of a new car, the manufacturer must provide to the consumer a copy of the New Car Lemon Law Bill of Rights, which details consumers' rights under state law.
The following manufacturers participate in Auto Line: Alfa Romeo, Acura, Audi, General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC Truck, Oldsmobile), Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota and Volkswagen. You may also participate in the New York State Attorney General's arbitration program upon payment of a filing fee. This program is open to all car models but accepts lemon law replacement or buy-back requests only.
Upon the purchase of a new car, the manufacturer must provide to the consumer a copy of the New Car Lemon Law Bill of Rights, which details consumers' rights under state law.
The BBB has additional information available by mail, or you can contact the NY State Attorney General at (800)771-7755.
For more information, contact:
Better Business Bureau AUTO LINE
(800) 955-5100
This report is general in nature and is not intended as a Business Review on any company, service or product.