Definitions for "Lemon laws"
Laws that require manufacturers to repair defective cars. If the repairs are not made within a reasonable amount of time and number of attempts, the manufacturer is required to refund the purchase price, less a reasonable amount for the use of the car.
The lemon laws of most states provide that a new car, and in California and some other states also a used car, if it was purchased with the original, manufacturer's new car warranty still in effect, may be returned to the manufacturer for a refund or a replacement if the vehicle has substantial manufacturing defects which have not been repaired within a reasonable number of attempts (two attempts if safety related, otherwise four) by the manufacturer's authorized repair facility, or if the vehicle is out of service at an authorized repair facility for more than 30 days within the first 18 months of 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Consumer protection laws governed by each state individually, giving the consumer a means of recourse should a vehicle have unusual or continual problems. It is designed to allow the consumer to return a vehicle that qualifies under the laws’ guidelines.