The Michigan Lemon Law was enacted to provide explicit protection for those who purchased a new car that turned out to have one or more serious defects that cannot be rectified. Furthermore, to be classified as a lemon, the defect must be such that it impairs the safe operation of the vehicle or its resale value. The manufacturer is given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair the defect. If the defect cannot be repaired, the manufacturer is obliged to offer a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price.
Filing a claim under the Michigan Lemon law:
Even though you would not expect a new car to be plagued with problems, keep records from the outset that fully document any and all issues you have with the vehicle. Without the ability to substantiate your claim, getting satisfaction will be difficult.
Once it has been decided the vehicle is defective, under the law, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price. The defect must be reported directly to the vehicle manufacturer, in some cases, arbitration is required to settle the issue.
Should you hire an attorney?
During the arbitration process, you can expect the manufacturer to be supported by their corporate attorneys. So as not to be at a disadvantage, it will be in your best interest to engage a Lemon Law attorney that understands the law and is prepared to fight for your consumer rights.
Replacing the vehicle or refunding the purchase price is something that the manufacturer is not keen on doing, so having a seasoned attorney by your side will give you leverage that is needed to force the manufacturer to comply fully with the Michigan Lemon Law.
Under the law, the vehicle manufacturer is responsible for paying your attorney; there is no reason for you to fight the manufacturer when it costs you nothing to put yourself on an even footing with the company. d
The Michigan Lemon Law is complex, but when a case is handled properly, you can expect to be offered a replacement vehicle or a refund. If your car is a lemon, contact Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® to discuss how they can help.
