Consumers in Washington who have purchased or leased a new automobile with major defects are protected by Washington’s Lemon Law. This law gives owners of “lemons” the remedy of a new vehicle or a refund of the vehicle purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for the use of the vehicle. According to Washington Lemon Law, there are four requirements that must be met for a car to be a lemon:
The motor vehicle must have been purchased in Washington.
The vehicle must be primarily designed for the transportation of persons or property over the public highways.
The vehicle must have returned to the dealer four or more times for the same defect, OR the vehicle was out of service at the dealer for 30 or more days, for a serious defect that substantially impairs the use and market value of the vehicle.
The defect was reported to the dealership within two years or 24,000 miles of the original purchase.
If you are entitled to receive a new vehicle or a refund for the full purchase price, there will be a deduction for the miles on the vehicle, or what the statute calls “a reasonable allowance for the use of the vehicle”.
It is important to note that the law is designed to address major defects that substantially impair the use and market value of the vehicle. It does not cover problems that are the result of accidents, abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of your car.
Contact us to see if you have a valid Washington Lemon Law claim!