Consumers may demand more when an auto dealership sells them a faulty vehicle. Consumer protection legislation provides them with protection against unethical automobile manufacturers. Taking legal action against the manufacturer helps the consumers rectify the situation and get compensation for any financial losses.
What Level of Protection Applies to Automobiles?
Consumers receive the same rights when purchasing an automobile as they would with any product. However, lemon laws apply to automobiles and prevent manufacturers from selling faulty vehicles to consumers. If a consumer feels that they purchase a lemon, they may take action to get the issue corrected. Consumer protection laws require manufacturers and dealerships to take action to satisfy the consumer’s rights and prevent violations of state and federal laws.
How Can Dealerships Correct the Problem?
Dealerships must provide a warranty for the vehicle according to its mileage. During the warranty period, the dealership must fix any issues the buyer discovers. Under the laws, the dealership has three attempts to correct the problem before they classify the vehicle as a lemon. The buyer needs documentation from all three attempts to keep for their records. After three failed attempts, the consumer must address the manufacturer.
How Do Consumers Address the Issue?
After three failed attempts, the consumer sends a letter to the manufacturer about the vehicle and attacks copies of the three attempts to fix the problem. The letter must be sent via certified mail to show evidence that the manufacturer received it. The letter and documentation are required for a legal claim. The manufacturer must respond to the letter and take action to help the consumer.
What Documentation Do They Need for a Claim?
When going to court, the consumer needs paperwork for the purchase of the vehicle, documents for the repair attempts, a copy of the certified letter and receipt, and any correspondences between them and the manufacturer or dealership. They must gain documents that show how much they paid on the vehicle whether it was financed or they purchased it outright. They need evidence of any additional costs related to the automobile for the legal claim.
How Long Does the Consumer Have to File?
Consumers purchasing a new vehicle has up to 2 years to file a legal claim. If the automobile is used, the consumer must consult an attorney about the statute of limitations that applies. These consumers will have less time to start a legal claim successfully.
If they win their claim, the consumer could get a complete refund for all costs related to purchasing or repairing the automobile. They add any financial losses to the claim, and the court could increase the award if the manufacturer doesn’t comply within 15 days of the court order.
Consumers review their rights when they have purchased a lemon from an auto dealership. Consumer rights laws provide the consumer with an opportunity to get the manufacturer to correct any issues with the vehicle or replace it. Consumers can review their rights by contacting an attorney and scheduling an appointment right now.
