The Common Law

The Lemon Law is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation and is designed to provide help for consumers that have had repeated problems getting their cars properly repaired. Under the law, car owners or lessees are entitled to have their "lemons" repaired, replaced, or repurchased by the auto manufacturer.

How do you know if the Lemon Law covers your car? First, you must have bought or leased a new vehicle from a Texas dealer or lease company. Used cars or cars purchased out-of-state are not covered. Second, the recurring problem with the car must be considered a serious defect or abnormal condition, and that problem must be covered by the manufacturer's written warranty. A serious defect is generally something essential to the car's safety and drivability. For example, malfunctioning steering or brakes are generally considered serious defects, but a bad car radio is not a serious defect.

Even if your car is covered by the "Lemon Law," numerous requirements must be met before you qualify for relief. First, you must report the defect to the dealer or manufacturer within the warranty term. Determining how many reasonable chances the dealer has to fix the problem depends on the defect. But in the majority of cases, the car must be taken to the dealer for repairs at least two times during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles and then two more times during the next 12 months or 12,000 miles.

After all that, your car should qualify as a lemon, right? Not quite. Next, you must present the manufacturer with written notice (via certified mail if possible) of the defect to offer it one last chance to make repairs. If after all of the above, the defect still prevents normal daily use of the car or represents a serious safety hazard, you would qualify for relief under the Lemon Law.

Essentially, if your lemon is still a lemon after you do everything mentioned above, the Lemon Law can help you. Read next week's column to learn how to file a Lemon Law complaint.