If you’ve purchased a new or used vehicle in Washington state and it’s giving you constant problems, you might wonder if you have any legal options. In the state of Washington, the Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from vehicles that are defective and cannot be adequately repaired.
In this guide, we’ll explain what types of issues are covered under Washington’s Lemon Law and how to navigate the process if you suspect you have a lemon on your hands.
What is Washington’s Lemon Law?
The Lemon Law in Washington state is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new or used motor vehicles that have significant defects, making them unsafe, unreliable, or reducing their value. Under this law, manufacturers are required to repurchase or refund vehicles with substantial defects that have not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
The law covers two types of defects:
- Nonconformities: Defects that substantially impair the use, safety, or value of the vehicle.
- Serious Safety Defects: Malfunctions that threaten the safety of the driver or passengers.
If your car meets certain conditions, you may be eligible for compensation through the Lemon Law, such as a refund or buyback. To determine if you have a valid lemon law claim, it’s important to understand what specific problems the law covers.
What Problems Does Lemon Law Cover in Washington State?
The Washington Lemon Law covers a wide range of defects, but it is specifically focused on issues that substantially affect the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
Nonconformities (General Defects)
A nonconformity is a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a vehicle. This could include a variety of mechanical, electrical, or structural issues that make the car unreliable or unsafe to operate. Nonconformities can include problems such as:
- Engine or Transmission Failures: Issues with the engine or transmission that affect the vehicle’s ability to function properly, causing it to stall or fail to start.
- Electrical Malfunctions: Problems with the vehicle’s electrical systems, such as faulty wiring, malfunctioning lights, or broken sensors.
- Brake Failures: Any defect that compromises the vehicle’s braking system, putting the driver’s safety at risk.
- Air Conditioning or Heating System Defects: A malfunctioning air conditioning or heating system that affects the comfort and usability of the vehicle.
These types of defects make the vehicle unsafe, unreliable, or difficult to operate and may be covered if the manufacturer has made four or more failed repair attempts during the eligibility period.
Serious Safety Defects
A serious safety defect is one that directly affects the safety of the vehicle, often creating a risk of harm to the driver, passengers, or others on the road. These defects are particularly dangerous and must be addressed promptly. Some examples of serious safety defects include:
- Steering Malfunctions: Problems with the vehicle’s steering mechanism that impair the driver’s ability to control the car, potentially leading to accidents.
- Defective Tires or Wheels: Issues with the tires or wheels that compromise the vehicle’s ability to safely navigate the road, increasing the risk of a blowout or accident.
- Fuel System Failures: A defect in the fuel system that could cause a fire hazard or prevent the vehicle from operating.
- Electrical System Fires: A malfunction in the vehicle’s electrical system that poses a risk of fire or electrical failure.
If a vehicle has any of these types of safety defects, it can be considered a lemon, and the manufacturer may be required to repurchase or refund it under Washington’s Lemon Law.
Days Out of Service
Another common issue covered by Washington’s Lemon Law is based on the amount of time a vehicle spends out of service due to repairs. If your vehicle has been in the shop for repairs for a total of 30 or more cumulative days, this may also be grounds for a lemon law claim. The time spent out of service must be related to a nonconformity or serious safety defect, and at least 15 of those days must fall within the manufacturer’s warranty period.
If you’ve experienced significant downtime due to ongoing repairs, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, and you could be entitled to take legal action.
How to Know if You Have a Lemon
To determine if your vehicle qualifies under Washington’s Lemon Law, you need to evaluate your car’s repair history and the severity of its defects. Here’s what you should consider:
- Has your vehicle been in for repairs multiple times for the same issue? If your car has been brought in for the same defect more than three or four times, or if it’s been in the shop for 30 or more cumulative days, you may have a lemon.
- Do the defects significantly impact the vehicle’s use, safety, or value? If the defect affects how well the vehicle operates or creates a dangerous driving situation, it’s likely covered under the Lemon Law.
- Has the manufacturer or dealer failed to resolve the issue within the required time? If the manufacturer hasn’t responded or resolved the issue within 40 days, your vehicle may be considered a lemon.
If any of these criteria apply to your vehicle, it’s time to consult with an experienced lemon law attorney from Prestige Legal Solutions, so you can understand your rights and options.
Consult With an Experienced Washington Lemon Lawyer
If you think that your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, consulting with an experienced Washington lemon law lawyer is the best way to begin working towards a resolution. A qualified attorney can help assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
An attorney can assist with the paperwork, represent you in arbitration hearings, and negotiate with the manufacturer to secure a fair settlement or buyback.
Don’t try to navigate the complexities of the lemon law alone – having an expert by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
For more answers about exactly what lemon law covers – and what it doesn’t – contact Prestige Legal Solutions for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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