When you lease a vehicle, you expect it to run properly and safely. However, sometimes a new car might have persistent issues that repairs cannot fix. In Minnesota, the lemon law provides protection if your leased vehicle turns out to be defective.
Understanding Minnesota’s lemon law
Minnesota’s lemon law covers leased vehicles that have substantial defects affecting the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. These defects must occur within the warranty period, or within two years or 24,000 miles from the date of delivery, whichever comes first. Importantly, the issue must not be a result of abuse or neglect by the user.
Starting your lemon law claim
To begin a lemon law claim in Minnesota, document all problems and repair attempts from the start. Keep detailed records of every visit to the dealership or repair shop, including:
- Dates
- What they repaired
- Any conversations with mechanics or service representatives.
This documentation will be crucial in supporting your claim.
Working with the manufacturer
After documenting the issues, you need to formally notify the vehicle manufacturer about the problem. This notification should be in writing and sent via certified mail. The manufacturer has a chance to make a final attempt to repair the vehicle.
If the vehicle remains unfixed after a reasonable number of attempts—usually four or more—or if it has been out of service for 30 cumulative days, you can proceed with further action. If the manufacturer cannot fix the vehicle, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
Moving ahead with your claim
Armed with knowledge and comprehensive records, you can approach your lemon law claim with confidence. Remember, the key is thorough documentation and clear communication with all parties involved.