Minnesota Lemon Laws

Lemon Law in Minnesota

Minnesota legislators call it 325F.655. Everybody else knows it as the Minnesota Lemon Law enacted to protect car buyers when they get stuck with a dud of an auto. One thing to remember about a lemon law is that it’s not meant to cover “buyer’s remorse.” Just because you’re having second thoughts about the car you just bought because you’re not crazy about the cup holders doesn’t mean you can get a replacement.

The lemon law is for those cars that are not conforming to the manufacturer’s intent which is a car that does everything the car is supposed to do. The Minnesota law sets up a special arbitration board to handle matters pertaining to a lemon. First, you have to make sure that your circumstances meet the requirements for arbitration.

Minnesota Lemon Law Qualifications

The first requirement is that the car in question needs to have been bought or leased in the state of Minnesota. This includes cars, trucks, and vans as long as they are being used for at least 40% of time for family or personal uses. In other words, a company car might not be covered. The law does cover used vehicles as long as the car is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.

The defect in question has to occur within the original warranty period or the first two years of ownership. As much of an annoyance as this might be, you will have to make at least four repair attempts for the same single problem before you can call your car a lemon. It could also be in the shop for 30 days. Of course, if there is an issue with the steering or brakes then you don’t have to wait out those first two requirements and can proceed to the remedy phase.

Minnesota Lemon Law Remedy

Upon certified notification, the car maker is given one last attempt to fix the problem. If it still persists you might have to go through the car maker’s own arbitration program. This is where you get to present your arguments for a replacement or refund. These are considered informal hearings where you don’t really need a lawyer.

What you do need is all your paperwork. This should include any repair bills, estimates or diagnostic reports from your mechanic. Note that this mechanic of choice should be certified. It can’t be a family member who fixes cars in their spare time. You are also entitled to get an independent appraisal which is always recommended. Think of it as a second opinion.

If the arbitration board rules in your favor, you can either get a replacement of the same make and model or a refund. In the case of a refund, you’re entitled to receive the purchase price along with any additional taxes, fees, or repair costs. For a leased vehicle you’ll get back all the payments you made minus a reasonable driving allowance.

In the event that the arbitration hearing doesn’t go in your favor, you are entitled to sue the car maker in civil court. However, you will then be at risk for your own lawyer’s fee in addition to the car maker’s lawyer’s fees if they win again.

FAQ About Minnesota Lemon Laws

Does Minnesota have a lemon law for used cars?

Yes, Minnesota does have a lemon law to protect consumers from purchasing a defective used vehicle. To qualify under the Minnesota Lemon Law, the defect must be “substantial” and must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. In addition, the defect must have existed at the time of purchase, or arise within 30 days of delivery.

What qualifies as a lemon law in Minnesota?

A lemon law is an implied warranty that applies when the purchased vehicle has been found to contain severe defects or recurring mechanical issues that impair its use, value, or safety. In order for a consumer to qualify under the Minnesota Lemon Law, the defect must be “substantial” and must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. In addition, the defect must have existed at the time of purchase, or arise within 30 days of delivery.

Is there a 30-day lemon law in Minnesota?

Yes. Under the Minnesota Lemon Law, any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle must exist at the time of purchase or arise within 30 days of delivery in order to qualify for protection.

What is the new car law in Minnesota?

The new car law in Minnesota is also known as the Minnesota Lemon Law. It provides consumers with protection against purchasing a defective new vehicle. Any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle must exist at the time of purchase or arise within 30 days of delivery in order for a consumer to qualify for protection under this law.

Does Minnesota have buyers remorse law?

No. Minnesota does not have a “buyer’s remorse” law. However, if you experience buyer’s remorse due to dissatisfaction with the pre-owned vehicle’s condition or performance, you may be protected under the Minnesota Lemon Law.

Which of the following items can affect a lemon law claim?

Items that can affect a lemon law claim include but are not limited to: defects that impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle; defects that exist at the time of purchase or arise within 30 days of delivery; and evidence that the manufacturer tried and failed to repair the vehicle.

Does Lemon Law apply to private sales in MN?

Yes, Lemon Law applies to private sales in Minnesota. As long as the defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and it exists or arises within 30 days of delivery, it qualifies for protection under the Minnesota Lemon Law.

What is the Lemon Law in the United States?

The Lemon Law in the United States is a set of laws designed to protect consumers from purchasing a defective vehicle. Generally speaking, any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle must exist at the time of purchase or arise within 30 days of delivery in order for a consumer to qualify for protection under this law.

Is there a lemon law on ATV in Minnesota?

Yes, there is a Lemon Law on ATVs in Minnesota. The same standard applies to automobiles; any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the ATV must exist at the time of purchase or arise within 30 days of delivery in order for a consumer to qualify for protection under this law.

What are lemon laws the problem in the used car market?

Lemon laws are laws created by states to protect consumers from purchasing a defective vehicle. They generally require that any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle must exist at the time of purchase or arise within 30 days of delivery in order for a consumer to qualify for protection under this law. In other words, lemon laws aim to ensure that consumers receive fair treatment when buying a used car.

Does the lemon law apply to used cars with no warranty in Minnesota?

Yes, the Lemon law applies to used cars with no warranty in Minnesota. If any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of such vehicles is found to exist at the time of purchase or arises within 30 days of delivery, then they qualify for protection under this law.

Does Wisconsin have a lemon law?

Yes, Wisconsin does have a lemon law that provides consumers with protection against purchasing a defective vehicle. Any substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety must exist at the time of purchase or arise within 30 days of delivery in order for a consumer to qualify for protection under this law.