New Jersey Lemon Law

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Information from NADA Title & Registration Textbook 2004

 

New Jersey Lemon Law

 

The law applies to NEW passenger vehicles (and motorcycles) purchased or leased on or after the law’s effective date, March 14, 1989. If the manufacturer is unable to conform the new automobile to the warranty be repairing or correcting a defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the new automobile to the consumer after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer shall accept return of the automobile from the consumer and either dealer or lessor must provide purchaser/lessee of a new passenger vehicle with a mandatory consumer notice. Duration of Lemon Law II coverage is for 18,000 miles or 2-years following the date of deliver. (NOTE: If the manufacturer’s warranty only extends for 12 months/12,000 miles, consumer still receives Lemon Las protection but must initially pay for any repairs once the manufacturer’s warranty expires. If consumer later prevails on a Lemon Law claim, repair charges are also refunded.) The law establishes three (3) attempts to repair the same defect or a total of twenty (20) days “down time” as key requirements prior to a consumer opting to trigger the refund provision of the law. If a consumer prevails on his Lemon Law claims, he has a right to a refund from the manufacturer of all monies paid for the vehicle, including any allowance for a trade-in. The consumer also gets a refund of the cost of any documentary fees, etc. are also refunded. Finally, if the consumer rents a substitute vehicle while his vehicle is tied up for repair, he is entitled to a refund of the actual rental costs for an EQUIVALENT VEHICLE. Also, as noted above, if the consumer paid for any repairs upon expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty, but still within the scope of Lemon Law II, such charges are also refunded. For information on used cars please contact the Office of Consumer Protection, Lemon Law Unit. PO Box 45026, Newark, NJ 07101