South Carolina Lemon Law

[MarvBear]

Information from NADA Title & Registration Textbook 2004

 

South Carolina Lemon Law

 

The law defines a lemon as a new motor vehicle (passenger car, van, or truck) that was bought on or after October 3, 1989; has a defect that impairs it sue or will lower it market value substantially; and which the manufacturer cannot repair within a reasonable time. Defects, which do not substantially impair the vehicle’s use, market value, or safety, are not covered. Also not covered are defects caused by the consumer’s abuse, neglect or unauthorized alteration of the car, or defects that do not show within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first. The manufacturer (or its agent) must be notified of the defect during the term of the express warranty. The manufacturer must make any repair efforts at no cost to the consumer and within a reasonable amount of time. The law presumes a reasonable amount of time to be either 3 repair attempts for the same defect or thirty days out of service for repairs. The 30 days do not have to be consecutive. For additional information please contact the Department of Consumer Affairs at 3600 Forest Drive, 3rd floor, PO Box 5757, Columbia, SC 29250