Connecticut Lemon Laws for New Vehicles
The Connecticut Lemon Laws seek to protect consumers of both new vehicles by providing a necessary guideline for warranty enforcement which may be used when a vehicle exhibits functional problems associated with a serious warranty malfunction.
Requirements
The Connecticut Lemon Laws are versatile in that they protect both passenger vehicles, passenger/commercial vehicles, and motor vehicles. Thus as long as a vehicle is designed to carry passengers and transport them comfortably (i.e. personal use, a taxi or light limo) then the Connecticut Lemon Laws may be applied.
The Connecticut Lemon Laws will offer protection for a purchased or leased new vehicle for the first twenty-four thousand miles on the odometer or the first twenty-four months. The vehicle must exist within these two limits and once either terminate naturally, the Connecticut Lemon Laws protection period shall expire.
Malfunctions
The Connecticut Lemon Laws will only aid consumers who have purchased a vehicle with a very serious warranty defect that significantly interferes with the operation or safety of the vehicle. There may be a case if it significantly devalues the vehicle as well. In addition the warranty defect must be irreparable. This may be considered the case if the manufacturer has attempted to repair the same warranty nonconformity four times and failed and/or the vehicle has been out of service due to being in a state of repair for thirty or more more days (cumulatively)
Party at Fault
Usually, the manufacturer will be the party responsible for the vehicle unless they can prove the warranty malfunction is the fault of the consumer.
Compensation
Consumers are entitled to either a replacement vehicle of relatively equal value and style or a repurchase. Certain factors are taken into account (i.e. leased or purchased, use, incidentals) however ultimately the consumer is entitled to what they have paid for or a refund.
How To File
Step 1. Lemon Law statutes are designed to be protect both manufacturer and consumers. As such consumers would be wise to organize their documents so that they can readily prove ownership of the vehicle and the existence of its warranty defect.
Step 2. Vehicle Owners should be aware of their responsibility to show the vehicle’s warranty malfunction’s effect on performance leading up to the complaint. Quite a bit of this is likely to be anecdotal. It is often a good idea to start and maintain a written log concerning such intangible events as personal experience or phone correspondence. This log should be dated and updated frequently to be taken seriously. It should also be descriptive and concise
Step 3. Eventually, consumers dealing with an increasing warranty defect performance problem will have to contact a manufacturer to seek assistance. This should be done as a dated written complaint and sent via registered mail.
Step 4. Vehicle Owners will need to uphold their responsibilities. This includes informing a manufacturer in no uncertain terms of their expectations especially if the warranty nonconformity proves irreparable. This should be done after a fair amount of attempts in the form of a Notice to Repair, Replace, or Repurchase. This will give the manufacturer one more chance to repair the vehicle and an ultimatum. Since, one may have to prove this was given, such a notice should be sent via registered mail with a return receipt request.
Step 5. If the warranty lists a 16 C.R.F. 703 compliant dispute process the consumer is obligated to participate in it however, this will not obligate the consumer to a decision. The only arbitration decision that may be considered final, in this state, is one issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Step 6. If a consumer has exhausted their options, the warranty defect is irreparable, and the manufacturer is less than cooperative, he/she has the option of filing a complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection’s Arbitration Program.
Contact Us | Lemon Law Experts
Don’t let a defective vehicle disrupt your life. Contact us today and let us help you drive away from the frustration!
Get the Help You Deserve: We are here to help!
We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a defective vehicle. Our experienced team is here to provide you with personalized support, expert legal guidance, and the representation you need to resolve your case. Whether you need a replacement, repair, or refund, we’re dedicated to helping you get back on the road with confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation!