Not all cases that involve a dispute surrounding a vehicle are "lemon law" cases, though REA Law handles non-lemon cases as well (subject to different retention terms). Please read the information below (on California or Nevada, as applicable) to obtain an initial impression as to whether your vehicle may be subject to the lemon law. However, we strongly encourage you to contact our office for further discussion.
Has your vehicle been in a factory dealers' shop multiple times for factory warranty covered repairs since you bought it? Did your vehicle start experiencing these issues while it was still under the original factory warranty? If you answered "yes" to these questions, your car might be a lemon.
At REA Law, we recognize the danger and inconvenience that accompany buying a lemon. A lemon not only has defects that could pose a serious safety hazard, but it can also place you in a financial hole. To us, this is unacceptable.
Our lemon law attorney Ray Areshenko can help you hold the vehicle manufacturer accountable and get the compensation you deserve. You may be able to recover what you lost in the car sale as well as your expenses for repairs and replacement transportation. You have a limited amount of time to file a claim. Don't hesitate.
Mr. Areshenko handles lemon law claims in Nevada and California. Start building your case by calling 775-300-7594 (NV) or 916-800-6090 (CA) for a free consultation with REA Law. We serve clients throughout Nevada and California.
Nevada Lemon Law
The Nevada lemon law applies to new vehicles within a year of purchase or still under the original manufacturer's warranty, whichever is earliest. (*If your vehicle is more than a year old we can typically still analyze your claim based on other state and federal warranty laws). The Nevada lemon law also covers used cars that are still under that original factory warranty. It allows you to recover compensation for any defect or condition that substantially impairs the vehicle's use and value. These are called nonconformities. Lemon laws don't cover any defects that arise because of abuse, neglect, or modifications that you made.
In Nevada, when you report a nonconformity within a year of purchase or under the vehicle's original warranty, manufacturers have a duty to make the necessary repairs. If they are unable to repair the car after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace or repurchase the vehicle.
In Nevada, a reasonable number of attempts is defined as:
- Four or more attempts (by a factory dealer) to repair the same nonconformity
- The vehicle is out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days
California Lemon Law
In California, the lemon law covers vehicles still under the original manufacturer's warranty, or where the issues arose while still under the warranty. It also allows members of the armed forces who are living or stationed in California to exercise their lemon law rights in the state regardless of where they purchased and registered their car.
The lemon law in California applies to vehicles that have suffered one or more of the following issues:
- Four or more attempts (by a factory dealer) have been made to repair the same nonconformity;
- Two or more attempts were made to correct a nonconformity that could result in death or severe injury if the vehicle is driven;
- The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days
Federal Lemon Law
While state lemon laws are usually the best option for restitution if your car qualifies, the federal lemon law offers an alternative to consumers whose vehicles aren't covered under their state laws.
What to Do if You Bought a Lemon
If you are experiencing problems with a vehicle that qualifies under the lemon law, you should do the following:
- Document all issues with detailed notes, photographs, and videos.
- Present the vehicle to a factory-authorized dealer and insist that your complaints are written up in a repair order.
- Don't try to repair the vehicle yourself or let friends or family attempt to fix it.
- Keep receipts for repairs, rental car costs, towing bills, rideshare fees, and any other expenses you incurred because of your lemon.
- Call REA Law for a free consultation.
Schedule Your Lemon Law Consultation Today in Reno, Sacramento, or by Telephone or Videoconference
In 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021, Mr. Areshenko was selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, an honor reserved for less than 2.5 percent of lawyers. If you have been defrauded by a dealership who sold you a lemon, he will help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Start building your case by calling 775-300-7594 (NV) or 916-800-6090 (CA) for a free consultation with REA Law. We serve clients in and around Reno - Sparks and throughout Nevada. REA Law also has offices in Sacramento servicing California.
