How to Lemon Law a Car in Wisconsin

It can be frustrating to buy a car that turns out to be a lemon. In Wisconsin, you can use the Lemon Law to get a refund or a replacement vehicle. However, the process can be complicated, and it’s important to know your rights. This article will walk you through the steps of lemon lawing a car in Wisconsin.

What is the Lemon Law?

The Lemon Law is a state law that provides protection to consumers who buy or lease new vehicles that turn out to be lemons. In Wisconsin, the Lemon Law applies to cars, trucks, and motorcycles that are less than a year old or have fewer than 12,000 miles on the odometer. The law states that if a vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the dealer or manufacturer has been unable to fix it after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer is entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle.

Steps to Lemon Law a Car in Wisconsin

Here are the steps to follow if you want to use the Lemon Law to get a refund or a replacement vehicle in Wisconsin:

Step 1: Keep Records

The first step is to keep all records related to your vehicle, including invoices, repair orders, and warranty documents. These will be important evidence when you file a Lemon Law claim.

Step 2: Notify the Manufacturer

The next step is to notify the manufacturer of the defect and allow them a reasonable number of attempts to fix it. In Wisconsin, a reasonable number of attempts is defined as four or more attempts or 30 or more days out of service.

Step 3: File a Lemon Law Claim

If the manufacturer is unable to fix the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you can file a Lemon Law claim. You will need to fill out a form provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and send it to the manufacturer by certified mail. The manufacturer then has 30 days to respond to your claim.

Step 4: Arbitration or Court

If the manufacturer denies your claim, you may be able to go through an arbitration process. In Wisconsin, the manufacturer is required to participate in arbitration if you request it. If the arbitration process is unsuccessful, you can file a lawsuit in court.

Step 5: Receive a Refund or Replacement Vehicle

If your claim is successful, you will be entitled to either a refund or a replacement vehicle. The amount of the refund will depend on the purchase price of the vehicle minus a deduction for your use of the vehicle. You may also be entitled to reimbursement for any financing costs, sales tax, and registration fees.

Additional Information

It’s important to note that the Lemon Law does not cover used vehicles or vehicles that are more than a year old and have more than 12,000 miles on the odometer. However, you may still have legal recourse under other laws, such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or the Wisconsin Consumer Protection Act.

If you’re unsure about your rights or how to lemon law a car in Wisconsin, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney who specializes in Lemon Law cases. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

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