LEMON LAW DEMAND LETTER
Final Opportunity to Repair / Demand for Replacement or Refund
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Name(s): ☐ _______________________________________________
Address: ☐ _______________________________________________
City, State, ZIP: ☐ _______________________________________________
Phone: ☐ _______________________________________________
Email: ☐ _______________________________________________
Date: ☐ _______________________________________________
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Manufacturer Name: ☐ _______________________________________________
Consumer Affairs/Lemon Law Department
Address: ☐ _______________________________________________
City, State, ZIP: ☐ _______________________________________________
COPY SENT TO:
☐ Selling Dealer:
Name: _______________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
☐ Servicing Dealer (if different):
Name: _______________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
SENT VIA:
☐ Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested
Tracking Number: ☐ _______________________________________________
Date Sent: ☐ _______________________________________________
VEHICLE INFORMATION
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | ☐ _______________ |
| Make | ☐ _______________ |
| Model | ☐ _______________ |
| VIN | ☐ _______________ |
| Current Mileage | ☐ _______________ |
| Purchase/Lease Date | ☐ _______________ |
| In-Service Date | ☐ _______________ |
| Purchase Price/MSRP | $☐ _______________ |
| Warranty Expiration | ☐ _______________ |
| Warranty Miles Limit | ☐ _______________ |
Type of Acquisition:
☐ Purchase (Cash)
☐ Purchase (Financed)
- Lender: _______________
- Account #: _______________
☐ Lease
- Lessor: _______________
- Lease #: _______________
NOTICE OF LEMON LAW CLAIM
Dear Sir or Madam:
Pursuant to the ☐ _______________ [State] Lemon Law (☐ _______________ [cite statute]) and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.), I hereby notify you that my vehicle qualifies as a "lemon" and I am demanding either a replacement vehicle or a full refund.
This letter serves as:
☐ Final Opportunity Notice before pursuing legal remedies
☐ Formal demand under state lemon law requirements
☐ Required pre-litigation notice
I. DEFECT DESCRIPTION
The vehicle has the following substantial defect(s) that impair its use, value, and/or safety:
Primary Defect(s):
Defect #1:
☐ Description: _______________________________________________
☐ Symptoms: _______________________________________________
☐ When first noticed: _______________________________________________
☐ Does this defect affect safety? ☐ Yes / ☐ No
Defect #2:
☐ Description: _______________________________________________
☐ Symptoms: _______________________________________________
☐ When first noticed: _______________________________________________
☐ Does this defect affect safety? ☐ Yes / ☐ No
Defect #3:
☐ Description: _______________________________________________
☐ Symptoms: _______________________________________________
☐ When first noticed: _______________________________________________
☐ Does this defect affect safety? ☐ Yes / ☐ No
II. REPAIR HISTORY
The defect(s) have been subject to the following repair attempts:
Repair Attempt #1
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | ☐ _______________ |
| Mileage | ☐ _______________ |
| Dealer Name | ☐ _______________ |
| Repair Order # | ☐ _______________ |
| Days Out of Service | ☐ _______________ |
| Complaint Reported | ☐ _______________ |
| Work Performed | ☐ _______________ |
| Defect Repaired? | ☐ Yes / ☐ No |
Repair Attempt #2
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | ☐ _______________ |
| Mileage | ☐ _______________ |
| Dealer Name | ☐ _______________ |
| Repair Order # | ☐ _______________ |
| Days Out of Service | ☐ _______________ |
| Complaint Reported | ☐ _______________ |
| Work Performed | ☐ _______________ |
| Defect Repaired? | ☐ Yes / ☐ No |
Repair Attempt #3
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | ☐ _______________ |
| Mileage | ☐ _______________ |
| Dealer Name | ☐ _______________ |
| Repair Order # | ☐ _______________ |
| Days Out of Service | ☐ _______________ |
| Complaint Reported | ☐ _______________ |
| Work Performed | ☐ _______________ |
| Defect Repaired? | ☐ Yes / ☐ No |
Repair Attempt #4
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | ☐ _______________ |
| Mileage | ☐ _______________ |
| Dealer Name | ☐ _______________ |
| Repair Order # | ☐ _______________ |
| Days Out of Service | ☐ _______________ |
| Complaint Reported | ☐ _______________ |
| Work Performed | ☐ _______________ |
| Defect Repaired? | ☐ Yes / ☐ No |
Summary of Repair Attempts
| Metric | Count/Days |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Attempts for Same Defect | ☐ ___ |
| Total Days Out of Service | ☐ ___ days |
| Defect Currently Exists? | ☐ Yes / ☐ No |
III. LEMON LAW QUALIFICATION
My vehicle qualifies as a "lemon" under applicable law because:
State Lemon Law Threshold (check applicable)
☐ Repair Attempt Threshold Met:
- ☐ Three (3) or more repair attempts for the same substantial defect
- ☐ Four (4) or more repair attempts for the same defect
- ☐ One (1) repair attempt for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury
- ☐ Other state-specific threshold: _______________
☐ Days Out of Service Threshold Met:
- ☐ Vehicle out of service for 30 or more cumulative days
- ☐ Vehicle out of service for ___ days (state-specific)
- ☐ Out-of-service days occurred within warranty period
☐ Combined Defects Threshold:
- ☐ Five (5) or more repair attempts for varying defects that substantially impair use/value
Timing Requirements
☐ All defects first reported within warranty period
☐ Defects occurred within:
- ☐ First 18 months / 18,000 miles
- ☐ First 24 months / 24,000 miles
- ☐ Other: _______________
☐ Within statute of limitations: _______________
IV. DEMAND FOR RELIEF
Based on the foregoing, I hereby demand that you:
Option 1: REPLACEMENT VEHICLE
☐ I elect a replacement vehicle pursuant to the lemon law.
Replacement Vehicle Requirements:
☐ Same make, model, and trim level
☐ Comparable value if identical model not available
☐ New, unused vehicle
☐ Transfer of all warranties to replacement vehicle
☐ Payment of all incidental costs (taxes, registration, fees)
Option 2: REFUND (BUYBACK)
☐ I elect a full refund pursuant to the lemon law.
Refund Calculation:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price/MSRP | $☐ _______________ |
| Finance charges (if financed) | $☐ _______________ |
| Sales tax | $☐ _______________ |
| Registration/title fees | $☐ _______________ |
| Incidental costs (towing, rental, etc.) | $☐ _______________ |
| Subtotal | $☐ _______________ |
| Less: Mileage offset (if applicable) | ($☐ _______________) |
| TOTAL REFUND DEMANDED | $☐ _______________ |
Mileage Offset Calculation (if applicable):
Most state lemon laws allow a mileage offset for use prior to the first report of the defect.
- Miles at first repair attempt: ☐ _______________
- Purchase price: $☐ _______________
- Expected useful life miles: ☐ _______________ (typically 100,000-120,000)
- Offset formula: (Miles at first repair / Expected life) x Purchase Price
- Offset amount: $☐ _______________
Additional Demands
☐ Pay off existing financing/lease obligation directly to lender/lessor
☐ Reimburse incidental expenses:
- Rental car costs: $_______________
- Towing charges: $_______________
- Lost wages: $_______________
- Other: $_______________
☐ Provide written satisfaction of all liens
☐ Issue title transfer documents
V. FINAL REPAIR OPPORTUNITY (IF REQUIRED)
☐ This section applies if state law requires a final repair opportunity
Pursuant to ☐ _______________ [State] law, I am providing you with one final opportunity to repair the defect(s) before pursuing legal remedies.
To schedule the final repair attempt:
☐ Contact me within ☐ ___ days of receipt of this letter
☐ Schedule the repair within ☐ ___ days of contact
☐ Complete the repair within ☐ ___ days of vehicle delivery to dealer
If the defect is not repaired during the final opportunity:
☐ I will pursue all legal remedies including litigation
☐ I will seek attorney's fees under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
☐ I will file for arbitration through: _______________
VI. RESPONSE DEADLINE
I demand a written response to this letter within ☐ ___ days (typically 10-30 days per state law) of your receipt.
Your response should include:
☐ Acceptance of my demand for replacement or refund
☐ Proposed date for vehicle inspection (if required)
☐ Contact information for your representative handling this claim
☐ If you dispute my claim, a detailed explanation of your position
VII. CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If I do not receive a satisfactory response within the stated deadline, I intend to pursue all available legal remedies, including:
☐ State Lemon Law Litigation:
- Replacement or refund
- Civil penalty (2x damages in some states for willful violations)
- Attorney's fees and costs
☐ Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2310):
- Damages
- Attorney's fees if consumer prevails
☐ State Consumer Protection/UDAP Laws:
- Treble damages (where applicable)
- Attorney's fees
☐ Arbitration through your manufacturer's program or state-sponsored program
☐ Complaints to:
- State Attorney General
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Better Business Bureau Auto Line
- State motor vehicle agency
VIII. DOCUMENTATION ENCLOSED
☐ Copy of purchase agreement/lease
☐ Copy of all repair orders
☐ Photos/videos of defect (if applicable)
☐ Copy of warranty booklet
☐ Receipts for incidental expenses
☐ Timeline of events
☐ Other: _______________________________________________
IX. ACKNOWLEDGMENT REQUEST
Please acknowledge receipt of this demand letter and confirm:
- The name and contact information of the person assigned to handle this claim
- Your position on whether my vehicle qualifies under the lemon law
- Your proposed resolution
Send acknowledgment to:
Name: ☐ _______________________________________________
Address: ☐ _______________________________________________
Email: ☐ _______________________________________________
Phone: ☐ _______________________________________________
This demand is sent without prejudice to any rights or remedies available under federal or state law.
Sincerely,
_________________________________________________
[Signature]
_________________________________________________
[Printed Name]
_________________________________________________
[Date]
SENDER'S CHECKLIST
Before Sending:
☐ Verify state lemon law requirements are met:
- ☐ Repair attempt threshold
- ☐ Days out of service threshold
- ☐ Timing requirements
☐ Gather all repair orders with dates and descriptions
☐ Calculate refund amount including all fees paid
☐ Identify correct manufacturer address for lemon law claims
☐ Make copies of all enclosures (never send originals)
☐ Send via certified mail, return receipt requested
☐ Keep copy of complete package for records
After Sending:
☐ Save certified mail receipt
☐ Save return receipt (green card) when received
☐ Calendar response deadline
☐ Document any communications
☐ Consult with lemon law attorney if no satisfactory response
STATE LEMON LAW VARIATIONS
Repair Attempt Thresholds by State (examples - verify current law):
| State | Same Defect Attempts | Days Out of Service | Safety Defect |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 4 (or 2 for safety) | 30 days | 2 attempts |
| Texas | 4 | 30 days | 2 attempts |
| New York | 4 | 30 days | — |
| Florida | 3 | 30 days | 1 attempt |
| Georgia | 3 | 30 days | 1 attempt |
Note: State lemon laws vary significantly. Always verify your specific state's requirements.
LEGAL REFERENCES
Federal Law:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301-2312)
- FTC Used Car Rule (16 C.F.R. § 455) - for used vehicles
State Lemon Laws (examples):
- California: Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.2 (Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act)
- Texas: Tex. Occ. Code § 2301.601 et seq.
- New York: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 198-a
- Florida: Fla. Stat. § 681.10 et seq.
Helpful Resources:
- NHTSA Complaints: nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem
- BBB AUTO LINE: bbb.org/autoline
- Center for Auto Safety: autosafety.org
This template is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Lemon law requirements vary significantly by state. Consult with a qualified lemon law attorney for advice specific to your situation and state.
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