As a car owner in Washington State, it’s essential to understand your rights when it comes to protecting yourself against defective vehicles. The Washington State Lemon Law is designed to provide relief for consumers who have purchased or leased a new vehicle with substantial defects. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of the law and help you navigate the process of claiming your rights.
Understanding Washington State Lemon Law
The Washington State Lemon Law applies to new vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, that have been purchased or leased from a licensed dealer within the state. To be eligible for protection under the law, the following criteria must be met:
- The vehicle must be primarily used for personal, family, or household purposes.
- The vehicle must be registered in WA State.
- The vehicle must have been purchased or leased on or after January 1, 1987.
- The problem(s) with the vehicle must have occurred within the earlier of the first 24 months of ownership or 24,000 miles driven.
Identifying a Lemon: Substantial Malfunctions and Manufacturer’s Duty
A vehicle is considered a “lemon” if it has a substantial malfunction that negatively impacts its use, safety, or market value. To qualify under the Lemon Law, the defect(s) must have been subject to a reasonable number of attempts to repair by the manufacturer or its authorized dealer. The manufacturer’s duty includes:
- Providing a written warranty for the vehicle.
- Making necessary repairs to correct any defects covered by the warranty within a reasonable timeframe.
When to File a Lemon Law Claim in WA?
The law defines a reasonable number of repair attempts as follows:
- At least two attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death.
- At least four attempts for any other substantial defect.
- The vehicle is out of service for at least 30 cumulative days due to warranty repairs.
If the manufacturer fails to repair the defect(s) after a reasonable number of attempts, you have the right to file a Lemon Law claim.
Lemon Law Relief: Repurchase or Replacement
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies:
- Repurchase: The manufacturer buys back your vehicle, refunding the purchase price, taxes, licensing fees, and any other reasonable expenses you incurred (minus a reasonable allowance for use).
- Replacement: The manufacturer provides you with a new, comparable vehicle and compensates you for any reasonable incidental expenses.
The Washington State Lemon Law Administration: Assistance and Arbitration
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office oversees the Lemon Law Administration, which provides free assistance and information to consumers seeking relief under the law. If you’re unable to reach a resolution with the manufacturer, you can request arbitration through the Lemon Law Administration. Arbitration is a free, informal process where an impartial third party reviews your case and makes a decision, which is binding on the manufacturer but not on you.