Our Texas Lemon Law Attorneys Are Here To Fight For You
When you purchase or lease a new vehicle, the last thing you need is for the vehicle to need constant repairs because it doesn’t work properly. At Lemon LawDog, we help consumers throughout Texas get refunds or vehicle replacements under the state’s lemon laws. Our Texas lemon law attorneys have more than 20 years of experience in lemon law. If you purchased or leased a defective vehicle in Texas, we can help you turn that lemon into lemonade.
For a free consultation, please call us at 888-472-1124 or contact us by email. Our Texas lemon law attorneys represent clients statewide.
The Texas Department Of Motor Vehicles And Consumer Protection
In Texas, the lemon law is administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the purpose of consumer protection. The law applies specifically to cars, trucks or RVs that were leased or purchased from Texas dealerships with a warranty. Under Texas lemon law, the following criteria must be met to qualify for a refund or vehicle replacement:
- The vehicle must have a substantial defect.
- The vehicle must still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The vehicle’s owner must have reported the problem to the dealer within the time limits imposed under the warranty.
- The vehicle’s owner has attempted to resolve the issue with the dealer and given them a chance to fix it.
Even after the dealership has attempted to fix the problem, the lemon law will apply if the defect still exists and substantially interferes with the function of the vehicle; if the function of the vehicle creates a safety hazard; or if the defect causes a decrease in the fair market value of the vehicle.
You also have a limited time to file a lemon law claim. If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, your claim must be filed within six months of the expiration date. In the alternative, there must not be more than 24,000 miles on the vehicle or the claim must be filed within 24 months of the purchase date, whichever comes first.
See our overview of the Lemon Law Process to learn more about the kinds of documentation you’ll need for a lemon law claim.
Compensation Available Under Texas Lemon Law
The lemon law in Texas provides relief in three different ways. If you have a legitimate claim under the lemon law, you may seek:
- A refund from the dealer
- A comparable replacement vehicle provided by the manufacturer
- Repairs, meaning the manufacturer fixes the defects and reimburses the vehicle’s owner for any out-of-pocket repair expenses
As a consumer, you have rights. Our consumer protection lawyers are available to answer your questions and help you file a claim under the Texas Lemon Law.
Texas Lemon Law: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lemon Law in Texas?
The Texas Lemon Law is a statute that assists consumers who buy or lease new vehicles and have repeated problems with warranty repairs. The law requires manufacturers to fix defects that affect the performance, value or safety of a new vehicle. If the problem is not fixed within a certain number of attempts or within a certain timeframe, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or refund.
What qualifies as a ‘lemon’ under Texas law?
In Texas, a vehicle is considered a lemon if it has a substantial defect or condition that substantially impairs the use or market value of the vehicle, and the vehicle has been taken in for repair two or more times for the same problem without success, or if the vehicle has been out of service for repair for a total of 30 or more days during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles. There is also a “serious safety hazard” condition that requires only one repair attempt if the defect is a life-threatening.
How long do I have to file a Lemon Law claim in Texas?
To pursue a claim under the Texas Lemon Law, you must file a complaint within six months following the expiration of the express warranty term, 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, the defect must occur within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles.
What should I do if I think I have a lemon in Texas?
If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, it’s important to keep records of all repair orders and communications with the dealership and manufacturer. Make sure that the repair orders accurately describe the problem, the work done and the time the vehicle was in the shop. You can then file a complaint with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). We strongly encourage you to consult with our Texas lemon law attorneys about these matters.
Does the Texas Lemon Law apply to used cars?
The Texas Lemon Law typically applies to new vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes and all-terrain vehicles. It does not generally apply to used vehicles unless they are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty and meet the lemon criteria within the specified timeframes. However, other protections, such as implied warranties or federal laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, may still apply.
Contact The Texas Lemon Law Attorneys At Lemon LawDog For A Free Consultation
Our Texas lemon law attorneys offer a free case evaluation. To schedule your free appointment, please call Lemon LawDog at 888-472-1124 or fill out our contact form. We represent clients throughout Texas.