What is the Lemon Law in Indiana?

Are you a resident of Indiana dealing with a defective vehicle? If so, you may be protected by the Indiana Lemon Law. This law provides consumers with legal recourse if they purchase a vehicle that has recurring issues, also known as a “lemon.” Let`s dive into the details of this important consumer protection law and how it can help you if you find yourself with a faulty vehicle.

Understanding the Indiana Lemon Law

The Indiana Lemon Law, formally known as the Motor Vehicle Protection Act, is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to have significant defects or issues. Under this law, if a vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the issue is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer or dealer is required to either replace the vehicle or refund the consumer`s money.

Key Provisions of the Indiana Lemon Law

Here are some important provisions of the Indiana Lemon Law:

Criteria	Details
Vehicle Coverage	Covers new vehicles that are sold or leased in Indiana.
Defects Covered	Applies to defects that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
Repair Attempts	The manufacturer or dealer must be given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect.
Remedies	If the defect is not repaired, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.

How to Seek Relief Under the Indiana Lemon Law

If you believe that you have purchased a lemon in Indiana, it is important to take the following steps to seek relief under the Lemon Law:

Keep thorough records of all repair attempts and communication with the manufacturer or dealer.
Contact the manufacturer or dealer to inform them of the defect and request a remedy.
If the defect is not resolved, consider seeking legal assistance to pursue your rights under the Lemon Law.

Case Studies and Statistics

Let`s take a look at some real-world examples of how the Indiana Lemon Law has helped consumers:

Case Study 1: In 2019, a consumer in Indiana purchased a new vehicle that experienced recurring transmission issues. Despite multiple repair attempts, the problem persisted. With the help of the Lemon Law, the consumer was able to obtain a full refund from the manufacturer.

Case Study 2: According to the Indiana Attorney General`s Office, there were 157 lemon law complaints filed in 2020, with 95 resulting in repurchases or replacements for consumers.

The Indiana Lemon Law is a valuable protection for consumers who find themselves dealing with a defective vehicle. By understanding your rights under this law and taking the appropriate steps, you can seek a resolution if you have purchased a lemon. If you believe that you are dealing with a lemon, it is important to seek legal guidance to explore your options for relief.

Got Lemon? Get the Scoop on Indiana`s Lemon Law!

Question	Answer
What is Indiana`s lemon law?	Well, well, well! Indiana`s lemon law is a sweet deal for consumers who end up with a sour ride. It basically provides protection for people who purchase or lease a new vehicle that turns out to be a lemon – you know, a defective vehicle. The law requires the manufacturer to either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price if the vehicle`s issues cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts.
What types of vehicles are covered under Indiana`s lemon law?	Good question! Indiana`s lemon law applies to new vehicles that are purchased or leased primarily for personal, family, or household use. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even RVs – but not those used for business purposes.
How many repair attempts are considered “reasonable” under Indiana`s lemon law?	Ah, the magic number! Indiana`s lemon law sets the threshold at four repair attempts for the same issue or a total of 30 days in the repair shop within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership – whichever comes first.
Do I need to notify the manufacturer about the vehicle`s issues before taking action under the lemon law?	Absolutely! You`ve gotta give the manufacturer a fair chance to make things right. Make sure to provide written notice and allow a reasonable number of repair attempts within the statutory period before seeking recourse under the lemon law.
What do I need to do to initiate the lemon law process in Indiana?	Buckle up, folks! To kickstart the lemon law process in Indiana, you`ll need to file a written notice with the manufacturer and provide them with a final opportunity to repair the vehicle. If the manufacturer doesn`t play ball, you can then seek arbitration or take them to court.
Can I hire an attorney to help me with my lemon law claim?	Of course, you can! While you are not required to have an attorney to pursue a lemon law claim in Indiana, having a legal eagle by your side can certainly give you a leg up in navigating the complex legal terrain and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
What kind of compensation can I receive under Indiana`s lemon law?	Cha-ching, baby! If your lemon law claim is successful, you could be looking at a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, including taxes, title fees, and finance charges. Additionally, you may also be entitled to reimbursement for incidental damages and attorney`s fees.
Is there a time limit for filing a lemon law claim in Indiana?	Time is of the essence, my friend! In Indiana, you must initiate a lemon law claim within two years after the date of original delivery of the vehicle to the consumer. Don`t drag your feet on this – take action while the iron is hot!
Are used vehicles covered under Indiana`s lemon law?	Sadly, the party`s over for used vehicle buyers. Indiana`s lemon law only applies to new vehicles, so if you end up with a dud of a used car, you`ll need to explore other avenues for recourse.
Where can I find more information about Indiana`s lemon law?	Thirsty for more knowledge? You can quench your curiosity by checking out Indiana`s Lemon Law Statute (Indiana Code 24-5-13) or reaching out to the Indiana Attorney General`s Consumer Protection Division for guidance on how to make lemonade out of your lemon of a vehicle.