Colorado Lemon Law
Colorado Lemon Laws and the federal Lemon Law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) provide for compensation to Colorado consumers of defective
automobiles and trucks and other vehicles and products including motorcycles, RV's, boats, computers and other consumer appliances and
products. To qualify under the Colorado Lemon Law or the federal Lemon Law, you must generally have a product that suffered multiple repair
attempts under the manufacturer's factory warranty. Lemon Law compensation can include a refund, replacement or cash compensation. The
following comments
briefly explain the Colorado Lemon Law and how it applies to you.
This message is not a substitute for contacting a lawyer who can best advise you of your rights. If you think you qualify for a Lemon Law,
click here for a free Colorado Lemon Law case review or for an immediate
evaluation, simply fax your repair records to 866-773-6152. An experienced Lemon Law attorney will personally review your inquiry and records and quickly contact you for a free consultation.
How It Applies to You and Your New Vehicle
When you purchase a new vehicle, it usually comes with a warranty. Most of these warranties state
that the manufacturer will repair or replace defective parts according to the terms of the warranty.
This statement does not mean you automatically get another car or a refund if you think you've
bought a defective vehicle or a "lemon." The warranty is simply the manufacturer's promise
to do certain things. You have to read the warranty to see what is promised. For example, most new
car warranties do not provide you with a car to use while yours is being repaired.
If you buy a vehicle with a manufacturer's warranty and it has a defect that cannot be repaired,
you may have recourse under Colorado's Lemon Law. The Lemon Law covers only NEW self-propelled
vehicles, including pickups and vans. Motor homes and motorcycles are excluded from the Lemon Law.
If you buy a new vehicle that has a defect that substantially impairs its use and market value
within one year following purchase, and the defect is not repaired after a "reasonable number
of attempts," a court may order the manufacturer to replace the vehicle or refund the purchase
price minus a reasonable allowance for your use of the vehicle.
Under the law, a "reasonable number of attempts" to repair applies when the SAME defect
remains after being repaired four or more times within the first year after the date of original
delivery. It also applies when the vehicle is out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of
30 or more business days during the warranty term or one year after original delivery, whichever
comes first.
Defects, such as a rattle or squeak, which do not substantially impair the use and market value
of the vehicle are not covered. Neither are defects resulting from abuse, neglect or unauthorized
modifications or alterations of the vehicle by a consumer.
Prior to suing a manufacturer for a refund of replacement vehicle, you must first send a written
notice of defect by certified mail to the manufacturer, give them a chance to repair it and go
through the manufacturer's informal dispute settlement procedure, if one exists.
Your owner/warranty manual should contain a form with the manufacturer's name and business
address where you can send the notice of defect.
If you are unable to locate this information, contact the local, state or regional office of the
manufacturer.
The information in this brochure is based on Sections 42-10-101 through 107 of the Colorado
Revised Statutes. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other
professional advisor should be obtained. The purpose of this publication is to provide information
of a general character only and accurate as of the date of publication.
For complete advice concerning your legal rights, click here to consult a Colorado Lemon Law attorney.
Most of the information on this page is provided by the state of Colorado, which this website is not affiliated with.
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