Justia Badge
Dispute Resolution Program
Client's Choice AVVO
Reviews - AVVO
Illinois State Bar
The Florida Bar
U.S. District Court, Colorado
U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

South Carolina Lemon Law Rights Consumer Guide

South Carolina Lemon Law Rights

This guide contains a great explanation of the South Carolina lemon law definition and the South Carolina lemon law statute and its presumptions. Read this guide, and if you have more questions about your rights under the South Carolina automobile lemon law, or you want free help seeking remedies, connect with an South Carolina lemon law attorney for a free lemon law case review! Simply put, whenever you need help with the South Carolina car lemon law, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (the federal lemon law) or the lemon law process generally, this Website is your one stop South Carolina lemon law on new cars infosource. This Guide was compiled by the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General and is brought to you here courtesy of CarLemon.

State of South Carolina Lemon Law

Department Of Consumer Affairs

Does South Carolina Have a Lemon Law? If so, When did it Become Effective?

Yes, South Carolina has a lemon law which became effective October 3, 1989.

When is a Car Considered a Lemon Under the Law?

The law defines a lemon as a new motor vehicle (passenger car, van or truck) that:

  1. was bought on or after October 3, 1989;
  2. has a defect that impairs its use or will lower its market value substantially; and
  3. which the manufacturer cannot repair within a reasonable time.
What is Covered in the Law?

Defects which do not substantially impair the vehicle’s use, market value or safety are not covered. Also not covered are defects caused by the consumer’s abuse, neglect or unauthorized alteration of the car, or defects that do not show within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first.

Does the Lemon law Cover Anything Other Than New Motor Vehicles?

No. It only covers passenger motor vehicles (cars, vans, small trucks).

If I Discover a Defect What do I Need to do?

You must notify the manufacturer (or its agent) of the defect during the term of the express warranty. The manufacturer must make any repair efforts at no cost to the consumer and within a reasonable amount of time. The law presumes a reasonable amount of time to be either three repair attempts for the same defect or thirty days out of service for repairs. The 30 days do not have to be consecutive.

What Happens if the Manufacturer is Unable to Repair the Defect?

If the defect cannot be repaired, the manufacturer has the option of whether to replace the vehicle or rescind the agreement and refund the money. If the manufacturer elects to rescind the agreement and refund the money, the refund must be for the full purchase price of the vehicle, less a reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use. The full purchase price includes: 1) applicable finance charges and 2) all governmental fees, such as sales tax, license fees and registration fees.

Describe the Steps I Must Take in Getting a Refund or Replacement for My Vehicle

Before you request a refund or replacement you must first participate in any arbitration procedure the manufacturer may have established (the decisions are binding on the manufacturer). This type mediation is know as an “informal dispute settlement procedure.” The “informal dispute settlement procedure” must:

  1. set up requirements for consumer notification;
  2. be free from the manufacturer’s influence
  3. be free of charge to the consumer;
  4. generally settle the dispute within 40 days
What can I do if I am not Satisfied With the Mediation Decision?

If after arbitration, you remain unsatisfied, you can then file suit in the courts. Consumers should remember to buy cars only from reputable dealers and should read the warranty carefully and save all documentation related to the car and to any repair work for their records. If you have problems with your new car you should begin to keep the following records: a description of defects and details of contacts (including the date and name of the person with whom you spoke); a log of the amount of time the car was out of service and complete written records of routine service.

If the Lemon law Does Not Cover the car I Purchased do I Have any Other Recourse or Protection?

Possibly. The general law of sale, including warranty law may still apply. In addition, you can always file a complaint with the S. C. Department of Consumer Affairs.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I want to personally thank you for all your assistance and guidance with this. I value everything you did and hope I will not have to use your service, but will highly recommend your office. Diana
★★★★★
I received the payment for my settlement. I really appreciate your firm for the representation. You all did a wonderful job and in the future if I need assistance you will be the first I would call. Thank you and i will make sure that I give you plenty referrals. Thank you again!!! Montreesia R.
★★★★★
Thank you all for your time and dedication to my case. The fact that it was done from another state is astounding. You all did such an awesome job with communication and efficiency. Diamond F.
★★★★★
Thank you for the work you have done. I didn't know what to do, but you did. I appreciate the time you took with me. Thank you again for winning the case. Athenia P.
★★★★★
Mr. Weisberg and his firm took our case and they were the best! Professional, friendly, responded quickly. The Lemon Law applied in our situation and was settled with quick results. we would highly recommend this firm. Pat