Attorney General of New York Resources Letitia James

If you believe your is a “lemon” and the dealer is not cooperating, you may either enter an arbitration process with The Office of the New York State Attorney General or initiate a lawsuit in civil court. Our website has the information you need to answer your questions and initiate an arbitration, or you can call our hotline to have the information and application form sent to you.

Dear New Yorkers, New York State Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Frauds Bureau Buying a car, whether it is new or (800) 771-7755 used, is both expensive and exciting. ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds/lemon-law Getting stuck with a “lemon,” a car that just doesn’t work right, can be a Important Notes: blow to the checkbook and a crushing There are Exceptions - Under both the new disappointment. and used car lemon laws, a consumer may not be entitled to a refund if: Here in New York, the New and Used Car • The problem does not substantially Lemon Laws offer a remedy for newly impair the value of the car to the purchased that are not performing consumer; New York's as promised by the warranty. • The problem is a result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized alteration of the car. Lemon Laws This brochure describes the Report Problems, Keep Records circumstances under which an owner • Whether the car is new or used, it’s best may be eligible for help under New to immediately report any problem, York’s Lemon Laws. You can find more defect or malfunction to the dealer and information, including steps to take, request the necessary repairs. If the Know Your Rights frequently asked questions and a copy consumer has notified the dealer of a problem within the warranty period, the of the law, on our website — or call our dealer must make the repair even if the hotline to have copies sent to you. warranty has subsequently expired. • Keep careful records of all complaints New York State Office Sincerely, and copies of all work orders, repair bills of the Attorney General and correspondence, including emails Letitia James and phone calls. For New Cars For Used Cars Warranty Requirements: The New Car Lemon Law protects those who The Used Car Lemon Law protects those who buy or Auto dealers are required by law to provide buy or lease new cars or motor homes that turn lease used cars from a New York dealer. It requires you a written warranty to cover the following out to be lemons. If your car does not conform dealers to give consumers a written warranty. Under parts: this warranty, dealers must repair, free of charge, to the terms of the written warranty and the Engine: lubricated parts, water pump, fuel manufacturer or its authorized dealer is unable any defect in covered parts. If the dealer is unable to • repair the car after a reasonable number of attempts, pump, manifolds, , to repair the car after a reasonable number of head, rotary engine housings and . attempts, you may be entitled to a full refund or a the consumer is entitled to a full refund. comparable replacement car. NOTE: Only cars purchased from a New York State • Transmission: the transmission case, internal parts, and the torque converter. NOTE: A car is considered new if it was purchased dealer (an individual or business who has sold at least 3 cars in the past 12 months) are covered by less than 2 years from its original delivery date • Drive Axle: the front and rear axle and has fewer than 18,000 miles on it. this law. Private sales are not included. housings and internal parts, axle shafts, propeller shafts and universal joints. Cars covered by the law include any car that: Cars covered by the law include any car that: Brakes: master cylinder, vacuum assist Was purchased, leased or transferred after the • • Was purchased, leased or transferred booster wheel cylinders, hydraulic lines and within the earlier of 18,000 miles or two years earlier of 18,000 miles or two years from original fittings and disc brake calipers. from the date of original delivery; AND delivery; AND Steering: the steering gear housing and Was purchased or leased from a New York • • Was either purchased, leased or • all internal parts, power steering pump, transferred in New York State OR is presently dealer; AND valve body, and rack. registered in the state; AND • Had a purchase price or lease value of at Other Parts: Radiator, , least $1,500; AND • • Is used primarily for personal purposes. Generator, , and (excluding battery). • Has been driven up to 100,000 miles at the Duty to Repair: time of purchase/lease; AND Terms of Warranty A reasonable chance for a manufacturer or its • Is used primarily for personal purposes. authorized agent to repair a problem for a new The length of warranty depends upon car is considered to be: Duty to Repair: the car’s mileage at the time of purchase and is determined by the lesser of time • Four or more attempts to repair and the A reasonable chance to fix the problem is of ownership and miles driven: problem continues to exist; OR considered to be: More than 18,000 – 36,000 miles: The car is out of service by reason of repair • • Three or more repair attempts and the 90 days or 4,000 miles of one or more problems for a cumulative problem continues to exist; OR total of at least 30 days Contact the More than 36,000 – less than 80,000 miles Department of Motor Vehicles at • The car is out of service by reason of repair for 60 days or 3,000 miles (518) 474-8943 if there are problems a cumulative total of 15 days or more (although obtaining repair orders.in values. unavailability of parts may extend this time). 80,000 – 100,000 miles 30 days or 1,000 miles