Texas Lemon LawI f you are having repeated problems getting your new vehicle repaired, and it was purchased or leased from a licensed Texas dealer or lease company, the Texas Lemon Law may be able to help you get it repurchased, replaced or repaired.
Some examples of vehicles covered by the Lemon Law are cars, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes and ATVs.
The law covers new and demonstrator vehicles that develop problems covered by a manufacturer’s written warranty. Towable recreational vehicles must be titled and registered in Texas to be eligible.
Your used vehicle may be covered under the Lemon Law. If your used vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty (not an extended service contract), or if the problem started while under warranty and it continues to exist, repair assistance of the warranty-related problem may be available to you.
The Texas Lemon Law is a state law that helps consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles and have repeated problems getting their vehicles properly repaired. The Lemon Law can help a consumer get the vehicle repurchased, replaced or repaired. It can be less complicated and less expensive than going to court.
The law was enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1983. A court challenge stalled enforcement of the law, but in 1985, a federal appeals court upheld its validity. In Texas, the Lemon Law is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division and its Motor Vehicle Board.Through mediation and formal hearings allowed under the law, the Motor Vehicle Division has helped resolve many complaints.
From 1988 to 1997, the division processed 12,282 complaints. In 1997, the division received 1,291 written complaints and held 182 hearings on complaints that were not resolved informally. In about half the cases heard in 1997, consumers received either replacement, repurchase or repair of their vehicles, or some other appropriate relief.In 1991, the Legislature changed the Lemon Law to benefit more consumers.
The time period for filing a complaint and the definition of a "lemon" were expanded, and consumers may now be reimbursed for certain incidental expenses. Now, a disclosure notice accompanying any vehicle repurchased or replaced under the Lemon Law is also required.In 1997, the Legislature added towable recreational vehicles (TRVs) to the Lemon Law. Besides being made primarily for temporary human habitation, TRVs must
1.be titled and registered in Texas;
2.be built on a single chassis;
3.contain one or more life support systems, and be towable by another motor vehicle.
The relief available to used motor vehicle buyers is limited to repairs only, if the vehicle is still under the original factory warranty.