This article stems from a rise in the number of complaints surrounding automobile repair. It is not meant as legal advice. As such, you should consult a private attorney for assistance in your particular situation.

North Carolina Lemon Law permits the first owner of a new motor vehicle to petition the manufacturer for a replacement vehicle or a full refund if one of two conditions are met:

1) The same defect has been presented to the manufacturer or its authorized agent for repair and the same problem continues to exist; or

2) The vehicle has been out of service for twenty or more business days during one year for a series of problems.

Only the original owner of a vehicle can petition for lemon law. Also, the vehicle problems need to have occurred during the first two years of ownership, or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. There are remedies available under the Magnuson-Moss Federal Warranty Act for those consumers who do not fall into this category.

If you are having difficulty getting a particular problem repaired properly, speak to the dealership service manager first. Be sure to describe the problem in great detail and to ask if there are any applicable technican service bulletins (TSBs) available for the problem you are reporting or a related component. Ask the dealer to reflash your control modules with new software, such as your powertrain control module, body control module, ABS control module, radio, climate control or navigation system. Often, there is a documented repair available for a common but hard-to-diagnose problem. If he/she cannot resolve the situation, consider another dealer. If that does not solve the problem, consider contacting the manufacturer directly in writing. Doing so helps preserve your legal rights.

If you think you may have no choice but to apply for relief under North Carolina Lemon Law, contact us. We may be able to help you amicably resolve the situation or assit you with your repairs.