North Carolina

What IS THE NORTH CAROLINA LEMON LAW?

The North Carolina Lemon Law specifically protects consumers of defective motor vehicles that have warrantable defects that “substantially” impair your use, value, or safety; and have been subjected to an “unreasonable” number of repair attempts, and that the problem was reported within a specified time period after the original in service date.


In North Carolina, the Lemon Law specifically covers defective vehicles that have any defect, condition, or series of defects or conditions that substantially impair the value of the vehicle to the consumer. The issue must be reported within the first two years or 24,000 miles from the original delivery, and must have been subjected to an “unreasonable” number of repair attempts. It is presumed that the number of repair attempts was “unreasonable” if the vehicle was brought to the dealer four or more times or was out of service for a total of 20 or more business days during any one year during the warranty. Should all elements be met, the North Carolina Lemon Law provides for a full repurchase of the vehicle including the full contract price, all collateral damages including finance charges and incidental damages; however, it also allows for a deduction from the full amount for the “reasonable use” of the vehicle.

Free Lemon Case Evaluation

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Does this mean used cars are precluded?

No! If the vehicle was purchased within the statutory period and had problems, it may still qualify for Lemon Law protection. Or, if the vehicle was purchased with a balance of a manufacturer’s warranty but was outside the Lemon Law period, you may still have a claim under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act for damages if it was subjected to repeated problems!

What Defects Are Covered by the Lemon Law?

ANY DEFECT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL IMPAIRMENT TO YOUR USE, VALUE, OR SAFETY.

However, the strongest cases are vehicles that have problems with their:

  • Engines / Check Engine Lights
  • Transmission Issues
  • Electrical Problems
  • Safety Restraint System Malfunctions (Seatbelt or Airbag)
  • Steering Problems
  • Suspension Defects

You still may have rights to compensation if you have:

Even if your problem is not listed above, and you may not consider the problem “substantial” under the previously mentioned Magnuson Moss Warranty Act:


  • Infotainment/Entertainment System Issues
  • Bluetooth Problems
  • Water Leaks
  • Sunroof Malfunctions

Free Lemon Law Representation

Having handled THOUSANDS of Lemon Law claims, including taking these to Jury Trials when necessary, Mr. Jeffries is very experienced in the handling of these matters. He will fight for every penny for what you have been through, and again, it is all AT NO OUT OF POCKET COST TO YOU. Please call us TODAY for a FREE CONSULTATION. 1-877-LEM-LAW1

The Landmark Carrabus Bank Building

57 Union Street South, Suite 1013 • Concord, NC 28025
(By Appointment Only Please)


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