Leased Vehicle Lemon Law in Michigan

Michigan Lemon Law covers leased passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, and trucks that are leased in Michigan. In order to be considered a "lemon," the vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Does not conform to the manufacturer's express warranty
• Has substantial defects affecting the use, safety or value of the vehicle
• Has manufacturer's defects that occurred during the first year from the delivery date or before the expiration of the manufacturer's warranty (whichever period ends first)
• Has been taken in four times for the same problem within two years of the first repair attempt or if it has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 business days or parts of days within one year of the date of delivery of the vehicle
• After the third repair attempt or after the vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative total of 25 days, the manufacturer has been notified of the defect and been given a final opportunity to repair the vehicle
• Is driven for personal, family, or household use

Under Michigan Lemon Law, you must notify the manufacturer of the problem with your vehicle after the third repair attempt or after the vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative total of 25 days or parts of days, and give the manufacturer the opportunity to fix it one last time. Sample demand letter.

If the problem isn't fixed, you must participate in your vehicle manufacturer's dispute resolution process (for example, arbitration, conciliation, or mediation) before you are eligible to file a Lemon Law claim in court. If you are offered a settlement through the arbitration process, you can decline the settlement and file suit.

Michigan Lemon Law provides several options for a successful Lemon Law claimant. First, you may be awarded a replacement vehicle of the same year, make, and model. You may also qualify for a monetary award, which can include:

• All lease payments
• Dealer- or manufacturer-installed options
• Attorney's fees

The amount of the monetary reward may be reduced by a deduction for your use of the vehicle, which is calculated by dividing the number of miles on the odometer at the time of the first repair attempt plus any mileage over 25,000 by 100,000, and multiplying by the purchase price.

Wherever you are in the Lemon Law claim process, it is generally in your best interest to have an attorney represent you. After all, vehicle manufacturers have teams of lawyers that do nothing but fight Lemon Law claims. As you consider your options, imagine the difference between going up against a team of lawyers on your own, versus having a Lemon Law attorney speak on your behalf. Also keep in mind that being represented by a Lemon Law attorney won't cost you a dime if you go to court; the law says that the car manufacturer has to pay your attorney's fees in successful Lemon Law claims.