RV Lemon Law in Mississippi

Mississippi Lemon Law covers the motorized portions of motor homes (RVs). In order to be considered a "lemon," the RV 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 three times for the same problem or has been out of service for a cumulative total of 15 business days
• The manufacturer or dealer has been notified in writing of the defect and has been given a final opportunity to repair it
• The owner has participated in the manufacturer's informal dispute resolution process
• Is driven primarily for personal, family, or household purposes

Under Mississippi Lemon Law, you must notify the manufacturer or dealer in writing of the problem with your vehicle and give them one final opportunity to repair it. Then, if they have one, 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 not satisfied with the outcome of the arbitration process, you have 90 days to file a lawsuit in court. If the manufacturer doesn't have an informal dispute resolution process, you have to file suit within 18 months of the delivery date of your vehicle or within one year after the manufacturer's warranty has expired, whichever comes first.

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.

However, if you decide to go it alone, before you are eligible to file a Lemon Law claim in court, you must file a request for arbitration with the manufacturer's arbitration program (if the manufacturer has one).

Mississippi 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:

• The full purchase price
• Dealer preparation charges
• Undercoating charges
• Transportation charges
• Towing charges
• Replacement car rental costs
• Title charges
• Attorney's fees

The amount of the monetary reward may be reduced by a deduction for your use of the vehicle, which is calculated at 20 cents per mile driven.