Starting Your NJ Lemon Law Claim – the Demand Letter

Under New Jersey Lemon Law, you must give the manufacturer written notification, using certified mail with return receipt requested, stating that you may have a claim and that you are giving the manufacturer one last chance to repair the defect. Here is a sample letter:

CERTIFIED MAIL
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Date]

[Manufacturer name]
[Manufacturer address]

To Whom it May Concern:

I believe that my [name of vehicle] is a "lemon" under the New Jersey Lemon Law (N.J.S.A. 56:12-29 to 56:12-49). I am hereby making a written demand for relief under the Lemon Law.

I [purchased/leased] a [make, model year of vehicle and vehicle identification number] on [date] from [name of dealership] in [city, state]. Since I bought the vehicle, I have had to return it to the dealership a total of [number of times the vehicle was returned to an authorized dealer for repairs] times. My vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of [total number of calendar days the vehicle has been out of service being repaired] calendar days. The current mileage on my vehicle is [current odometer reading]. My vehicle has been in [name of authorized dealership] on the following dates for repair of the following defects: [date in and date out]

[list the vehicle's problems]. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following defects: [list current defects].

Since these defects substantially impair the use, value or safety of my vehicle, I am hereby allowing you one final opportunity to repair my vehicle. If these repairs are not completed within 10 calendar days of receipt of this letter, I am entitled to a refund calculated in accordance with the Lemon Law. I look forward to hearing from you soon. You can reach me during the day at [phone number]
and in the evening at [phone number].

Sincerely,
[Your name}

This letter should be mailed after the second unsuccessful repair attempt or after the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 20 days. The manufacturer has ten days to attempt a final repair. If the defect is not repaired, you have the right to demand a refund.