RV Lemon Law in Vermont

Vermont Lemon Law covers the chassis of RVs (but not the living quarters). 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 the expiration of the warranty (whichever period ends first)
• Has been taken in three times for the same problem or has been out of service for a set of unrelated problems for a cumulative total of 30 calendar days; the first repair attempt must be while the express warranty is in effect
• The manufacturer has been notified in writing of the defect within one year from the delivery date or the expiration of the warranty (whichever period ends first) and has a final opportunity to fix the problem
• You have participated in the manufacturer's informal arbitration program, if one exists, or the Vermont Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board process

Under Vermont Lemon Law, within one year after the delivery date of the vehicle or the expiration of the warranty (whichever comes first), you must notify the manufacturer in writing of the problem and give them one final opportunity to repair it. Sample demand letter.

You must also participate in the manufacturer's informal dispute resolution process (if one exists) or the Vermont Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board process before you are eligible to file a Lemon Law claim in court.

If you participate in the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, the hearing must be held within 45 days of receiving your claim. The Board has five members, including one car dealer, one mechanic, and three consumers. After the decision is made, either you or the manufacturer can file a motion for reconsideration. The decision is final, unless certain criteria are met. If so, either you or the manufacturer can file an appeal with the Superior Court.

Vermont 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
• Credits and allowances for trade-in or down payment
• Finance charges
• Credit charges
• Registration fees
• 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 first repair attempt by 100,000, and multiplying that number 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.