Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Overview

Are you wondering if you have any federal Lemon Law consumer protections? The answer to this question is yes! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows the federal trade commission (FTC) to develop regulations for written warranties. It directs the FTC to set disclosure standards for written warranties, define “full” warranty criteria, restrict implied warranty disclaimers, and provide consumer remedies for warranty or service contract breaches. So, how does this help you as a car buyer? The act makes it easier for you to file a breach of warranty claim if you are unlucky enough to purchase a lemon.

How the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Supports Lemon Law

While state Lemon Laws do an excellent job of protecting car buyers, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act offers broader coverage under federal law. Lemon Laws vary by state, often requiring multiple repair attempts before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon. If these criteria aren’t met, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows consumers to file claims, extend claim periods, recover damages (including attorney fees), and seek remedies like a buyback or replacement.

Understanding Warranty Requirements Under the Act

Before filing a Lemon Law claim, it’s essential to understand the two types of common vehicle warranties and the requirements under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. A full warranty, often called a bumper-to-bumper warranty, covers most vehicle parts and components for a specified time or mileage. A limited warranty only covers specific parts, such as engine components. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, written warranties must clearly state whether they are full or limited, outline coverage in plain language, and be accessible to consumers wherever the product is sold.

Implied Warranties and Their Role in Lemon Law

An additional component to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, implied warranties are unwritten guarantees that a product meets basic quality and functionality standards. For vehicles, this means they should be free of major defects and safe to drive. If defects persist after a written warranty expires, implied warranties can strengthen your Lemon Law claim.

Key Consumer Protections for Lemon Law Cases

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act strengthens consumer rights by making it easier to build a legal foundation and file a claim for defective products with unresolved issues. Its fee-shifting provision ensures manufacturers, not consumers, bear the financial burden in legal disputes, empowering individuals to challenge powerful corporations.

When and How the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Applies to Vehicles

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act covers vehicles like cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and RVs. California’s Lemon Law requires a reasonable number of repair attempts for issues arising during the warranty period before filing a claim. Additionally, the federal Lemon Law extends the filing window to about four years after purchase, or in some cases, up to four years after the written warranty expires, provided there have been reasonable repair attempts.

Types of Compensation Available Under the Act

To ease the financial burden of a lawsuit, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act shifts attorney fees to the manufacturer. Common settlements for Lemon law cases include vehicle buybacks or replacements. Your legal team may also seek compensation for loss of use, diminished value, rental costs, and the inconvenience of owning a defective vehicle.

Contact Our Lemon Law Attorneys

No matter what type of situation your lemon has left you in, allow the Strategic Legal Practices to review your case for free and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to Strategic Legal Practices today for a free case evaluation. You can fill out our form to connect with experienced Lemon Law attorneys and start your claim.

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