Lemon Law in Georgia
If you’re in Georgia and considering purchasing a vehicle, it’s essential to understand the current market dynamics. As of 2025, the average price of a new car in the U.S. stands at approximately $48,401, while used cars average around $36,016 in Georgia .
Given these substantial expenses, it’s crucial to ensure that your investment is protected. Georgia’s Lemon Law offers recourse if you purchase a vehicle that turns out to be defective. Understanding your rights under this law can save you from potential financial strain and ensure you receive the quality vehicle you should receive.
Ask for a referral to a Georgia lemon law lawyer today. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help you pursue any remedies available under the law.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Georgia’s lemon law is designed to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase a defective vehicle. To qualify, the defect must be significant, affect the vehicle’s safety, use, or value, and be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
The issue must also remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts. If the problem isn’t fixed despite giving the manufacturer a fair opportunity, Georgia law may entitle you to a replacement or refund.
When Do Georgia Lemon Laws Apply?
In Georgia, lemon law protections apply to new vehicles and demonstrator models—and in some cases, certified pre-owned vehicles if they’re still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. To qualify under state law, your vehicle must meet specific conditions that show the problem is both serious and unresolved.
Here’s what typically qualifies under Georgia’s lemon law:
- Vehicle type – The law covers new and demonstrator vehicles purchased or leased in Georgia. Certified pre-owned vehicles may qualify if the manufacturer’s original warranty is still in effect.
- Multiple repair attempts – The manufacturer or authorized dealer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue. What’s considered “reasonable” can vary depending on the defect and how it impacts the vehicle.
- Timeframe for eligibility – All issues must occur and be reported within the first 24 months of ownership or 24,000 miles—whichever comes first.
- Extended repair downtime – The vehicle must be out of service for 30 cumulative days or more due to the defect. These days do not need to be consecutive.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
If you’re thinking about pursuing a lemon law claim in Georgia, how you handle the issue from the beginning can make a major difference. By following a few smart practices, you’ll be in a stronger position to assert your rights if the problem isn’t resolved.
Here are key steps every Georgia consumer should follow:
- Use the dealership for all repairs. Take your vehicle only to the authorized dealer or a manufacturer-approved service center. This ensures any repair attempts are properly documented and that the manufacturer remains responsible.
- Keep a complete paper trail. Save every invoice, repair order, and written communication. These records show how many times the issue was addressed—and how long the vehicle was unusable.
- Understand Georgia-specific lemon law rules. Don’t rely on general information—Georgia’s lemon law has specific timing and eligibility requirements that differ from other states.
According to the Georgia Department of Law, you may qualify for lemon law protection if the following conditions are met:
- The vehicle was purchased, leased, or registered in Georgia
- You reported the defect to the dealer or manufacturer within 24 months of delivery
- The defect is covered under the warranty and substantially affects the use, safety, or value of the vehicle
Georgia law requires that the manufacturer be given a “reasonable” opportunity to fix the problem—generally three or more repair attempts for the same issue, or if the car is out of service for 30 cumulative days. If they fail to correct the issue, you may have a valid claim under the state’s lemon law.
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
If your vehicle qualifies under Georgia’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a full refund or a comparable replacement vehicle. However, the manufacturer is allowed to deduct a reasonable “use” fee based on how many miles you drove the vehicle before the defect became disruptive. This deduction is calculated using a formula set by Georgia law.
If your claim is successful, your compensation may include:
- Your original down payment
- Registration and title fees paid to the Georgia Department of Revenue
- Sales tax on the vehicle purchase
- Rental car expenses while the vehicle was out of service for repairs
- Monthly loan payments made during the period the car was unusable
- Towing costs related to the covered defect
- Attorney’s fees and court costs, if awarded as part of your resolution
Georgia’s Lemon Law is designed not just to replace your vehicle, but to make you whole. If a serious defect has taken time, money, and convenience out of your hands, the law gives you a path to recover those losses.
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?
In Georgia, lemon law protections apply only to new motor vehicles. Even if a used or certified pre-owned car is sold with a dealership warranty, it does not fall under the state’s lemon law protections.
According to the Georgia Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act, only vehicles that are purchased new and registered in Georgia are eligible. If you’re buying a used vehicle, make sure to review any warranty coverage separately, as lemon law relief won’t apply.
When Should You Hire a Qualified Georgia Lemon Law Attorney?
If your new vehicle has been in the shop repeatedly for the same issue—or has been out of service for 30 cumulative days—it may be time to escalate the matter. Once the manufacturer has had a fair opportunity to repair the defect, a qualified Georgia lemon law attorney can help you explore your legal options.
How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?
Navigating Georgia’s Lemon Law can be complex, but with the right legal support, you can effectively assert your rights. Here’s what you can expect when working with a qualified Georgia lemon law attorney:
- Free Case Evaluation: Attorneys will assess your situation at no cost to determine if your vehicle qualifies under Georgia’s Lemon Law.
- Filing Your Claim: Your attorney will handle all aspects of filing the claim with the manufacturer, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
- Further Action: If the manufacturer refuses to comply, your attorney can initiate legal proceedings to seek the compensation you’re entitled to under state and federal laws.
- Pursuing Settlement: Should a settlement be reached before trial, it often includes coverage of attorney fees by the manufacturer.
- Contingency Fee Basis: Most reputable Georgia lemon law firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless you win your case.
It’s important to note that while many lemon law disputes in Georgia are resolved through arbitration, manufacturers have the right to appeal arbitration decisions. For instance, General Motors has been known to appeal arbitration rulings, potentially prolonging the resolution process for consumers. Therefore, having an experienced Georgia lemon law attorney by your side is crucial to navigate these potential challenges effectively.
Work With an Experienced Georgia Lemon Law Attorney
If you’re dealing with a defective vehicle in Georgia and the repairs just keep piling up, it may be time to take action. We can connect you with a trusted Georgia lemon law attorney who understands the state’s legal process—from arbitration to courtroom appeals.
Do you need immediate help? Then one of our experienced lawyers in Georgia can help guide you through the Lemon Law litigation process. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Georgia state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lemon law lawyer in Georgia!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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