Lemon Law in New Jersey
The average cost of a new vehicle nationwide is $48,401. Meanwhile, New Jersey residents that want a used vehicle will pay approximately $33,936. These figures underscore the importance of being well-informed before making a purchase.
These expenses, combined with the high cost of vehicles, make it crucial to understand your rights, especially if you end up with a defective car.
State and federal law offers protection for consumers who purchase new vehicles with significant defects. Understanding these statutes can save you from prolonged frustration and financial loss.
Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Consult with a qualified New Jersey lemon law attorney who can guide you through your rights and options, ensuring you receive the compensation or replacement you deserve.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Lemon laws in New Jersey exist to safeguard consumers who unknowingly purchase defective vehicles. For these protections to apply, the issue must stem from a manufacturer defect—something beyond the buyer’s control. If your new car spends more time in the shop than on the road and multiple repair attempts have failed to fix the problem, you may have a claim under New Jersey’s lemon law.
When Do New Jersey Lemon Laws Apply?
State protections extend to new cars, demonstrator models, and certain certified pre-owned vehicles that come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If your vehicle has recurring problems that affect its use, value, or safety—and the dealer can’t seem to fix them—you may be entitled to legal remedies. However, certain thresholds must be met before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon under federal and New Jersey law.
To build a valid claim, the following conditions generally apply:
- Multiple Repair Attempts – The manufacturer or dealer has tried to fix the same issue at least three times without success.
- Time-Based Limitation – The problem must arise within the first two years of ownership or within 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Out of Service – The vehicle has been out of commission for 20 or more cumulative days due to warranty-covered repairs.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
When it comes to asserting your rights under New Jersey’s lemon law, documentation and strategy are key. Simply believing your car qualifies as a lemon isn’t enough—you’ll need a clear paper trail and the right repair history to support your claim. Below are best practices that can improve your chances of a successful outcome:
- Use the Dealer’s Repair Shop – Always take your vehicle to the authorized dealer for warranty-covered repairs. If you go elsewhere, like a local mechanic, the manufacturer may argue that repairs were improper and deny your claim.
- Document Everything – Maintain thorough records of every repair visit, including service invoices, written complaints, and time your vehicle was out of use. These records are crucial if your case ends up in arbitration or court.
- Know the Law – Lemon laws vary from state to state. In New Jersey, the statute specifically outlines what kinds of vehicles and timelines qualify for coverage.
The New Jersey Lemon Law Unit was established in 1989 to help consumers get compensation or replacement vehicles when major defects persist. Covered vehicles include:
- New passenger cars and motorcycles
- Motor homes (excluding the living quarters)
- Authorized emergency vehicles
- Vehicles less than two years old or with fewer than 24,000 miles
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under New Jersey law, you may be entitled to a full refund or a replacement vehicle. However, there is a catch—manufacturers are legally allowed to subtract a “reasonable use” fee, which is based on the mileage you put on the vehicle before it became defective.
When a claim is successful, compensation in New Jersey often includes the following:
- Your Down Payment – The money you originally put down to finance or lease the vehicle.
- Vehicle Registration Fees – Any registration or title costs associated with the lemon.
- Sales and Use Taxes – Taxes you paid when you first bought the car.
- Rental Car Expenses – If you paid out-of-pocket for a rental while your vehicle was being repaired, you may be reimbursed.
- Monthly Loan or Lease Payments – Payments made while the car was unusable due to ongoing defects.
- Towing Costs – Fees for transporting the inoperable vehicle to a repair facility.
- Attorney’s Fees – If you prevail in your lemon law case, the manufacturer is typically required to cover your legal costs.
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?
New Jersey’s Lemon Law does provide some protection for used vehicles—but only under very specific conditions. The car must still be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty at the time of purchase. This means certified pre-owned vehicles often qualify, while most “as-is” sales do not.
If you’re unsure about your car’s warranty status or coverage, it’s worth having the documentation reviewed by an attorney who understands the nuances of New Jersey law.
When Should You Hire a Qualified New Jersey Lemon Law Attorney?
If your vehicle has been in and out of the shop with no resolution, it may be time to speak with a lawyer. New Jersey law gives manufacturers a fair chance to fix the issue, but if your car is still defective after multiple repair attempts—or it’s been out of service for a total of 20 or more days—you should consider legal action.
How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?
Navigating a lemon law claim in New Jersey can feel overwhelming—but having an experienced attorney on your side makes the process more manageable and more likely to succeed. When you bring in legal help, you’re not just hiring someone to handle paperwork—you’re gaining an advocate who knows how to push back against auto manufacturers and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to recover.
Here’s what you can typically expect when working with a New Jersey lemon law attorney:
- Free Case Review – Most firms will evaluate your situation at no cost to determine whether your claim meets state requirements.
- Claim Filing – If you have a valid claim, your attorney will submit the necessary documentation to the vehicle’s manufacturer.
- Escalation – If the manufacturer refuses to resolve the matter under warranty, your attorney can initiate legal proceedings.
- Negotiation or Settlement – In many cases, manufacturers agree to a settlement before trial. These settlements often include reimbursement for legal fees.
- No Upfront Legal Fees – Most lemon law firms work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. If successful, the manufacturer covers your legal costs.
According to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, if arbitration fails, consumers may take their case to the Superior Court of New Jersey to seek full remedies under the state’s Lemon Law. This includes a refund, replacement vehicle, or other applicable damages.
Arbitration is not required by law, but it can be a faster option—especially for newer vehicles that meet the criteria.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In New Jersey
Need answers fast? If you’re dealing with a defective vehicle in New Jersey, now is the time to take action. A skilled lemon law attorney can walk you through your legal options and help you demand the compensation you’re owed. We can even help you connect with an attorney across New Jersey state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
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.
Do you have a different legal concern that requires the help of a lawyer? We have a network of attorneys for any area of the law you need in New Jersey.
