Many states require you to send a “demand letter” to the automaker prior to filing a lemon law claim. Here’s how.
If you believe your new vehicle is defective and you’d like to file a claim under your state’s lemon law, you may first need to send a “demand letter.” It should include your contact information and a detailed description of your vehicle’s defects.
Write your contact information in the upper left corner.Include your name, address, and telephone number. Add the date that you are writing the letter.
Write the name and address of the manufacturer.You can find that information in your owner’s manual or online. Ensure that you use the address designated for warranty claims.
Include the name of your state and your demand.Let the manufacturer know where you live. Also tell them whether you are demanding a refund or a replacement vehicle.
Identify your vehicle and where you bought it. Tell the manufacturer the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Also note the purchase date, along with the dealership’s name and location. Make sure to include the number of times you’ve taken your vehicle in for repair and the number of days it has been out of service.
List your vehicle’s repair dates and problems. Include the name of the dealership where you have had your vehicle repaired. Then, list the dates you took the car in, the dates, you got it back, and the problems you reported.
State your vehicle’s current problems.Whether your car is having a single issue or a series of unrelated problems, it’s important to list them. Then, add your signature to the letter.
Send your letter via certified mail, return receipt requested.The receipts you receive prove that you mailed the letter and that they received the letter. This is critical to your eventual lemon law claim.
Want a hand?
If you believe you have a lemon, Lemberg Law can help in a number of ways. We can help gather all of the documentation, ensure that the demand letter to the manufacturer meets the law’s requirements, and even file suit on your behalf. We often obtain settlements, refunds, or replacement vehicles for our clients. Our help won’t cost you a penny because, if we go to court and win, the manufacturer is required to pay our fees.
Have questions? Call us now at 877-795-3666 for help with your letter, or a Free Case Evaluation.
Our services are absolutely FREE to you.
The auto manufacturer pays our fees.
SAMPLE DEMAND LETTER
Putting it all together, below is a sample lemon law demand letter that you can adapt for your use. When you send your demand letter, make sure to send it via certified mail, with a return receipt requested.
I believe that my vehicle is a “lemon” under [state name]’s lemon law. I am hereby making a written demand for a [refund/replacement] because the vehicle does not conform to the warranty.
I purchased a [make, model, year of vehicle] on [date] from [name of dealership] in [city, state]. Since buying the vehicle, I have had to return it to the dealership a total of [number] times. My vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of [number of calendar days] calendar days.
My vehicle has been in [authorized dealership] on the following dates for repair of the following defects:
[date in/out] [list problems]
I am currently having the following problems with my vehicle:
[list current problems]
Sincerely, [Your name]
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
2021 made in October Jeep Grand Cherokee. All kinds of fuel line, fuel pump, not registering full tank. Have had it towed. Been in well over 40 days total. 4 or 5 times. Doing same thing again. Couldn’t duplicate allegedly but have kept for 7 days. It’s unreliable and I’m tired of paying for an unreliable car that is in the shop.
Kinsey A
I have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee that has had fuel pump problems since we’ve purchased it 4 months ago. It has been in the shop 4 times since that, and this last time it went to the dealership service they told us there were no problems and that they could do nothing to repair it because their seemed to be no problems. We have to pay a $175 tow fee for a vehicle that has been sitting in our driveway not starting or at the dealership while we’re getting told there’s no problems with the car. We feel screwed over and don’t know what to do. I want to get lawyer but my spouse does not think it’s a good idea.
Janiece
Hi, To whom it may concern. I purchased a lemon on 11/22/2021, $3700 cash. From Circus Auto Sales Inc, at 4639 Dixie Hwy in Louisville, Kentucky. Specifically, the 7th street location. I purchase a black on black, 2012 Chevy Impala. VIN # 2G1WC5E36C1105998. Unfortunately, 2 days, shortly after purchasing car and on thanksgiving, 11/24/2021 the tire started to wobble and the engine ran hot . I took it to shop replaced 2 tires. Each had belts broke within the tire. During tire change I was advised of leaks and possible head gasket issues along with other problems that mechanic does not fix. Due to the holidays. I had to wait till the following Monday to contact circus auto and inform of issues. As, I was not able to drive the car. On Monday the 29th. I called Cory, the sales man whom sold it to me and informed of issues and car not working properly. Cory, advise me to call Lee, head maintenance guy at primary location, in which I did. Lee, investigated profile of car and informed me they sold me a bad car and that “Chevy Impalas” or bad car in general. Lee, also informed me they sold me car with “Top Valve gasket leak”. He directly, informed me of some of the car issues he was aware of prior, to selling car w/o fixing. . Lee, also informed that he could not fix as car was already sold and since it wasn’t a direct head gasket my problems and cost should be far less. I was appalled hearing this information as Circus auto defrauded me by not disclosing any issues known related to the car, taking my money, hiding or failing to disclose prior engine defects and major repairs needed. Unfortunately, I could not drive the car and did not have the means to fix it. As, I gave them my last savings in the amount of $3700, cash. After a year of being unemployed due to covid 19 and with no money. I had just recvd back pay from unemployment. Started my job in Indiana on 11/15/2021 and needed a car to maintain employment and needed a reliable car. I spent my back pay on this car
On 12/20/21. I attempted to take car to shop. The car ran hot, started smoking and power steering went completely out causing me to loose control and almost killing me and my daughter. I was able to make it to the auto shop. Whom informed of “deadly car” Advisory belt controlling the whole engine broke amongst other major costly issues. 12/20/21. I called circus auto to inform of complaint being filed and wanted to pick up title . In which, I repeatedly ask for over last month. To date, I have not received title. I was given multiple excuses relating to tile over last month. On, 12/20/2021.Brandy, the circus auto title clerk informed me that they did not actually have the title from the original owner and was waiting to receive a duplicated title in which she just requested a week prior. Even more min blowing that Circus Auto, admittedly sold me a used car without having the title to it. Conclusion: Circus Auto Inc, is intentionally committing fraud by defrauding the community it serves. Which is underserved and overpopulated area. They knowingly and intentionally are sailing bad used cars needing immediate repairs right after driving off lot. The dealer’s conduct is intentional and egregious. Additionally, cars are supposed to come with a warranty that the title conveyed is good, that its transfer is rightful, and that the vehicle will be delivered free from any security interest or other lien or encumbrance of which the buyer at the time of contracting has no knowledge. I had no knowledge that Circus Auto, did not rightfully have title until 12/20/21 a month after. CA, intentionally head reasoning as to why I could not obtain title for weeks in addition to selling bad car.
Circus ASuto, 4639 Dixie Hwy in Louisville, Kentucky received a Coronavirus-related PPP loan from the SBA of $212,992.00 in January, 2021. For what? They shouldn’t even be in business as they have a long history of complaints for sailing lemons
*I am asking that I keep the car and that Circus Auto be, immediately responsible for repairs and the return my money in the amount of $3700, cash. Plus and additional $2000, for emotional distress and lost wages.
Janiece Fowler
Salvatore R
I guess, the question isn’t whether or not I have a lemon, but rather how it works in CT? The dealer has already accepted my situation as a lemon and has ordered a New Wrangler, bc there were non in stock. Is it true they can’t charge me more than I owe on my current vehicle? Or, do they issue a refund for the old vehicle and start fresh on the new one?
Jessica
I have a lemon that I purchased and need to be refunded
2021 made in October Jeep Grand Cherokee. All kinds of fuel line, fuel pump, not registering full tank. Have had it towed. Been in well over 40 days total. 4 or 5 times. Doing same thing again. Couldn’t duplicate allegedly but have kept for 7 days. It’s unreliable and I’m tired of paying for an unreliable car that is in the shop.
I have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee that has had fuel pump problems since we’ve purchased it 4 months ago. It has been in the shop 4 times since that, and this last time it went to the dealership service they told us there were no problems and that they could do nothing to repair it because their seemed to be no problems. We have to pay a $175 tow fee for a vehicle that has been sitting in our driveway not starting or at the dealership while we’re getting told there’s no problems with the car. We feel screwed over and don’t know what to do. I want to get lawyer but my spouse does not think it’s a good idea.
Hi,
To whom it may concern. I purchased a lemon on 11/22/2021, $3700 cash. From Circus Auto Sales Inc, at 4639 Dixie Hwy in Louisville, Kentucky. Specifically, the 7th street location. I purchase a black on black, 2012 Chevy Impala. VIN # 2G1WC5E36C1105998.
Unfortunately, 2 days, shortly after purchasing car and on thanksgiving, 11/24/2021 the tire started to wobble and the engine ran hot . I took it to shop replaced 2 tires. Each had belts broke within the tire. During tire change I was advised of leaks and possible head gasket issues along with other problems that mechanic does not fix.
Due to the holidays. I had to wait till the following Monday to contact circus auto and inform of issues. As, I was not able to drive the car. On Monday the 29th. I called Cory, the sales man whom sold it to me and informed of issues and car not working properly. Cory, advise me to call Lee, head maintenance guy at primary location, in which I did.
Lee, investigated profile of car and informed me they sold me a bad car and that “Chevy Impalas” or bad car in general.
Lee, also informed me they sold me car with “Top Valve gasket leak”. He directly, informed me of some of the car issues he was aware of prior, to selling car w/o fixing. . Lee, also informed that he could not fix as car was already sold and since it wasn’t a direct head gasket my problems and cost should be far less.
I was appalled hearing this information as Circus auto defrauded me by not disclosing any issues known related to the car, taking my money, hiding or failing to disclose prior engine defects and major repairs needed.
Unfortunately, I could not drive the car and did not have the means to fix it. As, I gave them my last savings in the amount of $3700, cash.
After a year of being unemployed due to covid 19 and with no money. I had just recvd back pay from unemployment. Started my job in Indiana on 11/15/2021 and needed a car to maintain employment and needed a reliable car. I spent my back pay on this car
On 12/20/21. I attempted to take car to shop. The car ran hot, started smoking and power steering went completely out causing me to loose control and almost killing me and my daughter.
I was able to make it to the auto shop. Whom informed of “deadly car” Advisory belt controlling the whole engine broke amongst other major costly issues.
12/20/21. I called circus auto to inform of complaint being filed and wanted to pick up title . In which, I repeatedly ask for over last month. To date, I have not received title. I was given multiple excuses relating to tile over last month. On, 12/20/2021.Brandy, the circus auto title clerk informed me that they did not actually have the title from the original owner and was waiting to receive a duplicated title in which she just requested a week prior. Even more min blowing that Circus Auto, admittedly sold me a used car without having the title to it.
Conclusion:
Circus Auto Inc, is intentionally committing fraud by defrauding the community it serves. Which is underserved and overpopulated area. They knowingly and intentionally are sailing bad used cars needing immediate repairs right after driving off lot. The dealer’s conduct is intentional and egregious.
Additionally, cars are supposed to come with a warranty that the title conveyed is good, that its transfer is rightful, and that the vehicle will be delivered free from any security interest or other lien or encumbrance of which the buyer at the time of contracting has no knowledge. I had no knowledge that Circus Auto, did not rightfully have title until 12/20/21 a month after. CA, intentionally head reasoning as to why I could not obtain title for weeks in addition to selling bad car.
Circus ASuto, 4639 Dixie Hwy in Louisville, Kentucky received a Coronavirus-related PPP loan from the SBA of $212,992.00 in January, 2021. For what? They shouldn’t even be in business as they have a long history of complaints for sailing lemons
*I am asking that I keep the car and that Circus Auto be, immediately responsible for repairs and the return my money in the amount of $3700, cash. Plus and additional $2000, for emotional distress and lost wages.
Janiece Fowler
I guess, the question isn’t whether or not I have a lemon, but rather how it works in CT? The dealer has already accepted my situation as a lemon and has ordered a New Wrangler, bc there were non in stock. Is it true they can’t charge me more than I owe on my current vehicle? Or, do they issue a refund for the old vehicle and start fresh on the new one?
I have a lemon that I purchased and need to be refunded