Understanding the Lemon Law in Oklahoma

Updated on August 2nd, 2024 Author: Sergei Lemberg

Have you recently bought or leased a vehicle in Oklahoma with serious mechanical problems? If your vehicle has significant defects, Oklahoma’s Lemon Law can offer you protection. This law ensures you receive a replacement or a refund for your defective vehicle.

What is the Lemon Law in Oregon?

Oklahoma’s Lemon Law provides remedies for consumers who buy or lease new vehicles with substantial defects. According to the law, if a new vehicle has a serious issue affecting its use, safety, or value, and the dealer or manufacturer cannot fix it after a reasonable number of attempts, the vehicle may qualify as a lemon. The Lemon law protects consumers from the financial and safety risks associated with owning a defective vehicle.

Vehicles Covered Under the Oklahoma Lemon Law

The Oklahoma Lemon Law applies to new and leased vehicles registered in Oklahoma. In addition, it covers any passenger car or truck with a rated capacity of one ton or less.

Vehicles covered include:

• Passenger cars
• SUVs
• Vans
• Trucks (up to 3/4 ton)
• Motorcycles

The vehicle must have been purchased or leased primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Additionally, the coverage extends to the original owner or lessee and subsequent owners who acquire the vehicle within the warranty period.

Oklahoma’s Lemon Law mandates that manufacturers must repair new cars to meet all express warranties either within the warranty period or within one year of purchase. Therefore, you are required to give the dealer or manufacturer a “reasonable number of attempts” to fix the vehicle, which Oklahoma law typically recognizes as four attempts.

Repair Interval and Coverage Period

For braking or steering system issues, the vehicle requires one repair attempt. For other problems, the vehicle needs four repair attempts or must be out of service for a total of 30 calendar days. The coverage period extends to one year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Lemon Law Criteria

To qualify as a lemon under Oklahoma law, the vehicle must meet specific criteria:

• Defect Occurrence: The defect must occur within the first year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Reasonable Repair Attempts: The manufacturer or dealer must have made at least 4 attempts to repair the same defect.
• Out of Service: The vehicle must be out of service for 30 days or more due to repairs.
• Significant Defect: The defect must significantly impair the vehicle’s use, market value, or safety.

Documenting the Defects

When dealing with a potential lemon, you must document everything properly. Here’s what you should keep track of:

Repair Records

Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, including dates, the nature of the defect, and the repairs performed.

Communication

Save copies of all communication with the dealer or manufacturer regarding the defect and repair attempts.

Warranty Information

Keep the warranty information and any documentation related to the purchase or lease of the vehicle.

Steps to Take if You Have a Lemon

1. Repairs: Visit the dealership for the number of times or duration specified in the criteria section above.
2. Notify the Manufacturer: Send a certified letter outlining the defects and repair attempts to the manufacturer.
3. Request a Refund or Replacement: If the manufacturer cannot fix the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, request a replacement vehicle or a refund, covering the purchase price minus a reasonable allowance for use.
4. File a Complaint: If the manufacturer denies your request, file a complaint with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office or seek legal assistance.
5. Get Legal Help: Seek legal assistance to pursue your lemon law claim.

Alternatives to Litigation

Going to court can resolve a lemon law claim. However, you do have options that might prove faster and less costly than court.

Settlement

Many lemon law cases settle out of court. Both parties can negotiate a settlement at any time during the litigation process. Courts often have procedures to assist with settlement discussions.

Arbitration

In arbitration, both sides select a neutral third party to resolve their dispute. Arbitration can be binding or non-binding, depending on state rules and the terms agreed upon by both parties.

Mediation

Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both sides negotiate a settlement. The mediator does not make a binding decision but facilitates discussions to help reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

Understanding the Oklahoma Lemon Law

In Oklahoma, lemon vehicles fall under the Oklahoma Lemon Law, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal lemon law), or both. These laws can provide various forms of relief, including a refund, replacement, or compensation for diminished value, as well as incidental and consequential damages. Additionally, qualified consumers can receive representation from Oklahoma lemon law attorneys at no cost because the law covers attorneys’ fees.

How Lemberg Law Can Help

Lemberg Law knows lemon law cases, offering thorough legal support to consumers with vehicle defects. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Free Case Review: We provide a no-obligation evaluation to determine if your vehicle qualifies under the Oklahoma Lemon Law.
• Experienced Legal Guidance: Our skilled attorneys will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you fully understand your rights and options.
• No Out-of-Pocket Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Track Record of Success: With a proven history of handling complex lemon law cases, Lemberg Law has the expertise to achieve favorable outcomes.

Why Choose Lemberg Law?

Selecting the right legal representation can greatly influence the result of your lemon law case. Here’s why Lemberg Law is a top choice:

• Consumer-Focused: Lemberg Law is committed to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fair treatment.
• Experienced Team: Our attorneys have extensive experience managing lemon law cases in various states, including Oklahoma.
• Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation to the final resolution, Lemberg Law offers steadfast support throughout the entire process.

Contact Lemberg Law

If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, don’t hesitate to contact Lemberg Law for a free consultation. Our team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.

The Oklahoma Lemon Law was designed to protect consumers from the financial and safety risks associated with defective vehicles. By understanding your rights and taking the appropriate steps, you can secure a replacement or a refund for your lemon.

Lemberg Law offers expert legal assistance to help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. With our support, you can turn a frustrating experience into a successful resolution. If you have a lemon, reach out to Lemberg Law today for a no-obligation consultation.

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."

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