Lemon Law Unit

No. There is no grace period within which you may cancel your contract when you purchase or lease a vehicle in New Jersey. This is a common misconception and one of the Lemon Law Unit's most frequently asked questions. In a lease transaction, however, you do have 24 hrs. to review the contract prior to signing it.

Under the Used Car Lemon Law, "As-Is" means that the used motor vehicle is sold by the dealer to the consumer without any warranty, either express or implied, and with the consumer being solely responsible for the cost of any repairs to that motor vehicle. The Lemon Law Unit strongly recommends that you inspect the vehicle thoroughly before making an as-is purchase. Please read our Consumer Brief titled "Tips on Buying a Used Car."

It depends. Poor fuel economy by itself is not necessarily a manufacturer defect. There are many variables which can cause your miles per gallon (MPGs) to fall below the stated range on your vehicle's fuel economy label. Vehicle manufacturers follow procedures approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to arrive at the stated ranges on the label. Driving habits, road conditions, speed and acceleration habits can all have an effect on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. If, however, there is a defective part covered under your manufacturer's warranty that is causing the vehicle's poor gas mileage, then you may qualify for relief under the Lemon Law. If the dealer receives failure codes when the vehicle is diagnosed, for example, that may be an indication of a defective covered part. For more information on fuel economy, we suggest that you visit the EPA's website.

Having an open recall on your vehicle does not automatically mean that your vehicle is a Lemon. If the recall repair performed by the dealer fails to correct the problem and you have the required number of repair attempts for that problem, you may be able to pursue relief under the Lemon Law. Please read our Consumer Briefs carefully for more details and requirements.

• Consumer Brief: New Car
• Consumer Brief: Used Car

To learn if your vehicle, or a vehicle you are considering to purchase, has any open safety recalls that have NOT been completed, you may link to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) webpage and enter the VIN at https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/.

The dealer must provide a rental vehicle only when it is the dealer's policy or is promised under the manufacturer's warranty. If you have to pay for a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired, please hold onto the receipts and submit them with your Lemon Law application. Rental charges are considered as part of your refund if you win your case (in New Car Lemon Law cases only).

No. The Lemon Law is for DEFECTS only, not problems that arise due to damages to the vehicle. If you believe that your vehicle was in an accident or sustained damages prior to your purchase, which were not disclosed by the dealer, you may be entitled to relief under the Consumer Fraud Act. You may complete the Office of Consumer Protection's complaint form and submit it with a clear copy of all your supporting documentation.

No. The Lemon Law only pertains to vehicles sold by a licensed New Jersey dealer.