What to Know About New Jersey’s Lemon Law

When you drive down the Garden State Parkway in your new car, you expect a smooth ride and reliable performance. However, for some New Jersey residents, that new vehicle purchase becomes an unexpected source of frustration and repeat trips to the repair shop. While most cars run smoothly off the lot, it’s important to understand your rights if you find yourself with a potential “lemon” parked in your driveway. 

New Jersey's Lemon Law protects consumers of new vehicles from persistent defects. This law outlines specific rights and options when faced with a car that seems to spend more time under the mechanic’s wrench than on the road. 

In this article, we’ll break down the key aspects of New Jersey’s Lemon Law, guiding you through:

• What qualifies as a lemon in New Jersey
• Your rights as a consumer
• The steps you can take if you suspect your new car isn’t living up to its promises

Before getting into the specifics of New Jersey’s Lemon Law, understanding the basics can be helpful. For an in-depth look at lemon laws, check out our Lemon Law 101 article. 

What is the New Jersey Lemon Law?

In New Jersey, you're protected if you buy or lease a new vehicle and discover it has serious problems. The law covers warranty issues that substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety as long as those problems occur and are reported within the first 24,000 miles or two years following the vehicle's original delivery to a consumer, whichever comes first.

The bottom line is that if your vehicle has a significant unresolved issue, the manufacturer must repair it, replace it, or refund your money.

What does the New Jersey Lemon Law cover?

The law applies to:

• Passenger automobiles
• Farm tractors
• Authorized emergency vehicles
• Motorcycles

Both purchased and leased vehicles are covered. The law also extends to used vehicles but excludes the living facilities of motor homes.

Who is covered under New Jersey's Lemon Law?

The New Jersey lemon law covers you if:

• You purchased or leased a motor vehicle in New Jersey other than for resale or sublease
• You received a transferred vehicle during the duration of its warranty
• You're entitled to enforce the obligations of the warranty

How do I know if my car is considered a lemon in New Jersey?

Determining if your vehicle is a lemon involves checking if it meets the criteria set by New Jersey law, including:

• Your vehicle is still within the protection period (24,000 miles or two years)
• The defects substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety
• The manufacturer has made a reasonable number of repair attempts without successfully fixing the defect

What is considered a "reasonable" number of repair attempts?

Under New Jersey law, a 'reasonable number of attempts' to fix a vehicle is presumed if, within the first 24,000 miles or two years, any of the following occur:

• The same nonconformity has been subject to repair three or more times and continues to exist
• The vehicle is out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 20 or more calendar days
• A nonconformity that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury has been subject to at least one repair attempt and continues to exist

What are my options if my car is considered a lemon in New Jersey?

If your vehicle is deemed a lemon in New Jersey, the manufacturer must repurchase it. They may offer to replace the vehicle instead, but you have the right to choose a refund over a replacement.

How can BBB AUTO LINE help me?

If you have an unresolved dispute involving a defect covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty, BBB AUTO LINE may be able to assist you. BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court mediation and arbitration dispute resolution process in which many automobile manufacturers participate.

Ready to open a claim?

• Go to bbbautoline.org to get more information on the program.
• Use the Dispute Resolution Portal to submit your complaint to BBB AUTO LINE or call 1-800-955-5100.
• A BBB AUTO LINE Dispute Resolution Specialist will assist you through the rest of the process if your claim is eligible.