The Nevada Lemon Law is an essential piece of legislation designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles. If you’ve ever purchased a car and discovered persistent problems soon after, this law ensures that you have options for a new vehicle replacement, or even a Lemon Law refund.
Understanding your rights under this law is crucial to navigating any disputes with manufacturers or dealerships. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Nevada’s Lemon Law, explaining its purpose, coverage, and how it operates.
Do you have a “Lemon” vehicle in Nevada? Contact the Amar Law Group now at (702) 852-2929. Partner with a conscientious Nevada Lemon Law lawyer and experience the difference. You can also fill a form to get a FREE case evaluation.
The Nevada Lemon Law, formally known as Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 597.600 through 597.680, applies to the sale of new vehicles. Its primary purpose is to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase defective vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards.
The law places specific obligations on manufacturers to ensure that the vehicles they produce are free of substantial defects that impair use, value, or safety.
This legislation is especially relevant to individuals who experience repeated issues with their vehicles despite multiple repair attempts. By providing legal recourse, the Nevada Lemon Law ensures that consumers are not left with the burden of owning a defective product. Manufacturers tend to be tricky about the law and what they can do to protect their interests, so we highly recommend that you also read the Amar Law Group’s lemon law consumer guide, “How to Avoid Four Common Lemon Law Rip-Offs.”
Not every vehicle issue qualifies under the Nevada Lemon Law. Specific eligibility criteria must be met for a claim to be valid. The law primarily covers newer vehicles (less than 18 months old) purchased or leased in Nevada. It also applies to vehicles still under the manufacturer’s original warranty. However, it does not extend to used cars over 18 months old, off-road vehicles, or recreational vehicles like motorhomes.
To qualify, the defect, nonconformity, or condition in question must substantially impair the vehicle’s use and value. For instance, minor issues like cosmetic flaws or small inconveniences such as a defective cupholder do not typically fall under Lemon Law protections. Furthermore, the manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect, nonconformity, or condition. Generally, this involves several repair attempts for the same substantial issue (3 or more) or a cumulative number of days during which the vehicle is out of service for all warranty repairs (25 or more).
Nevada’s Lemon Law imposes specific time limits for filing claims. The defect must manifest within the first year of ownership or within the duration of the manufacturer’s express warranty, whichever occurs first. There is 18 months from the date of original delivery of the vehicle to file a Nevada Lemon Law claim. Acting promptly is crucial because claims filed outside this timeframe are timed out.
Once a defect, nonconformity or condition is identified, the vehicle owner should seek repair at an authorized dealer of the manufacturer as soon as possible. Keeping detailed records of all repair attempts, including work/repair orders,invoices and communication with the dealership, is essential for building a strong case.
Manufacturers are legally required to address defects, nonconformities, or conditions covered under their warranty. When a consumer reports an issue, the manufacturer must make a reasonable effort to repair the vehicle. If the defect persists after multiple repair attempts, the manufacturer is obligated to either replace the vehicle or provide a refund.
A refund under Nevada Lemon Law typically includes the purchase price of the vehicle, minus a reasonable allowance for use. This deduction accounts for the mileage driven by the consumer. Replacement vehicles must be new and comparable in make and model, ensuring the consumer does not experience a downgrade in quality.
Thorough documentation plays a critical role in Lemon Law claims. Consumers should maintain detailed records of every interaction with the dealership or manufacturer. This includes repair records, written complaints, and correspondence. Such records serve as evidence that the manufacturer was given adequate opportunities to repair the defect.
Additionally, maintaining a log of the vehicle’s performance issues and repair attempts can strengthen a consumer’s case. These records demonstrate the persistence of the defect and the manufacturer’s failure to resolve it within a reasonable opportunity.
The Nevada Lemon Law is distinct from the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which also provides protection for consumers dealing with defective products. While the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act covers a broader range of goods, including used vehicles, offroad vehicles, and RVs, the Nevada Lemon Law is more specific and tailored to newer vehicles under a year old.
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, consumers can pursue claims even for older used cars still covered by the manufacturer’s written warranties. However, the process for resolving disputes may differ, and the remedies offered under federal law might not always align with those provided by Nevada’s state-specific legislation. Most notably, the Federal Lemon Law only provides for cash compensation with keeping the vehicle, which is called “cash and keep”. It is important for consumers to understand the nuances of each law and how they may overlap.
While Nevada Lemon Law provides robust protections, it does have limitations. For instance, it does not cover defects caused by consumer misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. Additionally, normal wear and tear or routine maintenance issues are not covered under the law.
The law also excludes commercial vehicles, RVs, boats, and off-road vehicles. If a vehicle does not meet the specific criteria outlined in the Nevada Lemon Law, consumers may need to explore other legal avenues for resolving their disputes.
If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a “Lemon,” the first step is to seek repair for the issue at an authorized dealer of the manufacturer.. Providing a clear description of the defect and its impact on the vehicle’s use or safety is essential. Request that the defect be repaired under the manufacturer’s warranty.
If the problem persists after multiple repair attempts, consult with a Nevada Lemon Law attorney to determine your options.
A qualified Nevada Lemon Law attorney can help you navigate the out-of-court resolution process, negotiate with the manufacturer, or even file a lawsuit if necessary. Acting quickly and following the proper procedures can significantly improve your chances of a successful resolution.
The Nevada Lemon Law is a vital tool for protecting consumers from the financial and emotional burden of owning a defective vehicle. By understanding your rights and responsibilities under this law, you can take the necessary steps to resolve issues effectively. Whether through replacement, or refund, the law ensures that consumers are not left powerless when faced with persistent vehicle defects. If you suspect that your car qualifies as a “Lemon,” seek legal advice promptly to protect your interests.
Nevada Revised Statutes. (2023). NRS 597.600-597.680: Nevada Lemon Law. Retrieved from https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-597.html
Smith, R. (2022). Consumer Protections for New Car Buyers in Nevada. Nevada Law Journal. Retrieved from https://law.unlv.edu/nevada-law-journal
U.S. Federal Trade Commission. (2023). The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/
By: Shalev Amar, Esq.
Shalev Amar is the Founder and Manager of Amar Law Group. Prior to founding Amar Law Group, Mr. Amar was a Managing Partner for twelve years of a consumer law firm that exclusively handled motor vehicle claims on behalf of consumers.
