{"id":374617,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:51","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/montana-law\/montana-lemon-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:48:43","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:48:43","slug":"montana-lemon-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/montana-law\/montana-lemon-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Montana Lemon Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Montana Lemon Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A new car with a lasting, unfixable defect is commonly called a \u201clemon.\u201d This is the term behind the so-named \u201clemon laws<\/a>\u201d on the books in every state. State lemon laws help consumers<\/a> by requiring manufacturers to repair a car or replace cars with substantial defects that affect the consumer\u2019s ability to use it or its market value. These laws generally provide specific steps for consumers to follow, and those steps can vary from state to state. Here\u2019s a summary of Montana\u2019s lemon laws.<\/p>\n

Montana\u2019s Lemon Law<\/h2>\n

Montana’s lemon law covers new motor vehicles purchased (and leased) for personal, family, or household purposes that have \u201cany defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value or safety of the motor vehicle to the consumer.\u201d This generally covers most major problems with a car, but you should check with a manufacturer or knowledgeable source.<\/p>\n

Consumers must follow certain steps. First, written notice must be provided to the manufacturer either within two years of delivery or 18,000 miles \u2013 whichever comes first. Notice within this period can extend the time during which repairs are made by the manufacturer for an additional year.<\/p>\n

Second, the manufacturer or dealer will have \u201ca reasonable number of attempts\u201d to correct or repair the defect. This is defined as four or more attempts or when the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more business days. After these steps, if the defect is not repaired then the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with the same model or a car of comparable market value. Alternatively, it can offer a full refund minus some costs for the use of the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Montana\u2019s Department of Justice maintains an arbitration process for disputes between manufacturers and consumers. Violations also amount to unfair and deceptive trade practices, something that hurts car manufacturers and dealerships.
\n<\/p>\n\n
Code Sections<\/b><\/td>\n61-4-501, et seq.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Title of the Act<\/b><\/td>\nNew Motor Vehicle Warranty Act\/<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Definition of Defects<\/b><\/td>\nAny defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value or safety of the motor vehicle to the consumer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair<\/b><\/td>\nWarranty period either two years from delivery or within 18,000 miles of operation, whichever is earlier. One year time extension if notice given to manufacturer within this period.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Remedies<\/b><\/td>\nRepair, replacement, or refund.<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Related Resources for Lemon Laws<\/h2>\n

Discovering that your nice, new car is a lemon can be rough. Taking action within the short period of time provided by law is critical. Montana\u2019s Department of Justice offers guidance on the state\u2019s lemon law. More generalized information can also be found in our lemon law section<\/a>. Finally, you can consult an experienced lemon law attorney in Montana<\/a> to evaluate your case and begin the process of exercising your rights under the law.<\/p>\n

\n \n Was this helpful?<\/span>\n \n Yes<\/span>\n \n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/g>\n \n \n <\/rect>\n <\/clipPath>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/i>\n <\/button>\n \n No<\/span>\n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n <\/clipPath>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/i>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/span>\n