{"id":377328,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/wisconsin-law\/wisconsin-lemon-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:48:44","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:48:44","slug":"wisconsin-lemon-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/wisconsin-law\/wisconsin-lemon-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Wisconsin Lemon Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wisconsin Lemon Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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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

Few sensations are quite as joyous and exciting as taking your new (or new to you) car out for a spin. Yet, all that happiness could be over when your new car starts having old car problems, especially after just a few spins. Having a broken down car is heartbreaking, but what you can do about it? Fortunately, the Badger State has regulations regarding new vehicles with the same unfixable problems. This is a quick introduction to \u201clemon laws\u201d in Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

State Lemon Laws<\/h2>\n

In auto lingo, a "lemon" is a new car that has a habitual defect that neither the dealer nor a repair shop is able to fix. Rather than sticking the consumer with a problematic or even inoperable vehicle, lemon laws<\/a> offer some financial protections for car owners. Wisconsin\u2019s lemon law statutes are like lemon laws in other states<\/a>, and require the dealer to replace or refund a consumer if they are unable to repair a major problem within one year.<\/p>\n

Lemon Laws in Wisconsin<\/h2>\n

The following chart highlights Wisconsin\u2019s lemon law statute.<\/p>\n\n

Code Section<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

218.0171<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Title of Act<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Not specified<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Definition of Defects<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Nonconformity to applicable express warranties which significantly affects the use, safety, or market value of vehicle<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Term of warranty or 1 year after first delivery of motor vehicle to consumer, whichever is sooner<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Remedies<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Consumer’s option: accept return and replace with comparable new vehicle and refund any collateral costs or accept return and refund full purchase price plus any sales tax, finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at point of sale, and collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

State lemon laws can vary, but there are a few general lemon law guidelines<\/a> you can reference if you\u2019re trying to figure out if you\u2019ve got a lemon on your hands:<\/p>\n