Lemon Law

Unfortunately, "lemon" cars do exist, but manufacturers are now being held accountable. If you have purchased or leased a new car and experience numerous, continuous problems with that car, you may have bought a lemon. Georgia's Lemon Law was enacted to protect you and your investment.

When you buy or lease a new vehicle in the state of Georgia, you pay a $3 Warranty Rights Act fee. This fee funds a state program that provides free arbitration between you and the auto manufacturer to help resolve Lemon Law issues.

Is My Car Covered?

In Georgia, only new vehicles are covered under the Lemon Law, and they must still be in the original owner's possession. This also applies to leased vehicles. If the car has changed ownwership, it is no longer eligible for protection under the Lemon Law.

Cars Not Covered

The following vehicles are not covered by Georgia's Lemon Law:

• Your purchased or leased used vehicle

• A car whose title indicates it is a used vehicle

• Motorcycles

• Trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds

• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

• Boats

• Vehicles that do not legally qualify as a motor vehicle

Complaint Process

The Govenor's Office of Consumer Affairs administers the Warranty Rights Act and offers services to help you with your complaint. To begin a Lemon Law claim, fill out the online form to get the process started.

Forms you'll need in order to file a Lemon Law complaint include a notice to the manufacturer giving them a final opportunity to repair the listed items on your vehicle; a replacement or repurchase request to be filed with the manufacturer; and a form specifically for replacing or repurchasing of a leased car.

Although the state will arbitrate on your behalf, and most manufacturers will work with you in good faith, some may not. If this appears to be the case, you always have the option of hiring an attorney who specializes in Georgia's Lemon Law to help you with your claim.