Utah has a Lemon Law to protect you in case the new car you buy or lease is so seriously flawed that it can't be repaired; in other words, if it's a lemon. It's very rare, but it happens.

The New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act applies to new cars and motor homes under warranty during the first year of the warranty period only―it can't help you if you have trouble with a used vehicle or if the problems begin after the first year of the warranty.

Under the law, the buyer is entitled to a refund or replacement if the vehicle meets all of the following criteria:

• The vehicle must have been bought in Utah.

• It must be new and under warranty.

• It must weigh less than 12,000 pounds.

• The defect must "substantially impair the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle."

• During the first year of the warranty period, the manufacturer must have tried to resolve the defect at least four times or the buyer must have been unable to use the vehicle a total of 30 days, whichever is less.

• The defect must not be caused by owner neglect, abuse, or unauthorized vehicle modifications.

• The buyer must adhere to the manufacturer's informal dispute settlement or arbitration procedure, if there is one.

If all of the above apply to you and you're the unlucky owner of a lemon, take the following steps:

• File a complaint with:

• Division of Consumer Protection

• Heber M. Wells Building, Second Floor

• 160 East 300 South

• SM 146704

• Salt Lake City, UT 84114

• (801) 530-6601

• Include copies of service records, arbitration or dispute settlement records, and any other relevant documents. The division stresses that you should send copies, not originals.

Once it's determined that your vehicle is a lemon and you're entitled to a refund or replacement, the manufacturer may charge you 10 to 23 cents per mile for your use of the vehicle or subtract that from the refund total. This amount is supposed to be "reasonable" and is prescribed by law.

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection has a Lemon Law Web page with tips on how to avoid "lemon-like" trouble when buying or leasing a new car.

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