Lemon Law in New Mexico

New Mexico Lemon Law

A lemon is a new or used vehicle that, after purchased, is discovered to have major defects that weren't apparent before. Luckily, the state of New Mexico has a lemon law, designed to protect consumers like you when such a deal is made.

Basically, the New Mexico lemon law allows vehicle manufacturers a reasonable amount of repair attempts overs a reasonable amount of time to fix a defective car before they must refund your purchase or replace your car.

Lemon Law in New Mexico

The New Mexico lemon law covers:

  • New vehicles within 1 year of receipt or before the warranty expires, whichever happens first.
  • Used vehicles up to 15 days or 500 miles after purchase, whichever is first.

Your vehicle may be a lemon if it has a defect during the periods described above that:

  • Isn't fixed after 4 attempts.
    OR
  • Causes the vehicle to be out of service for at least 30 business days.

You have several options for claiming a refund or replacement, including arbitration through the manufacturer or filing a lawsuit.

Your lemon law attorney can help you choose the best course of action and represent you in the proceedings.

Filing a Lemon Complaint

In order to successfully use New Mexico's lemon law to your advantage, keep all paperwork concerning the car's history with you. That includes any and all automotive repair bills and quotes. You must allow the manufacturer a chance to repair what is wrong with the car. If they cannot, then the next step is to file a complaint.

If your car is determined to be a lemon and cannot be repaired, you will either:

  • Be refunded or receive a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer.
  • Need to settle the issue through the manufacturer's informal dispute and settlement program, if necessary and applicable.
    OR
  • Settle the issue in court, if necessary.

In cases where you are still not given a satisfactory resolution, then you may want to hire an attorney. In New Mexico, under the Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act, you are entitled to a reimbursement of attorney's fees, should the court find in your favor.

Hiring a NM Lemon Law Attorney

Whether you suspect your vehicle is a lemon or you're certain the New Mexico lemon law applies to you, hiring a lemon law attorney can be helpful.

To find lawyers in New Mexico that handle lemon law cases, you might start by asking people you know for recommendations.

Once you have a few names, you can compare attorneys by booking a consultation with each of them to ask about:

  • Knowledge and experience.
    • Has the lawyer handled consumer protection and lemon law cases before?
    • Does the attorney have special knowledge of experience in the NM lemon law or related fields?
  • The claim process and expectations.
    • How long might it take to get a refund or replacement vehicle?
    • What documentation or other evidence will you need?
  • Fees and other costs.
    • What will the lemon law lawyer charge to handle your case? When are the fees due?
    • Are there other costs you'll be responsible for?

These questions can help you confidently choose the New Mexico lemon law attorney who will handle your case.

Benefits of Lemon Law Attorneys

Depending on your situation, a lemon law attorney could help you in several different ways, such as:

  • Determining if the New Mexico lemon law applies to your vehicle.
  • Helping you decide how to proceed with your case.
  • Gathering documentation and completing required paperwork.
  • Represent you in communication and negotiations.

No matter what stage you're at in the lemon law process, having an attorney who specializes in NM lemon law can save you time and hassle.

Please enter your ZIP code OR city and state abbreviation

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review