---
title: How to Know When Your Car is Really a Lemon
description: The formula for figuring out if your car is a lemon varies by state, so check with your state attorney general's office.
authors:
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    url: https://money.com/author/egstark/
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published: '2014-07-24T10:00:35.000Z'
modified: '2024-04-16T04:03:36.000Z'
section: Personal Finance
tags:
  - Ask the Expert
  - car repairs
  - cars
  - Consumer Protection
  - lemon law
word_count: 170
canonical: https://money.com/car-lemon-laws-when-due-refund/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
---

> **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/).

![140605_AskExpert_illo](https://img.money.com/2014/06/140605_askexpert_illo.jpg)

**Q. My new car has been in the shop for a month. Will a “lemon law” be of help? — Mark Wisner, Morrisville, N.C.**

A. Assuming your car is deemed a lemon, you’re entitled to—your choice—either a replacement car or a purchase price refund (see below). The definition of “lemon” varies by state; in your home of North Carolina, a car qualifies if it has been out of service for a total of 20 business days over 12 months or has been ­repaired for the same problem at least four times. The car must have fewer than 24,000 miles on it and be less than 24 months old.

Before submitting a claim, notify the manufacturer in writing of the problem (via certified mail) and give the company a reasonable chance to fix it, says Rosemary Shahan, president of [Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety](http://www.carconsumers.org/index.htm). Check your state attorney general’s office for details, and carefully document your complaints and attempted repairs.

![LEMON LAW](https://img.money.com/2014/07/lemon-law1.jpg?quality=85)

***Read next: [23 Tricks to Save Thousands on Your Car](https://money.com/save-money-car-gas-repairs-insurance/)***

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