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• Delaware Lemon Law FAQ

Delaware Lemon Law

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Many residents have heard of the Lemon Law in Delaware, but few truly understand how it serves to protect their consumer rights. That’s why we’ve put together this FAQ detailing the most common questions we’re asked about the Lemon Law in Delaware on the 1-800-LEMON-LAW Hotline.

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
• How does the DE Lemon Law work?
• Does a problem always need to occur four times for a car to be considered a lemon in Delaware?
• Does the problem have to repeat itself within the year?
• Does mileage play a role in the Lemon Law?
• What happens if my first problem occurs after the first 12 months?
• How does this Lemon Law offer cost-free representation?
• Does this Lemon Law cover leased vehicles?
• Does this Lemon Law cover motorcycles?
• Does this Lemon Law cover used vehicles?
• Can't I just return my vehicle to the dealership if I'm having problems right away?
• Where can I find more answers to my questions about the Lemon Law in Delaware?

How does the DE Lemon Law work?

The Delaware Lemon Law covers drivers whose vehicles suffer a nonconformity or defect within the first 12 months that can’t be repaired after four (4) attempts by the manufacturer-authorized dealership.

If you have three repair attempts, we can still help under the Federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.

Does a problem always need to occur four times for a car to be considered a lemon in Delaware?

Not necessarily. If your car is in the shop for an extended period of time in the first year, consecutive or not, we can file a claim under the Law.

Likewise, if you are experiencing paint problems, the same kind of problem (electrical, water leak in the back versus water leak in the front, front brakes and then back brakes and then front brakes again), or if it is a significant problem that has occurred twice, we welcome you to submit your information for our consideration. We handle each case separately and we have made exceptions in the past.

Does the problem have to repeat itself within the year?

No. As long as the first repair appears in the first year, we can file a claim. Even if the problem does not reoccur for quite a while after that, this still holds true.

Does mileage play a role in the Lemon Law?

Not in Delaware. It does not matter how many miles you drive your car in the first year, as long as it is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

What happens if my first problem occurs after the first 12 months?

You may still have a claim. If you are having continuous problems and your car is under a manufacturer’s warranty, we can still help under the Federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. Please let us know about your repairs and we will have someone from our firm contact you and explain your rights. Representation is still completely cost-free under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.

How does this Lemon Law offer cost-free representation?

Like lemon laws in other states, The Delaware Lemon Law Statute contains a fee-shifting provision which means, that if the consumer prevails, the manufacturer must pay all attorney fees and legal costs on top of what you receive. If we accept your case, you will not pay anything out of pocket, win or lose. The fee-shifting provision gives you equal footing when battling against a multi-billion dollar automobile manufacturer.

Does this Lemon Law cover leased vehicles?

Yes. The Lemon Law in Delaware covers leased vehicles.

Does this Lemon Law cover motorcycles?

No, but, we are still representing Delaware Motorcycle Drivers through the Federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. If you are experiencing problems with your bike, please do not hesitate to submit your information for our review. We have successfully handled many motorcycle breach of warranty cases and we offer the same cost-free representation as we do under the Lemon Law.

Does this Lemon Law cover used vehicles?

Unfortunately, used cars are not covered under the DE Lemon Law. However, if you have a manufacturer’s warranty, original or extended, we can still help you under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.

Additionally, if a dealer misrepresents a car at the time of sale, you may have rights under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. We encourage you to contact us to find out if and how we can be of assistance in these matters.

Can’t I just return my vehicle to the dealership if I’m having problems right away?

No. Problems can occur immediately, but if you are interested in opening a Lemon Law claim, you must follow proper procedures. That means making an appointment to have your car examined and repaired, along with securing a repair invoice when you pick up your car. Make sure the invoice properly outlines all of the problems you disclosed to the service manager.

We also suggest you keep a personal log of your repair visits. Please, hold on to these invoices. If you don’t have the invoices, we can still help you (we can subpoena them if necessary), but having them on hand does make your case move along smoother.

Never leave your car and keys at the dealer, saying you don’t want it any more. This could be counted as a voluntary repossession, which could hurt your credit. When you’re having problems, consult a consumer attorney, be it us or someone else.

Where can I find more answers to my questions about the Lemon Law in Delaware?

For more information on the Delaware Lemon Law, please call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652 ) or email us, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

• Read about the Delaware Lemon Law.
• Review the Delaware Lemon Law Statute.

Check out our other state lemon law pages like NJ lemon law, PA lemon law, and NY lemon law.