4 types of vehicles that qualify under the Texas lemon law

Did you recently purchase a brand-new vehicle in Texas, only to find out later that it is a ‘lemon’ vehicle?

A vehicle that has mechanical issues or needs regular repairs just after purchase comes under the category of the lemon law. People who own such cars know the real struggle. Fortunately, the Texas Lemon Law statute and the federal Lemon Law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) exist in Texas and provide crucial protections for consumers from such situations. It applies to a wider range of vehicles than you might think. This is why understanding the types of vehicles that qualify under this law and getting help from a Texas lemon law lawyer is crucial. This can save you significant time, money, and frustration while dealing with the complex process of the law.

If you’ve also purchased defective vehicles and are now wondering whether your vehicle comes under this law, keep reading. This blog explains the four main types of vehicles covered by the Texas Lemon Law and how you can determine if your situation qualifies for protection.

Let’s start.

1.   New passenger vehicles – Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

Cars, trucks, and vans are the most common vehicles that come under the Lemon Law. These vehicles must be purchased or leased from a Texas licensed dealer with a defect or condition that substantially impairs their use, value, or safety.

Requirements:

• The defect must significantly impact the vehicle’s operation or market value.
• The manufacturer or dealer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect, or the vehicle must have been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 days or more.

2.   Motorcycles

The next type of vehicle is motorcycles, which come under the Texas Lemon Law. It should be purchased new from a licensed dealer with a manufacturer’s warranty. Here also, the conditions of substantial defect and repair attempts are the same as in passenger vehicles.

Requirements:

• The defect must restrict the motorcycle’s use, value, or safety significantly.
• The motorcycle was out of service for a cumulative total of 30 days.
• You must report the defect to the manufacturer in writing within the warranty period.

3.   Recreational vehicles (RVs) and motorhomes

Recreational vehicles (RVs) and motorhomes are known for their complexity and variety of systems. The good news is that these vehicles are also protected under the Texas Lemon Law. This includes travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and similar vehicles used for recreational purposes.

Requirements:

• Considering the various systems involved in an RV or motorhome, the defect must significantly affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
• Just like the other vehicles, there must have been a reasonable number of repair attempts (four or more), or the vehicle must have been out of service for 30 days or more.

4.  All-terrain vehicles(ATVs)

ATVs, also known as four-wheelers, are popular for off-road recreation in Texas. All new ATVs purchased or leased from licensed dealers with a manufacturer’s warranty in Texas are included under the Texas Lemon Law.

Requirements:

• The defect must significantly impair the ATV’s use, value, or safety.
• Four or more repair attempts by the manufacturer or the vehicle being out of service for 30 days or more.

Conclusion

The Texas Lemon Law offers great protection for consumers who lease or purchase defective vehicles. Whether you own an RV, car, or truck, understanding the type of vehicle you own and its eligibility for the lemon law claim can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.