What States have RV Lemon Laws in the US?

Did you buy a new RV and have nothing but issues with it? The dealer from which you bought your RV is not really helpful. What can you do to get all the issues solved and actually start enjoying your travels? What Stated have RV Lemon Laws?

What is the Lemon Law?

The Lemon Law for RVs, also known as the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Lemon Law, varies from state to state in the United States.

It is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new RVs that turn out to have significant defects or issues that affect their safety, value, or use.

These laws provide recourse to consumers by offering a remedy when they end up with a “lemon” – a defective RV that cannot be repaired adequately after multiple attempts.

When are you covered under the RV Lemon Law?

The specifics of the RV Lemon Law, including the definition of a “lemon” and the number of repair attempts required, vary from state to state. In general, to be covered under the RV Lemon Law, the following conditions might apply:

1. Defects must be substantial: The issues with the RV must significantly impair its use, value, or safety.
2. Warranty period: The defects must arise during the RV’s warranty period or within a certain number of miles driven, typically within the first year of ownership.
3. Reasonable repair attempts: The law usually requires that the manufacturer or authorized dealer be given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defects. The number of attempts required varies from state to state and could be around three to four repair attempts or more.
4. Timeframe for repair: The law may also specify a time limit within which the RV must be out of service due to repairs. If the RV is in the shop for an excessive amount of time, it may qualify as a lemon.

What States have RV Lemon Laws in the US?

What can you get if you meet the criteria?

If an RV meets the criteria outlined in the state’s Lemon Law, the consumer is generally entitled to one or more of the following remedies:

• A refund of the purchase price or lease payments.
• A replacement RV of similar value and specifications.
• An arbitration or mediation process to resolve the dispute.

It’s essential to note that Lemon Laws can be complex, and the specific requirements and protections depend on the state where the RV was purchased or registered.

Therefore, if you believe you have a lemon RV, you should consult with a qualified attorney or your state’s consumer protection agency to understand your rights and options.

Which States Cover the Lemon Law?

As of my last update in September 2021, several states in the United States have Lemon Laws that explicitly cover RVs (Recreational Vehicles).

However, it’s important to note that the specifics and requirements of the RV Lemon Laws can differ from state to state. Some states have more comprehensive protections for RV owners, while others may have more limited coverage.

Here is a list of states that typically include RVs in their Lemon Laws:

1. California
2. Florida
3. New York
4. Texas
5. Arizona
6. Nevada
7. Illinois
8. New Jersey
9. Colorado
10. Virginia
11. Pennsylvania
12. Ohio
13. Washington
14. Massachusetts

Please remember that this list might not be exhaustive or up to date, as laws can change, and new legislation can be introduced.

If you are dealing with an issue regarding a potential lemon RV, it is essential to verify the specific provisions of the Lemon Law in the state where the RV was purchased or registered. You can do this by consulting your state’s attorney general’s office or consumer protection agency for the most current and accurate information.

Additionally, seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney who specializes in consumer protection and Lemon Law cases can be helpful.

When is your RV considered a lemon?

An RV is considered a lemon when it meets certain criteria outlined in the Lemon Law of the state where it was purchased or registered. While the specific requirements can vary from state to state, the general conditions for an RV to be considered a lemon typically include the following:

1. Substantial Defects: The RV must have a significant defect or multiple defects that impair its use, value, or safety.
2. Warranty Coverage: The defects must have arisen during the RV’s warranty period or within a certain number of miles driven, usually within the first year of ownership.
3. Repair Attempts: The law typically requires that the manufacturer or authorized dealer be given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defects. The number of attempts required can vary from state to state but is often around three to four repair attempts or more.
4. Timeframe for Repairs: Some Lemon Laws also set a specific timeframe within which the RV must be out of service due to repairs. If the RV is in the shop for an excessive amount of time, it may meet the lemon criteria.
5. Notification and Opportunity to Repair: The owner must notify the manufacturer or dealer about the defects and provide them with an opportunity to repair the issues.

If the RV meets the criteria outlined in the state’s Lemon Law and the manufacturer or dealer fails to fix the defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the consumer may be entitled to one or more remedies. These can include a refund of the purchase price or lease payments, a replacement RV of similar value and specifications, or an arbitration/mediation process to resolve the dispute.

It’s important to remember that the specific requirements for an RV to be considered a lemon can vary based on state laws, and you should consult your state’s attorney general’s office or consumer protection agency.

Also read: Buying an RV – What you need to know

What can you do before you buy an RV so you are not ending up with a lemon RV?

In short, the best tip is to make sure you buy an RV from a manufacturer with a good reputation.

The second tip is to have your RV inspected by an independent RV Inspector before you buy it. (NRVIA Inspectors are thoroughly trained and certified by the National RV Inspectors Association).

Make sure, your RV is not inspected by the dealer, but by an independent RV inspector.

What to do before and during the purchasing process

To avoid ending up with a lemon RV, consider taking the following steps before and during the purchasing process:

1. Research and Inspection: Conduct thorough research on the RV model you are interested in. Look for reviews and feedback from other RV owners to get an idea of common issues. When inspecting the RV in person, pay close attention to its condition, both exterior and interior, and test all the systems and appliances to ensure they are working correctly.
2. Choose a Reputable Dealer: Purchase your RV from a reputable and established dealer. Look for dealers with positive reviews and a track record of providing good customer service. A reliable dealer is more likely to stand by their products and offer assistance if any issues arise.
3. Verify Warranty Coverage: Review the warranty coverage for the RV you’re considering. Make sure you understand what components are covered, the duration of the warranty, and any limitations or exclusions.
4. Ask About Lemon Policy: Inquire with the dealer about their policy regarding lemon RVs. Some dealers may have their own policies or procedures to address serious issues with newly purchased RVs.
5. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: Consider hiring an independent RV mechanic to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection. A professional inspection can help identify potential hidden issues that may not be apparent during a casual inspection.
6. Check for Recalls: Before finalizing the purchase, check for any recalls related to the RV model. Recalls are issued for safety-related defects, and manufacturers are required to address these issues for free.
7. Know Your Lemon Law Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Lemon Law in your state, including the specific requirements and protections for RVs. Understanding your rights as a consumer will empower you to take appropriate action if you encounter significant issues with the RV.
8. Keep All Documentation: Make sure to keep all paperwork related to the RV purchase, including sales contracts, warranties, repair records, and correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer. Having proper documentation will be helpful if you need to file a Lemon Law claim.
9. Take a Thorough Test Drive: If possible, take the RV for an extended test drive. Drive it under various conditions to assess its performance and handling.
10. Consider an Extended Warranty: Depending on the age and condition of the RV, you might want to invest in an extended warranty for additional protection beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty.

By being diligent in your research, inspection, and purchasing process, you can minimize the chances of ending up with a lemon RV and have a more enjoyable and trouble-free experience with your recreational vehicle.

See you on the road,

Conny