Wisconsin Lemon Law Attorneys

Understanding Wisconsin's Lemon Law

When manufacturers sell defective vehicles in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Lemon Law provides important protection for consumers like you. This law helps ensure you receive an appropriate refund or replacement when manufacturers fail to fix significant vehicle problems.

Wisconsin’s Lemon Law for New Cars

Wisconsin’s lemon law covers new cars, trucks, motorcycles, and motor homes with defects that substantially impair their use, value, or safety. These problems must occur within your first year of ownership and while the warranty is active.

Wisconsin’s Lemon Law for Used Car and Private Party Coverage

While Wisconsin’s Lemon Law primarily protects new vehicle purchases, used car buyers still have several options:

• The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, also known as the Federal Lemon Law can provide protection for used vehicles
• Private-party sales may have protection under certain conditions
• Authorized extended warranties may provide additional coverage

For your vehicle to qualify as a lemon in Wisconsin, you must allow the manufacturer four attempts to fix the same problem. Your vehicle may also qualify if it’s been out of service for 30 days or more for any number of defects. These days don’t need to be consecutive.

Reach out to our Wisconsin Lemon Law lawyers to learn if you qualify for a claim!

Your Rights Under the Wisconsin Lemon Law

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, Wisconsin law dictates that the manufacturer must compensate you. You’ll typically be entitled to either a replacement vehicle or a complete refund of your purchase price, minus a mileage offset fee.

The manufacturer must also cover all related expenses, including sales taxes, financing charges, and incidental costs such as towing fees and rental car expenses. The law even requires manufacturers to pay all attorney’s fees associated with your claim. This fee-shifting provision allows you to get the legal help you need without putting a strain on your budget.

Take our free 60-second Lemon Test to find out if you qualify for a claim!

Working With Our Wisconsin Attorneys

Before filing a lemon law claim in Wisconsin, you must first attempt to resolve the issue through the manufacturer’s arbitration program if one exists and meets the rigid criteria of state and federal law. But don’t worry. Our attorneys manage this entire process, handling all communication with the manufacturer and preparing every required document.

We guide you through arbitration proceedings while protecting your rights at each step. Throughout your case, we maintain clear communication and handle all legal complexities.

Remember, you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case.

Get Help with Your Lemon Law Claim

Don’t face the auto manufacturer’s legal team alone. Our experienced Wisconsin Lemon Law attorneys understand how to handle these cases effectively. Contact us for a free case review to learn your next steps.

Common Questions About Wisconsin's Lemon Law

Does Wisconsin Have a Lemon Law for Private Party Sales?

Wisconsin’s Lemon Law does not explicitly cover private party sales. But if the vehicle is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty, it may still be eligible. Additionally, the federal lemon law may cover your vehicle even if the local law doesn’t. Contact us to learn more about your specific case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lemon Law Claim in Wisconsin?

You have three years from taking possession of your vehicle to file a claim under state law and four years under the Federal Lemon Law. However, we recommend acting as soon as you suspect you have a lemon.

What if My Used Car is Defective?

Used vehicles often have protection under federal warranty laws even when the state lemon law doesn’t apply. So, if your vehicle was under warranty at the time of the first repair attempt, you may have a case. Our attorneys can help determine your best course of action.

How Much Will Legal Help Cost For My Lemon?

Wisconsin’s Lemon Law requires manufacturers to pay consumers’ attorney fees when the consumer prevails! Plus, we don’t collect any fees unless we win or settle your case. This translates to no out-of-pocket costs for most of our clients.

What Problems Qualify Under the Wisconsin Lemon Law?

Any defect that substantially impairs your vehicle’s use, value, or safety may qualify. Common issues include:

• Engine problems
• Transmission failures
• Electrical system defects
• Steering and suspension defects
• Infotainment system failures
• Brake malfunctions
• Safety feature failures
• And more