The Oklahoma lemon law offers coverage to consumers who have purchased and registered a new motor vehicle. However, the law does not apply to vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds or motor home living facilities. A vehicle is considered to be a lemon if a defect or problem is covered by the warranty and significantly impairs its use or value. The lemon law does not cover a defect or problem if it is the result of unauthorized modifications, neglect, or abuse.
In Oklahoma, if a consumer suspects the vehicle they purchased is a lemon, they must report the defect to the manufacturer, or the manufacturer’s agent or dealer, in writing, during the term of the warranty or during the one year period following the vehicle’s delivery date, whichever is earlier. The vehicle must be taken to the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s agent or dealer for a “reasonable number of attempts” to fix the problem. The Oklahoma lemon law considers a reasonable number of attempts for the same problem to be four or more times, or if the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 30 business days.
Before coverage under the Oklahoma lemon law applies, a consumer must attempt informal dispute resolution if the vehicle’s manufacturer has a procedure that complies with federal law. To learn whether a manufacturer has such a procedure, consumers are instructed to read the vehicle’s owner’s manual or warranty.
If the vehicle cannot be repaired, the manufacturer must either accept the return of the vehicle and offer the consumer a refund of the purchase price, including taxes and fees but excluding interest, and minus a reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use of the vehicle; or replace the vehicle with a new model that is comparable to the lemon vehicle and acceptable to the consumer.
Howard D. Silver is a lemon law attorney in Los Angeles County who has protected the rights of consumers in California since 1987. To learn how Mr. Silver can defend your rights as a consumer, or to learn more about California’s lemon law, call 1-800-49-LEMON today.
