If you’ve purchased or leased a defective vehicle in South Carolina, South Carolina Lemon Law offers protection.
When a defect significantly affects the vehicle’s safety, value, or use, and it cannot be repaired after several attempts, you are entitled to compensation, including vehicle replacement, refund, cash settlement.
Your Rights Under South Carolina Lemon Law
If your vehicle has a defect that affects its safety, value, or use, and it remains unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts, South Carolina Lemon Law guarantees your right to:
- Replacement: A new vehicle of the same make and model.
- Repurchase: A full refund, including taxes and fees, minus a mileage deduction.
- Cash Settlement: Compensation for the defect’s impact, with possible civil penalties up to three times the original amount.
Additionally, South Carolina Lemon Law ensures that attorney fees are covered, so you don’t face additional financial strain while pursuing your claim.
What Vehicles Are Covered by South Carolina Lemon Law?
South Carolina Lemon Law applies to:
- New and certified pre-owned vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Used vehicles that are sold with remaining factory warranties.
- Vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, and certain business vehicles (under 10,000 lbs).
Exclusions apply for minor defects, misuse, or unauthorized alterations.
How to Qualify for South Carolina Lemon Law?
To qualify for South Carolina Lemon Law, the defect must:
- Arise within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of purchase, and be reported during the express warranty term (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-28-30).
- Survive a reasonable number of repair attempts. South Carolina presumes that standard is met when the same defect has been repaired 3 or more times, or the vehicle has been out of service 30 or more calendar days — both within the express warranty term (§ 56-28-50(A)).
- Before pursuing a remedy, you must give the manufacturer written notice by registered, certified, or express mail, allowing 10 business days to cure.
- A lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of the original delivery date (§ 56-28-70).
Types of Defects Covered by South Carolina Lemon Law
South Carolina Lemon Law covers defects that affect the vehicle’s safety, functionality, or value, such as:
- Engine failure
- Transmission problems
- Electrical malfunctions
- Brake system failure
- Faulty airbags
- Suspension and steering defects
These defects must persist after reasonable repair attempts and be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Lemon Law for Used Cars in South Carolina
South Carolina Lemon Law applies to used vehicles if they meet the following conditions:
- The defect must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect must affect the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
- The defect must remain unresolved after reasonable repair attempts.
If your used vehicle qualifies, we’ll help you pursue compensation.
Why Choose Us for Your Lemon Law Case in South Carolina?
South Carolina Law Experts: We specialize in local cases and know how to win them.
- Experienced Team: Over 10 years of experience successfully handling Lemon Law cases in South Carolina.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
- Always Available: We’re here 24/7 to provide updates and answer your questions.
- Comprehensive Legal Help: From filing your claim to negotiating with the manufacturer, we handle it all.
- Maximizing Compensation: We fight for you to secure maximum compensation, including civil penalties when applicable.
No Upfront Fees.
You won’t pay anything upfront. Your agreement explains any costs.