If you’ve purchased or leased a vehicle in Wisconsin that has persistent defects, Wisconsin Lemon Law ensures your protection.
If the defect cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you are entitled to compensation, including vehicle replacement, refund, or cash settlement.
Your Rights Under Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin 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 potential civil penalties up to three times the original amount.
Additionally, Wisconsin Lemon Law ensures that attorney fees are covered, so you can pursue your claim without additional financial burden.
What Vehicles Are Covered by Wisconsin Lemon Law?
Wisconsin Lemon Law applies to:
- New and certified pre-owned vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Used vehicles sold with remaining factory warranties.
- Vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, and certain business vehicles (under 10,000 lbs).
Exclusions apply to minor defects, issues caused by neglect, or unauthorized modifications.
How to Qualify for Wisconsin Lemon Law?
To qualify for Wisconsin Lemon Law, the defect must:
- Substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, and be reported and made available for repair before the warranty expires or within 1 year of original delivery, whichever comes first (Wis. Stat. § 218.0171(2)(a)).
- Survive a reasonable attempt to repair. Wisconsin presumes that standard is met when the same defect has been repaired 4 or more times, or the vehicle has been out of service 30 or more cumulative days — both within that same warranty term or first year (§ 218.0171(1)(h)).
- Once that standard is met, the manufacturer has only 30 days to replace the vehicle or issue a refund after you make your election (§ 218.0171(2)(c)).
- You have 36 months from the date of first delivery to bring an action — one of the longer filing windows in the country (§ 218.0171(7)(a)).
Types of Defects Covered by Wisconsin Lemon Law
Wisconsin Lemon Law covers defects that affect the operation, safety, or value of the vehicle, such as:
- Engine malfunctions
- Transmission issues
- Electrical system problems
- Brake system failure
- Faulty airbags
- Steering or suspension defects
These defects must persist despite multiple repair attempts and must be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Lemon Law for Used Cars in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Lemon Law applies to used vehicles under the following conditions:
- The defect must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect must significantly impact 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 secure compensation.
Why Choose Us for Your Lemon Law Case in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Lemon Law Specialists: We know state laws inside and out and how to use them to your advantage.
- Proven Expertise: Over 10 years of success handling Lemon Law cases in Wisconsin.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- 24/7 Availability: We are here to assist whenever you need support or have questions.
- Comprehensive Legal Help: From filing your claim to negotiating with the manufacturer, we handle everything.
- Maximizing Compensation: We fight for you to secure maximum compensation, including civil penalties when applicable.
No Upfront Fees.
You pay nothing out of your pocket. Your agreement explains any costs.