The California Lemon Law has some very specific requirements. One of these is that sellers of Lemon Law buyback vehicles must let the new buyer know that the vehicle was a buyback.
The Lemon Law buyback requirements apply to any vehicle that was reacquired by the manufacturer from January 1, 1996 through the present day. The vehicle must have been reacquired because of a specific warranty defect.
What’s required for a Lemon Law buyback vehicle?
There are several things that must happen before a Lemon Law buyback vehicle is sold to someone.
- The manufacturer must title the vehicle in its name.
- The manufacturer must affix a Lemon Law Buyback decal to the vehicle in a prominent location, including:
- Left side of a vehicle with no doors
- Left door frame of a vehicle with doors
- Frame of major entry point, such as motor home’s right door frame
- The manufacturer must have the California Certificate of Title and the registration marked as a Lemon Law Buyback.
- The seller must provide the buyer with a document on letter-size paper that contains information about the vehicle, including:
- The Lemon Law Buyback classification of the vehicle
- The vehicle identification number
- The year, make and model of the vehicle
- The nature of the defects as reported by the original buyer
- The repairs made to correct those defects
Learning that a vehicle you purchased was a Lemon Law buyback after you purchased it can be devastating. You have legal rights that you can utilize in these cases. Working with someone who knows the applicable laws and possible resolutions can help you to work through these matters with as little stress as possible.