The Hawaii Lemon Law provides important protections to consumers who buy or lease a new or used car. The law applies to any vehicle purchased or leased in the state of Hawaii, regardless of where it was manufactured. The Hawaii Lemon Law provides consumers with a legal remedy for vehicles that don’t meet their expectations.
Under the law, a consumer may be eligible for a refund or replacement of the vehicle if it has a “nonconformity” or defect that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. To be eligible, the consumer must report the problem to the manufacturer within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles after purchase. The manufacturer must then be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle, but if it is not able to do so, the consumer may be eligible to receive a refund or replacement of the vehicle.
The Hawaii Lemon Law also applies to used cars, although the law does have some limitations. For example, the manufacturer must have been given at least one reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle before the consumer can be eligible for a refund or replacement. The consumer must also have purchased the vehicle from a licensed dealer or a manufacturer-authorized dealer. Additionally, the consumer must report the problem to the manufacturer within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles after purchase.
If a consumer is eligible for a refund or replacement of a vehicle under the Hawaii Lemon Law, the manufacturer must provide the consumer with a written notice of their rights, including the option to choose either a refund or a replacement. The manufacturer must also provide the consumer with a refund or replacement within 30 days of their decision.
The Hawaii Lemon Law provides important protections for consumers who purchase or lease a new or used car in Hawaii. It allows consumers to get a refund or replacement of a vehicle if it has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. It is important for consumers to understand their rights under the law and to report any problems with their vehicle to the manufacturer within the specified time frame in order to be eligible for a refund or replacement. The Hawaii Lemon Law helps ensure that consumers are able to purchase vehicles with the confidence that they will receive a reliable product.
Q1: What is Hawaii’s lemon law for used cars?
A1: Hawaii has a law that provides protection to buyers of used cars that are found to have major mechanical defects. The law requires the seller to repair the car within a reasonable time period or provide a refund or replacement vehicle.
Q2: Does the Hawaii lemon law for used cars cover all types of vehicles?
A2: No, the law does not cover motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, or any other type of vehicle that is not considered a car.
Q3: Is there a time period for repairs to be made under the Hawaii lemon law for used cars?
A3: Yes, the seller must make repairs to the used car within a reasonable time period, typically three attempts at repair or 30 days from the date of purchase.
Q4: What happens if the seller is unable to repair the car under the Hawaii lemon law for used cars?
A4: If the seller cannot repair the car within the specified time period, they must either refund the purchase price or provide a replacement vehicle of comparable value.