Lemon Law Protection and Warranty Defects: What You Need to Know

If you bought a new car and it keeps breaking down-same problem, same repair shop, same frustration-you’re not alone. Thousands of people in the UK and across Europe face this every year. And while dealers will tell you it’s just bad luck, the truth is, there’s a law designed to protect you: the lemon law.

What Exactly Is Lemon Law?

Lemon law isn’t a single national law in the UK, but it’s part of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This law gives you clear rights when you buy a new or used vehicle that turns out to be faulty. If your car has a defect that affects its value, safety, or usability-and it can’t be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts-you’re entitled to a refund, replacement, or price reduction.

The term "lemon" comes from American slang for a defective product. In the UK, we don’t use the word much, but the protection is just as strong. The law doesn’t care if you bought the car from a big dealership or a small garage. If it was sold as roadworthy and it’s not, you have rights.

What Counts as a Warranty Defect?

Not every squeak or scratch counts. A warranty defect is something that:

• Was present when you took delivery
• Significantly reduces the car’s value, safety, or performance
• Is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty

Examples include:

• Engine failure due to manufacturing flaw
• Transmission slipping or refusing to shift
• Brakes that grind or fail under normal use
• Electrical systems that cause the car to shut off while driving
• Repeated airbag or ABS sensor faults

Things like worn tyres, cracked windshields from accidents, or minor interior scratches don’t count. Those are normal wear or damage-not manufacturing defects.

How Many Repair Attempts Are "Reasonable"?

There’s no magic number written into law, but courts and consumer tribunals follow a clear pattern:

• Same issue repaired 2 or more times and still broken → you’re likely covered
• Multiple different issues adding up to over 30 days in the shop within the first year → you’re likely covered
• Any safety-related defect repaired once and still dangerous → immediate right to remedy

For example, if your car’s engine overheats three times in two months, and each time it takes a week to fix, you’ve already hit the threshold. You don’t need to wait for a fourth repair. The law protects you from endless cycles of broken promises.

Warranty vs. Legal Rights: What’s the Difference?

Many people think their warranty is their only protection. It’s not. The manufacturer’s warranty is just the starting point.

Your legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 are stronger and longer-lasting:

• Warranty: Usually lasts 3 years, but only covers parts the manufacturer says it will
• Legal rights: Last up to 6 years from purchase, and cover any fault that existed at the time of sale

Here’s the key: if a defect shows up within the first 6 months, the law assumes it was there when you bought the car. The dealer or manufacturer has to prove it wasn’t. After 6 months, you have to show the fault was there from the start-but that’s still doable with repair records and expert reports.

What Should You Do When Your Car Is a Lemon?

Don’t wait. Don’t let the dealer push you into another "one last try." Here’s what to do:

1. Keep every repair invoice, email, and call log. Write down dates, names, and what was fixed.
2. Don’t agree to extended warranties or "goodwill" fixes unless you get it in writing that they don’t waive your legal rights.
3. Send a formal letter to the dealer and manufacturer. State clearly: "I am exercising my rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. My vehicle has a persistent defect that cannot be resolved after multiple attempts. I request a full refund or replacement."
4. If they refuse, contact Citizens Advice or the Motor Ombudsman. They handle these cases daily.
5. If needed, take it to small claims court. It’s free, simple, and you don’t need a lawyer.

One woman in Bristol bought a new Ford Focus in 2023. Within 8 months, it had 11 visits to the garage for engine misfires and sudden power loss. She kept every receipt. After the 9th repair, she sent a letter demanding a refund. The manufacturer offered £2,000 as "goodwill." She refused. Within 3 weeks, they gave her a full refund plus £1,200 for hire car costs.

Common Myths About Lemon Law

Dealers and salespeople love to spread confusion. Here are the biggest myths:

• Myth: "You have to be the original owner."
  Truth: If you bought a used car with a remaining manufacturer warranty, you still have rights. The law protects the buyer, not the paperwork.
• Myth: "Leasing companies won’t help."
  Truth: Lease agreements must still follow consumer law. If your leased car is faulty, you can demand a replacement or refund from the finance company.
• Myth: "It’s too late after 12 months."
  Truth: You have up to 6 years to claim. After 6 months, you just need better evidence.
• Myth: "Only luxury cars count."
  Truth: Lemon law applies to every new or used vehicle sold by a business, regardless of price.

What If the Dealer Says It’s "Normal Wear and Tear"?

That’s a classic dodge. Normal wear means tyres wearing down, brake pads thinning, or clutch fading after 50,000 miles. It doesn’t mean:

• Transmission failing at 12,000 miles
• Engine coolant leaking without any accident or misuse
• Infotainment system crashing every time you use Apple CarPlay

Ask for a written report from an independent mechanic. If they say the fault is manufacturing-related, you’ve got solid ground to stand on. Many garages will give you a quick diagnostic for under £50.

How to Avoid Getting a Lemon in the First Place

Prevention beats frustration. Before you sign:

• Check the car’s service history. Look for repeat repairs on the same part.
• Search the VIN online. Some sites show past warranty claims.
• Take a trusted mechanic with you for a pre-purchase inspection-even on "certified" used cars.
• Ask for a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty terms. Read the fine print on what’s excluded.
• Don’t rush. If a deal seems too good, it often is.

One buyer in Bristol skipped the pre-check on a £15,000 used BMW. Within 3 weeks, the timing chain failed. Repair cost: £4,200. The dealer said it was "maintenance neglect." But the service records showed it was serviced on time. She fought back-and won a full refund after 4 months.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Power

Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make. You shouldn’t have to live with a broken one. Lemon law exists because too many people were left with no choice but to accept a faulty car. You don’t have to be one of them.

Document everything. Speak up early. Don’t be intimidated by corporate jargon or slow responses. Your rights are real, and they’re backed by law.

Next Steps if Your Car Is Still Broken

If you’re reading this because your car is in the garage again, here’s what to do today:

• Open a folder-digital or physical-and put in every repair receipt, email, and note.
• Call the manufacturer’s customer service line. Ask for their complaints department. Don’t settle for front-line reps.
• Visit the Motor Ombudsman website and download their complaint form. Fill it out now.
• Book an independent mechanic’s report. Even a £40 diagnostic can be your turning point.

You didn’t buy a lemon. You bought a car that should work. The law is on your side. Now use it.