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:
- Keep every repair invoice, email, and call log. Write down dates, names, and what was fixed.
- Don’t agree to extended warranties or "goodwill" fixes unless you get it in writing that they don’t waive your legal rights.
- 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."
- If they refuse, contact Citizens Advice or the Motor Ombudsman. They handle these cases daily.
- 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.
Can I still claim lemon law if I bought a used car?
Yes. If the car was sold by a business and still has a manufacturer’s warranty, or if a fault appeared within 6 months of purchase, you’re protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The law doesn’t care if it’s new or used-it cares if the car was faulty when you got it.
How long do I have to make a claim?
You have up to 6 years from the date of purchase to make a claim under UK law. The first 6 months are easiest-you don’t need to prove the fault existed at purchase. After that, you’ll need repair records or expert evidence, but it’s still possible.
What if the dealer says the problem is my fault?
They must prove it. If the fault appeared within the first 6 months, the burden of proof is on them. After 6 months, you’ll need to show it wasn’t caused by misuse. Keep all service records and avoid doing repairs yourself unless they’re minor and documented.
Can I get a refund if I’ve driven the car for a year?
Yes. If the defect is serious and can’t be fixed, you’re entitled to a full refund-even after 12 months. The dealer may deduct a small amount for mileage, but only if they can prove you’ve used the car normally. Many cases result in full refunds if the car spent over 30 days in repair.
Do I need a lawyer to claim lemon law?
No. Most claims are settled before court. Start with Citizens Advice or the Motor Ombudsman. If you go to small claims court, you can represent yourself. Legal aid isn’t needed. Thousands of people win these cases every year without lawyers.
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.
Comments
Kieran Danagher
Let me tell you something straight - if your car’s got the same issue three times and the dealer still acts like it’s your fault, they’re not just incompetent, they’re laughing at you. The Consumer Rights Act isn’t some suggestion box. It’s law. Keep every receipt. Write down every conversation. And if they drag their feet? File with the Motor Ombudsman. Done. No lawyer needed. Just guts and paper trails.
February 1, 2026 at 10:24
OONAGH Ffrench
People forget that the law doesn’t care about brand names or price tags. A £10k hatchback with a failing transmission is just as much a lemon as a £60k SUV. The fault must be present at delivery. That’s it. No drama. No fluff. Just facts and documentation. The rest is noise.
February 2, 2026 at 06:19
poonam upadhyay
OMG I JUST HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME!!! My Kia Soul had the ABS light on 7 times in 4 months!! And the dealer said it was ‘electronic interference’ from my phone charger?? I swear to god I’m not even joking!! I took it to an independent shop and they said the sensor was defective from the factory!! I sent them a letter and they gave me a new car!! But like… WHY DO THEY LIE LIKE THIS?? I feel so violated!!
February 3, 2026 at 08:54
Shivam Mogha
Just keep records. That’s it. No need to overthink it.
February 4, 2026 at 22:14
Sheetal Srivastava
It’s fascinating how the consumer rights framework is predicated on the assumption of rational actors - yet dealerships operate in a state of epistemic asymmetry, weaponizing obfuscation and procedural delay as strategic tools. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is a noble artifact, but its efficacy is contingent upon the complainant’s ability to navigate bureaucratic entropy - a burden disproportionately borne by the socioeconomically vulnerable. In essence, the law protects those who can afford to litigate.
February 6, 2026 at 05:24
Bhavishya Kumar
Correction: The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to goods supplied by a trader in the course of a business. It does not apply to private sales. Also, ‘reasonable attempts’ is not defined numerically in the statute - it is determined by the tribunal on a case-by-case basis. Please avoid misleading generalizations.
February 7, 2026 at 19:39
ujjwal fouzdar
Think about it - we live in a world where a car can cost more than a house, yet when it breaks, we’re told to be patient. To be grateful. To trust the system. But the system doesn’t care. It’s just code. Just paperwork. Just a corporate flowchart that turns human suffering into KPIs. You’re not just buying a car. You’re buying into a myth - that quality means something anymore. And when that myth cracks? That’s when you realize the law is the only thing standing between you and the wolves in suits.
February 8, 2026 at 03:01
Anand Pandit
Hey everyone - if you’re reading this because your car’s in the shop again, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Took me 3 months and 8 visits, but I got my refund. Just keep calm, document everything, and reach out to Citizens Advice. They’re free, they’re good, and they won’t judge you. You’ve got this.
February 9, 2026 at 02:43
Reshma Jose
My cousin did this last year with her VW - same story, 11 visits, finally got a new car. They tried to give her £1500 as a ‘gesture’ but she said no. Just said ‘I want what the law says’. They folded in two weeks. Don’t let them gaslight you. You’re not being difficult. You’re being smart.
February 10, 2026 at 15:14
rahul shrimali
Document. Don’t wait. Act now.
February 11, 2026 at 01:46
Eka Prabha
This entire post is a dangerous oversimplification. The Consumer Rights Act is not a magic wand. It’s a labyrinth. Most people who try to use it end up exhausted, broke, and still with a broken car. The system is rigged. Manufacturers have armies of lawyers. The Motor Ombudsman? A toothless tiger. And don’t get me started on how they exploit the 6-month presumption. It’s a trap for the naive.
February 11, 2026 at 06:01
Bharat Patel
There’s a quiet power in knowing your rights. Not the loud kind. Not the angry kind. The kind that says, ‘I’ve done my homework. I’ve kept my receipts. I’m not asking for a favor. I’m claiming what’s mine.’ That’s not confrontation. That’s dignity.
February 12, 2026 at 19:55
Bhagyashri Zokarkar
i had this happen with my hyundai and i was so done i just cried in the dealership parking lot… they gave me a loaner but then said the issue was ‘driver error’?? like i dont even know how to drive?? i was just trying to get to work… after 6 months i finally got a refund but i lost so much sleep… dont let them make you feel crazy… you’re not
February 13, 2026 at 13:51
Samar Omar
How utterly pedestrian. The entire discourse around lemon laws is a grotesque commodification of consumer grievance - a neoliberal theatre where the state pretends to protect the individual while the corporate machinery continues to churn out defective goods with impunity. You think a receipt is justice? A letter is power? Please. The real power lies in collective action, in class consciousness, in refusing to be isolated consumers and becoming instead a unified bloc of aggrieved subjects. The Consumer Rights Act is a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage. The system doesn’t want to fix your car - it wants you to buy another one. And the more you comply, the more you legitimize the very structure that broke you in the first place.
February 14, 2026 at 09:34
Natasha Madison
Did you know the EU is using lemon law claims to track citizens’ purchasing habits and feed data to AI-driven consumer profiling systems? The Motor Ombudsman? It’s a front. They’re not helping you - they’re feeding your car’s VIN, repair history, and emotional distress to private contractors who sell your data to insurance companies. That’s why they push you to file. So they can mark you as ‘high-risk’ before you even know it. This isn’t consumer protection. It’s behavioral manipulation disguised as law.
February 16, 2026 at 01:06