Is There a Federal Lemon Law?

When your new car starts having serious problems soon after purchase, it’s natural to start searching for a solution, and fast. If you’re unfamiliar with California’s Lemon Law, you may be wondering if you are protected at the national level. Is there a federal lemon law that protects consumers across the country?

The answer is yes, but with important limitations. There is a federal law designed to protect consumers who purchase defective vehicles and other products, but it doesn’t function the same way as California’s state-specific Lemon Law, which gives you far greater protection and should be your first resource to see if your vehicle is covered. Still, understanding how the federal law works, how it differs from California’s Lemon Law, and how the two can work together is key to making the most of your legal rights when you’re stuck with a lemon.

Learn more below about vehicle protections and your rights at the state and federal level, and contact Nita Lemon Law Firm in Los Angeles for help from an experienced and successful California lemon law attorney.

The Federal Lemon Law: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The main federal law that applies to lemon vehicles is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, passed in 1975. This law was designed to protect consumers from deceptive warranty practices and to ensure that manufacturers honor the warranties they provide. While it’s not exclusively a “lemon law” and does not apply exclusively to motor vehicles, it plays a critical role in helping consumers enforce warranty rights.

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers must clearly explain warranty terms, avoid deceptive practices, and honor the written warranty provided with the product. If the manufacturer or dealer fails to fix a product after a reasonable number of attempts and the product remains defective, the consumer can take legal action under federal law. This applies to all consumer products—not just vehicles—but it’s often used in auto defect cases, especially in states that don’t have strong vehicle lemon laws of their own.

What the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Covers

The Magnuson-Moss Act applies to any consumer product that comes with a written warranty and costs more than $25. For vehicles, that typically means it covers new and used cars that are still under a manufacturer’s warranty. The law requires that the warrantor (usually the manufacturer) repair any covered defects within a reasonable time and at no cost to the consumer. If they fail to do so, the consumer can seek damages, including repair costs, replacement of the product, or even a refund in some cases.

An attractive feature of this law is that it allows the consumer to recover attorney’s fees and court costs if they win. This provision makes it easier for individuals to challenge large manufacturers in what can be costly and time-consuming litigation. Without this provision, consumers suing under standard breach of warranty law might have to cover their legal fees, depending on state law.

Differences Between the Federal and California Lemon Law

Although the Magnuson-Moss Act provides important protections, it is not nearly as specific or consumer-friendly as California’s Lemon Law. California’s Tanner Consumer Protection Act and Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act include detailed requirements and procedures tailored specifically to vehicle defects. It defines what constitutes a “lemon,” provides guidance on what constitutes too many repair attempts or days out of service, and mandates manufacturer remedies like replacement or refund.

In contrast, the federal law does not define what qualifies as a lemon, nor does it impose a time limit on how long a vehicle can be out of service. It also does not include automatic buyback or replacement rules. Instead, it offers a general framework that allows consumers to sue for breach of warranty if the product is not repaired within a reasonable amount of time.

Because California’s Lemon Law is stronger and more specific, consumers here are encouraged to pursue their claims under state law first. However, the federal Magnuson-Moss Act can be used as a backup or supplemental legal avenue in cases where a state lemon law claim doesn’t apply. For instance, the California Supreme Court recently held that the state’s lemon law doesn’t cover used vehicles, even if they are still under warranty. The federal law might come into play in this situation.

When Federal Law Might Apply

The Magnuson-Moss Act can be especially helpful in certain situations, such as:

• When you own or lease a used vehicle that no longer qualifies under California’s Lemon Law, but it is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
• When you’ve bought a product like a motorhome, and the defect involves the livable portion of the RV as opposed to “vehicle” aspects such as the drivetrain or chassis.
• When the manufacturer fails to comply with its warranty obligations, even if the issue doesn’t meet California’s specific lemon criteria.

In these cases, your attorney might decide to pursue a claim under either state or federal law, depending on what gives you the best chance of success.

The Role of a Lemon Law Attorney

While the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is available to all consumers, it’s not always easy to navigate. Lawsuits under this statute can involve complex issues of warranty interpretation and require solid documentation of all repair attempts, communications, and delays. That’s why working with an experienced lemon law attorney is crucial.

At Nita Lemon Law Firm, we help consumers explore every available option—state and federal—to hold manufacturers accountable and get clients the relief they deserve. Whether you’re filing a claim under California’s Lemon Law, the Magnuson-Moss Act, or both, we’ll guide you through the process and fight to protect your rights.

Bought or Leased a Lemon in California? Call Nita Lemon Law Firm.

In conclusion, there is a federal lemon law of sorts—the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act—but it doesn’t replace or override California’s Lemon Law. Instead, it offers an additional legal remedy for consumers whose products fail under warranty. If your car continues to have serious defects and the dealer or manufacturer hasn’t been able to fix them, you may have a valid claim under one or both of these laws.

Contact Nita Lemon Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your situation, review your documentation, and explain your rights under both California and federal law, if applicable. Don’t let a defective vehicle drain your time, money, and peace of mind. Let us help you get back on the road with confidence.