Michigan lemon law

Michigan — headquarters of GM, Ford, and Stellantis — codifies its lemon-law protections at MCL §257.1401 with a 1-year coverage window from delivery. To qualify, the same defect must be subject to four or more repair attempts, or the vehicle must be out of service for a cumulative 30 days during the express warranty period. Michigan uniquely requires the buyer to send a written final repair-attempt notice by certified mail; the manufacturer then has 5 business days to schedule the repair and must complete it within 30 days of receipt. If they miss either deadline, the buyer is entitled to a full refund minus a reasonable mileage offset (capped at the IRS standard mileage rate × miles driven prior to the first complaint), or a comparable replacement vehicle. Michigan's law also explicitly extends to motor homes and leased vehicles, and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division in Lansing publishes free template letters and tracks repeat offenders.

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Frequently asked questions

How many repair attempts does Michigan require?

Michigan generally requires 4 attempts for the same substantial defect, or a cumulative 30 days out of service, within first 12 months.

Does the Michigan lemon law cover used cars?

Michigan's lemon law applies to new vehicles only, but the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act lets used-car buyers sue when a remaining factory warranty is breached. Michigan's Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act (MCL §257.1301) also requires repair facilities to provide written estimates and itemized invoices on every used-car repair over $20.

What is the deadline to file a Michigan lemon law claim?

Michigan buyers must give the manufacturer written final-repair notice by certified mail before the express warranty expires, and file any lawsuit within 18 months of the original delivery date.

Data sources

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