The Lemon Law complaint process can be less complicated, expensive and stressful than going to court. A $35 filing fee is charged for complaints about new vehicles.

Mediation

When a complaint is received, it is reviewed by a Case Advisor to determine whether it meets the jurisdictional requirements of the law. If it does, the Case Advisor attempts to resolve the complaint through informal mediation, which may include an inspection of the vehicle. Often a complaint is resolved through mediation within the first 30 to 60 days after filing.

Administrative Law Ruling

If unresolved, it will be scheduled for a hearing conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) at hearing sites throughout the state. Consumers must prove to the Administrative Law Judge that their vehicle is a lemon.

Manufacturers also have the right to appear and present evidence and argument to the contrary. Usually, judges issue rulings within 30 to 45 days following the hearing.

Manufacturer Requirements

Manufacturers are required to issue a disclosure statement on lemon vehicles and to affix a disclosure label (rearview mirror hang tag) to the vehicle.

Both disclosure items must remain with the vehicle through the first retail sale. In addition, a buyback remark is placed in the title history of the vehicle to alert subsequent purchasers of the vehicle's status.