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60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™
60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™
If you’re fed up with repeated trips to the repair shop for the same problems, you may be driving a lemon—and you may have legal rights. North Carolina’s Lemon Law was created to protect consumers from vehicles that just can’t seem to get fixed, no matter how many chances the manufacturer has had. For a complete overview of your options, read our detailed North Carolina lemon law guide.
At Kahn & Associates, we’ve been helping drivers get compensation, refunds, and replacement vehicles for nearly three decades. Even if your vehicle doesn’t meet the exact criteria of the North Carolina Lemon Law, you may still qualify under federal warranty laws and other legal protections.
Don’t let ongoing repairs cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Let us fight to get you the justice and relief you deserve.
If you’ve purchased or leased a defective new vehicle in North Carolina, you may be protected under the North Carolina New Motor Vehicles Warranties Act—commonly called the Lemon Law. This law requires manufacturers to repair substantial defects that affect the use, value, or safety of your vehicle—within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. If they fail to do so after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement.
But that’s just the beginning.
Even if your vehicle doesn’t meet the strict requirements of the state law, you still have rights. We regularly use a powerful combination of federal warranty law (like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), breach of warranty protections, and other legal strategies to hold manufacturers accountable.
These laws broaden your rights and can provide compensation—even if you’re outside the narrow scope of the Lemon Law.
That’s where our experience matters. With decades of lemon law and warranty litigation behind us, we know how to navigate this complex legal web and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
No cost to you. No office visit needed. Let us evaluate your case today.
North Carolina’s Lemon Law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-351 et seq.) protects consumers who purchase or lease defective new vehicles, but the window to act is limited. As the top lemon law firm in North Carolina, Kahn & Associates provides statewide auto warranty lawyer representation. Whether you are in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, or anywhere across the state, we handle your case 100% remotely at no out-of-pocket cost.
To qualify under the North Carolina Lemon Law, your vehicle must generally meet these criteria:
Even if your vehicle doesn’t meet these exact criteria, you may still be eligible for compensation.
We also pursue claims under powerful federal warranty laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which apply when:
If you qualify under the North Carolina Lemon Law or federal warranty protections, you may be entitled to:
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for consumers across the U.S. by leveraging every available law—even when their cases didn’t qualify under state Lemon Law alone.
If you’re having repeated problems with your vehicle, don’t guess. Let us review your case for free—and fight to get you every dollar you’re owed.
To qualify for compensation under North Carolina’s Lemon Law or federal warranty laws, your vehicle’s defect must impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and not be repaired in a reasonable time or number of attempts.
Here are examples of the kinds of issues that frequently qualify:
These are often taken most seriously by manufacturers and courts:
These problems affect the vehicle’s basic function or reliability:
While not safety issues, these defects can still qualify under state and federal warranty law:
Even if the defect isn’t life-threatening, if you’ve been back to the shop multiple times for the same problem or have experienced lengthy repair delays, you may still qualify—especially under federal laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which are broader than state lemon laws.
Not sure if your issue qualifies? Let us review your repair records for free and give you a straight answer—fast, confidential, and with no obligation.
| Myth | Fact |
| “My car has to be totally broken down to qualify.” | False. Many qualifying defects still let the car run, but impair safety, value, or usability. |
| “I missed the 24-month window—I’m out of luck.” | Not necessarily. Federal warranty laws may still apply if you had repairs under a manufacturer’s warranty. |
| “I need to sue the dealership.” | Wrong. Claims are brought against the manufacturer, not the dealer. |
| “I have to pay a lawyer to bring a case.” | Nope. We work on contingency—if we don’t win, you pay nothing. |
| “Filing a claim voids my warranty.” | Absolutely not. That’s illegal. You can assert your rights without penalty. |
| “I’ve only had 2 repairs—it’s too early.” | Not true. One serious defect or multiple minor ones may qualify. We’ll help you figure it out. |
Don’t let myths keep you from getting what you’re owed. If you’re dealing with recurring vehicle issues, get a free case review and find out where you really stand.
Many North Carolina consumers delay reaching out for legal help because they assume they need more repair attempts or more time to pass before they have a case. In reality, waiting too long can actually hurt your claim. Evidence fades, service records get harder to retrieve, and the window to act under state and federal law may narrow.
Here’s why timing matters:
Understanding how to file a lemon law claim before you’re deep in a dispute gives you a significant advantage. Don’t let hesitation cost you the compensation you’re legally owed.
Lemon law protections differ from state to state. While North Carolina’s law focuses on new vehicles that develop substantial defects, other states have different qualification criteria and remedies. Kahn & Associates represents consumers in multiple states:
Have questions about how these laws apply to your situation? Visit our Frequently Asked Lemon Law Questions page or explore our complete lemon law overview for state-by-state comparisons.
No. If the issue impacts the use, value, or safety, you may still qualify—especially if the vehicle’s been in the shop multiple times.
The Lemon Law covers defects arising in the first 24 months or 24,000 miles. The Lemon Law does not specify how long thereafter you have to file a lemon law claim, so it’s likely at least 4 years from delivery. Federal laws may extend your rights beyond this window.
North Carolina’s Lemon Law applies only to new vehicles. But federal laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may help with used cars if the vehicle was sold with a manufacturer’s warranty.
North Carolina law defines a “lemon” as:
The manufacturer pays if we win or settle your case. You don’t owe anything upfront.
Most cases are resolved without going to court. We handle all legal work and negotiations for you.
Yes—especially under federal law. We’ve won cases with 2 repairs or a few weeks out of service. Let us evaluate your situation.
We’ve made the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation (Takes Us Approximately 60 Seconds)
You start by submitting basic info about your vehicle and repair history. It’s fast, confidential, and completely free. If we believe you have a case, we’ll move quickly to get things started—no office visit or upfront cost required.
Step 2: Document Collection
The first thing the manufacturer wants is paperwork. We’ll need:
If you don’t have all the records, don’t worry—we’ll help you request them from the dealership or service center.
Once we have the necessary documents, our team:
Most cases settle without the need for a lawsuit and without going to court. If your matter does not settle out-of-court, we will discuss filing a lawsuit on your behalf under a separate engagement letter, at the Firm’s sole and absolute discretion.
If successful, you could receive:
There’s No Risk to You
We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if you do. If we don’t win, you owe nothing.
If you’re driving a lemon, don’t wait. Time limits apply, and the sooner you act, the better your chances.
Start With a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
If you’re dealing with repeated vehicle problems, take the first step now. Call our FREE “60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™” Hotline at 1-888-LEMONS-1 to speak directly with an experienced lemon law advocate. Once we have the basic information, we’ll evaluate your case in 60 seconds or less.
Prefer online? Fill out our short “60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™” form, and one of our knowledgeable team members will reach out promptly.
No Recovery, No Fee – We Only Succeed When You Succeed!
You’ll never pay out of pocket. And if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
At Kahn & Associates, there’s no cost and no obligation—just clear answers and real help from a firm with decades of success standing up to car manufacturers.
P.S. Even if you don’t hire us, the information we share could save you thousands and help you make informed decisions about your rights.
Attorney Craig Kahn founded the law firm of Kahn & Associates, LLC in 1996 with a commitment to providing high-quality and affordable legal services to individuals who have purchased a defective motor vehicle. With a proven track record, including a landmark Ohio Supreme Court case victory, the Firm has diligently and successfully defended the rights of consumers for well over a quarter century.
This is a summary of the North Carolina Lemon Law Statute. The Federal Lemon Law Statute (or Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) can be found here.
Covered Vehicles:
Motor vehicles sold or leased in North Carolina, under 10,000 lbs. GVW, excluding house trailers. Includes motorcycles.
Repair Attempts or Days out of Service:
4 repair attempts or more than 20 days out of service during any 12 month period.
Coverage Period:
2 years or 24,000 miles or express warranty whichever is greater.
Article 15A, Chapter 20, Section 351
New Motor Vehicles Warranties Act
20-351 Purpose.
This Article shall provide State and private remedies against motor vehicle manufacturers for persons injured by new motor vehicles failing to conform to express warranties.
20-351.1 Definitions.
As used in this Article:
(1) “Consumer” means the purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, or lessee from a commercial lender, lessor, or from a manufacturer or dealer, of a motor vehicle, and any other person entitled by the terms of an express warranty to enforce the obligations of that warranty.
(2) “Manufacturer” means any person or corporation, resident or nonresident, who manufactures or assembles or imports or distributes new motor vehicles which are sold in the State of North Carolina.
(3) “Motor vehicle” includes a motor vehicle as defined in G.S. 20-4.01 which is sold or leased in this State, but does not include “house trailer” as defined in G.S. 20-4.01 or any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more.
(4) “New motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle for which a certificate of origin, as required by G.S. 20-52.1 or a similar requirement in another state, has never been supplied to a consumer, or which a manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer states in writing is being sold as a new motor vehicle.
20-351.2 Require repairs.
When mileage warranty begins to accrue.
(a) Express warranties for a new motor vehicle shall remain in effect at least one year or 12,000 miles. If a new motor vehicle does not conform to all applicable express warranties for a period of one year, or the term of the express warranties, whichever is greater, following the date of original delivery of the motor vehicle to the consumer, and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer during such period, the manufacturer shall make, or arrange to have made, repairs necessary to conform the vehicle to the express warranties, whether or not these repairs are made after the expiration of the applicable warranty period.
(b) Any express warranty for a new motor vehicle expressed in terms of a certain number of miles shall begin to accrue from the mileage on the odometer at the date of original delivery to the consumer.
20-351.3 Replacement or refund; disclosure requirement.
(a) When the consumer is the purchaser or a person entitled by the terms of the express warranty to enforce the obligations of the warranty, if the manufacturer is unable, after a reasonable number of attempts, to conform the motor vehicle to any express warranty by repairing or correcting, or arranging for the repair or correction of, any defect or condition or series of defects or conditions which substantially impair the value of the motor vehicle to the consumer, and which occurred no later than 24 months or 24,000 miles following original delivery of the vehicle, the manufacturer shall, at the option of the consumer, replace the vehicle with a comparable new motor vehicle or accept return of the vehicle from the consumer and refund to the consumer the following:
(1) The full contract price including, but not limited to, charges for undercoating, dealer preparation and transportation, and installed options, plus the non-refundable portions of extended warranties and service contracts;
(2) All collateral charges, including but not limited to, sales tax, license and registration fees, and similar government charges;
(3) All finance charges incurred by the consumer after he first reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer; and
(4) Any incidental damages and monetary consequential damages.
(b) When consumer is a lessee, if the manufacturer is unable, after a reasonable number of attempts, to conform the motor vehicle to any express warranty by repairing or correcting, or arranging for the repair or correction of, any defect or condition or series of defects or conditions which substantially impair the value of the motor vehicle to the consumer, and which occurred no later than 24 months or 24,000 miles following original delivery of the vehicle, the manufacturer shall, at the option of the consumer, replace the vehicle with a comparable new motor vehicle or accept return of the vehicle from the consumer and refund the following:
(1) To the consumer:
a. All sums previously paid by the consumer under the terms of the lease;
b. All sums previously paid by the consumer in connection with entering into the lease agreement, including, but not limited to, any capitalized cost reduction, sales tax, license and registration fees, and similar government charges; and
c. Any incidental and monetary consequential damages.
(2) To the lessor, a full refund of the lease price, plus an additional amount equal to five percent (5%) of the lease price, less eighty-five percent (85%) of the amount actually paid by the consumer to the lessor pursuant to the lease. The lease price means the actual purchase cost of the vehicle to the lessor.
In the case of a refund, the leased vehicle shall be returned to the manufacturer and the consumer’s written lease shall be terminated by the lessor without any penalty to the consumer. The lessor shall transfer title of the motor vehicle to the manufacturer as necessary to effectuate the consumer’s rights pursuant to this Article, whether the consumer chooses vehicle replacement or refund.
(c) Refunds shall be made to the consumer, lessor and any lien holders as their interests may appear. The refund to the consumer shall be reduced by a reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use of the vehicle. A reasonable allowance for use is that amount directly attributable to use by the consumer prior to his first report of the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer, and during any subsequent period when the vehicle is not out of service because of repair. “Reasonable allowance” is presumed to be the cash price or the lease price, as the case may be, of the vehicle multiplied by a fraction having as its denominator 100,000 miles and its numerator the number of miles attributed to the consumer.
(d) If a manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer resells a motor vehicle that was returned pursuant to this Article or any other State’s applicable law, regardless of whether there was any judicial determination that the motor vehicle had any defect or that it failed to conform to all express warranties, the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer shall disclose to the subsequent purchaser prior to the sale:
(1) That the motor vehicle was returned pursuant to this Article or pursuant to the applicable law of any other State; and
(2) The defect or condition or series of defects or conditions which substantially impaired the value of the motor vehicle to the consumer.
Any subsequent purchaser who purchases the motor vehicle for resale with notice of the return, shall make the required disclosures to any person to whom he resells the motor vehicle.
20-351.4 Affirmative defenses.
It is an affirmative defense to any claim under this Article that an alleged nonconformity or series of nonconformities are the result of abuse, neglect, odometer tampering by the consumer or unauthorized modifications or alterations of a motor vehicle.
20-351.5 Presumption.
(a) It is presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken to conform a motor vehicle to the applicable express warranties if:
(1) The same nonconformity has been presented for repair to the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer four or more times but the same nonconformity continues to exist; or
(2) The vehicle was out of service to the consumer during or while awaiting repair of the nonconformity or a series of nonconformities for a cumulative total of 20 or more business days during any 12-month period of the warranty, provided that the consumer has notified the manufacturer directly in writing of the existence of the nonconformity or series of nonconformities and allowed the manufacturer a reasonable period, not to exceed 15 calendar days, in which to correct the nonconformity or series of nonconformities. The manufacturer must clearly and conspicuously disclose to the consumer in the warranty or owners manual that written notification of a nonconformity is required before a consumer may be eligible for a refund or replacement of the vehicle and the manufacturer shall include in the warranty or owners manual the name and address where the written notification may be sent. Provided, further, that notice to the manufacturer shall not be required if the manufacturer fails to make the disclosures provided herein.
(b) The consumer may prove that a defect or condition substantially impairs the value of the motor vehicle to the consumer in a manner other than that set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The term of an express warranty, the one-year period, and the 20-day period shall be extended by any period of time during which repair services are not available to the consumer because of war, strike, or natural disaster.
20-351.6 Civil action by the Attorney General.
Whenever, in his opinion, the interests of the public require it, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General upon his ascertaining that any of the provisions of this Article have been violated by the manufacturer to bring a civil action in the name of the State, or any officer or department thereof as provided by law, or in the name of the State on relation of the Attorney General.
20-351.7 Civil action by the consumer.
A consumer injured by reason of any violation of the provisions of this Article may bring a civil action against the manufacturer; provided, however, the consumer has given the manufacturer written notice of his intent to bring an action against the manufacturer at least 10 days prior to filing such suit. Nothing in this section shall prevent a manufacturer from requiring a consumer to utilize an informal settlement procedure prior to litigation if that procedure substantially complies in design and operation with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act – Federal Lemon Law, 15 USC 2301 et seq., and regulations promulgated there under, and that requirement is written clearly and conspicuously, in the written warranty and any warranty instructions provided to the consumer.
20-351.8 Remedies.
In any action brought under this Article, the court may grant as relief:
(1) A permanent or temporary injunction or other equitable relief as the court deems just;
(2) Monetary damages to the injured consumer in the amount fixed by the verdict. Such damages shall be trebled upon a finding that the manufacturer unreasonably refused to comply with G.S. 20-351.2 or G.S. 20-351.3. The jury may consider as damages all items listed for refund under G.S. 20-351.3;
(3) A reasonable attorney’s fee for the attorney of the prevailing party, payable by the losing party, upon a finding by the court that:
a. The manufacturer unreasonably failed or refused to fully resolve the matter which constitutes the basis of such action; or
b. The party instituting the action knew, or should have known, the action was frivolous and malicious.
20-351.9 Dealership liability.
No authorized dealer shall be held liable by the manufacturer for any refunds or vehicle replacements in the absence of evidence indicating that dealership repairs have been carried out in a manner substantially inconsistent with the manufacturers’ instructions. This Article does not create any cause of action by a consumer against an authorized dealer.
20-351.10 Preservation of other remedies.
This Article does not limit the rights or remedies which are otherwise available to a consumer under any other law.
Client Reviews
2 weeks 
Was getting nowhere on a brand new car issue. Manufacturer was unable to correct problem and local attorneys admitted they were not experienced in Lemon Law cases. Reached out to Kahn from website and got an immediate response. Was concerned at the time they were in Ohio and I was in NC. Those fears went away with the help of Vicky Eck and Daniel Scharville. Always got returned phone calls, questions answered and firm action taken. These are the folks to go to with Lemon Law issues. My wife and I were very satisfied with results.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Craig A. Kahn, who has more than 20 years of legal experience in lemon law.
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