Lemon Law Guide
Everything you need to know about protecting your rights as a car buyer
About our structure
Simply Legal LLC is an Arizona Alternative Business Structure (ABS) authorized to provide legal services. Our lawyers appear only where admitted or pro hac vice with local counsel.
Do You Have a Lemon Law Case?
Lemon law protects you when your vehicle has serious defects that can't be fixed. Here's what typically qualifies:
Multiple Failed Repairs
Federal law: 1-3 attempts may be enough. State laws: Usually 3-4 attempts (fewer for safety issues like brakes or steering). Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Too Much Time in the Shop
Your vehicle has been in the shop for 30 or more days total for repairs, leaving you without reliable transportation.
Serious Warranty Problems
The defects are covered by your warranty and significantly affect your ability to safely use your vehicle.
Magnuson-Moss & Federal Court Requirements
Understanding the different legal thresholds for lemon law protection. Legal Information Institute
Minimum Product Value – $25 (Magnuson-Moss Requirement)
To qualify for protection under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the product (such as a vehicle) must be worth more than $25 and must have a written warranty.
This is NOT a federal court filing requirement — this is just the threshold for the law to apply.
Federal Court Jurisdiction – $50,000 Amount in Controversy
To file an individual MMWA lawsuit in federal court, the total "amount in controversy" must be at least $50,000.
This includes:
- • Vehicle purchase price
- • Repair costs
- • Diminished value
- • Incidental damages
- • Attorney's fees (in some courts)
If your case does not meet the $50,000 federal jurisdiction threshold, we can file in state court instead.
Important Notice About Our Services
Simply Legal is an Arizona-licensed ABS. We help clients nationwide with Lemon Law and Magnuson-Moss cases at the pre-litigation stage.
We send demand letters and negotiate with the manufacturer, but we do not file lawsuits.
If a client decides they want to file a case in court, we can help connect them with a licensed attorney in their state.
Class Action Requirement – 100 Named Plaintiffs
Federal MMWA class actions must have at least 100 named plaintiffs under 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d).
State Court Option
If a case does not meet federal requirements, we can proceed in state court, which has different and often simpler thresholds.
Arbitration Requirements
Some manufacturers require arbitration before you can file a lawsuit. Don't worry - we handle this entire process for you. Legal Information Institute
Required First Step: Many manufacturers require you to go through arbitration before filing a lawsuit. This is a formal requirement we need to follow.
We Handle Everything: Our team manages the entire arbitration process for you, including all paperwork, representation, and negotiations.
You're Not Stuck: If the arbitration doesn't go well, you still have the right to take your case to court.
Who Pays for Your Lawyer?
In most cases, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees when you win. That means zero cost to you.
Manufacturer Pays: When you win your case, the court typically orders the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees and court costs.
No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing upfront. If you win, attorney fees awarded by the court typically cover the costs - details are in your agreement.
No Win, No Fee: You bear no financial risk. If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Faster Court Option (Optional)
In some areas, you can choose a faster court track that may get your case heard sooner.
In federal court, you can choose to have a magistrate judge handle your case instead of a district court judge. This is completely optional but can sometimes speed things up.
Potential Benefits: Choosing this option may get you an earlier trial date and faster resolution in some areas.
Your Choice: This is completely voluntary and depends on what makes sense for your specific situation.
Ready to Get Help with Your Lemon?
Get a free case review to find out if you qualify for a refund, replacement, or compensation. No upfront fees.