North Carolina Lemon Law Summary

STANDARDS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA LEMON LAW
The following is a brief explanation of most relevant provisions of the North Carolina
lemon law. The complete text of the lemon law can be found at North Carolina Gen.
Stat. section 20-351 et seq.
VEHICLES COVERED
The North Carolina lemon law covers any new motor vehicle or new motorcycle, sold or
leased in the state. The lemon law does not cover used vehicles, mopeds, house trailers,
or any motor vehicle (1) purchased or leased before October 1, 2005 that has a gross
vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more or (2) purchased or leased on or after October
1, 2005 that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
CONSUMERS COVERED
The lemon law covers the following consumers:
1. The purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a motor vehicle;
2. The lessee of a motor vehicle from a commercial lender, lessor or manufacturer or
dealer; and
3. Any other person entitled by the terms of an express warranty to enforce its
obligations.
VEHICLE CONVERTERS
The lemon law applies to vehicle conv erters.
PROBLEMS COVERED
The lemon law covers any defect, condition, or series of defects or conditions that
substantially impairs the value of the motor vehicle to the consumer. This is referred to
as a nonconformity.
The lemon law provides manufacturers with an affirmative defense if it can be shown
that an alleged nonconformity or series of nonconformities is the result of abuse,
neglect, odometer tampering by the consumer, or unauthorized modifications or
alterations of a motor vehicle.
MANUFACTURER’S DUTY TO REPAIR A VEHICLE
If a new motor vehicle does not conform to all applicable express warranties, and the
consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent or authorized dealer
during the term of the express warranties or during a period of one year following the
date of the motor vehicle’s original delivery to the consumer, whichever is greater, then
the manufacturer must make or arrange to have made the necessary repairs to conform
the vehicle to the express warranties.

More at: bbb.org/us/auto-line/state-lemon-laws/