Montana Lemon Law

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• Replacement or Refund for Nonconformity
• Repairs Required Even After Warranty Period
• Arbitration Procedures
• Manufacturer Obligations in Arbitration
• Recordkeeping and Compliance
• Summary
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Replacement or Refund for Nonconformity (MCA 61-4-503)

If a new motor vehicle cannot be conformed to applicable express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the warranty period, the manufacturer must:

• Replace the vehicle with a new vehicle of the same model and style, or a comparable vehicle if the original model is unavailable, or
  
• Refund the full purchase price, including reasonable collateral charges and incidental damages, minus a reasonable allowance for use.
  

Refunds must be issued to both the consumer and any lienholder according to their respective interests.

Repairs Required Even After Warranty Period (MCA 61-4-502)

If the consumer provides written notice to the manufacturer or its agent during the warranty period that the vehicle does not conform to the warranty:

• The manufacturer must make all necessary repairs at its expense, even if the repairs occur after the warranty period has expired.

Arbitration Procedures (Mont. Admin. R. 23.19.409, 23.19.418)

Consumers may request arbitration to resolve disputes involving nonconforming vehicles. Key features include:

• Filing a request and submitting all relevant documentation
  
• The arbitration panel’s authority to order repair, replacement, or refund
  
• Binding procedures governing participation and decision-making

Manufacturer Obligations in Arbitration (Mont. Admin. R. 23.19.410)

During arbitration, the manufacturer must:

• Provide detailed information including service records, warranties, and repair history
  
• Present any affirmative defenses permitted by the rules
  
• Fully participate in the arbitration process as required

Recordkeeping and Compliance (Mont. Admin. R. 23.19.417)

The Montana Department of Justice maintains:

• Detailed records of all disputes
  
• Outcomes of arbitration proceedings
  
• Compliance statistics
  

This ensures transparency and consistent enforcement of the lemon law program.

Summary

Montana law requires manufacturers to repair, replace, or refund defective new motor vehicles that cannot be brought into conformity with their express warranties. Required repairs continue even after the warranty period if timely notice was given, and arbitration provides a structured avenue for resolving disputes.

If you think your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, contact The Auto Lemon Lawyer today to discuss your options and next steps.