Colorado’s lemon law just received a significant upgrade, making it one of the most consumer-friendly in the nation. The updated law (SB24-192), which took effect on August 7, 2024, introduces new provisions designed to better protect vehicle buyers from the financial and emotional toll of purchasing a defective vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of what these changes mean for Colorado consumers.
Expanded Coverage and Extended Protection Period
One of the most impactful changes is the expansion of the law’s coverage. Previously, the lemon law applied mainly to personal vehicles. However, the new legislation broadens the scope to include vehicles used by small businesses for both personal and business purposes. This change ensures that more vehicle owners are protected under the law, regardless of whether the vehicle is used for personal errands or business activities.
In addition to the expanded coverage, the law now extends the protection period. Previously, lemon law protections lasted only one year or 12,000 miles, whichever came first. The new law doubles this duration, providing protection for two years or 24,000 miles. This extension offers consumers more time to identify and address potential defects.
Lowered Threshold for Lemon Designation
Under the old law, a vehicle had to undergo four failed repair attempts for the same issue before it could be considered a lemon. The new law lowers this threshold to three failed attempts, making it easier for consumers to qualify for a refund or replacement. Moreover, if the defect poses a significant safety risk, the vehicle can be designated as a lemon after just two failed repair attempts.
Longer Claim Filing Period
Another significant improvement is the extension of the claim filing period. Consumers now have up to 30 months from the date of vehicle delivery to file a lemon law claim. Importantly, any time that the vehicle is under repair and unusable does not count toward this limit. This is a substantial increase from the previous six-month window following the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty.
Clearer Refund Calculations
One of the most welcomed changes is the introduction of a specific formula for calculating deductions from consumer refunds. This formula ensures that the deduction reflects the actual use of the vehicle before it was determined to be defective. By providing a standard, transparent method for calculating refunds, the law aims to reduce disputes and ensure fairness in the refund process.
Transparency in Lemon Buyback Sales
The new law also addresses transparency for used vehicle buyers. If a vehicle was previously bought back under the lemon law, it must now carry a “Lemon Law Buyback” decal, and this status must be noted on the vehicle’s title. This requirement gives consumers more information when considering the purchase of a used vehicle, allowing them to make more informed decisions.
Contact the Auto Lemon Lawyer – Kevin R. Duck
If you believe you have purchased a defective vehicle under Colorado’s new lemon law, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Kevin R. Duck, the Auto Lemon Lawyer, has over 30 years of experience fighting for consumers. He has successfully handled intricate class action consumer litigations and complex multi-district cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients.
By choosing Kevin R. Duck, you are choosing a trusted partner who will work tirelessly to navigate the complexities of the Lemon Law and secure the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you make the most of Colorado’s enhanced consumer protections.
Over the past 30 years, I have been devoted to standing up for consumers, tackling intricate class action consumer litigations, handling complex multi-district cases, and recovering millions of dollars for my Lemon Law clients. Being admitted in District Courts in Louisiana, Texas, California, Michigan, Florida, and Indiana, my practice has led me to represent clients all over the United States in my Lemon Law cases. Regardless of your location, my firm is committed to offering the highest level of professional support, especially in Lemon Law.