Automobiles & Boats

What are my rights and remedies for a defective car under Washington's Lemon Law?

Generally, lemon laws require that a manufacturer provide a refund or replacement for a defective new vehicle that is not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. Most such laws provide for refund or replacement when a substantial defect cannot be fixed in 4 tries, a safety defect within 2 tries or the auto is out of service for 30 days, within the first 12-18,000 miles/12-24 months.

The Auto Safety Organization offers advice on using lemon laws if you are having continual repair problems and believe your new car is defective. The organization has a link to brief summaries of each state’s lemon laws.

The Washington State Motor Vehicle “Lemon Law” was enacted to help new vehicle owners who have substantial continuing problems with warranty repairs.

The law allows the owner to request an arbitration hearing through the Lemon Law Administration of Attorney General’s Office. An owner can request arbitration at any time within 30 months of the vehicle’s original retail delivery date.

There is no charge for the arbitration process. After an arbitration hearing, an arbitrator will decide whether a consumer’s claim meets the requirements under the law.

Go to the Attorney General's website for more detailed information.
 

What form do I need to file with the state when I sell my car?

A vehicle titled in Washington must be reported as sold within five days of the date of sale. If you are the legal owner of the vehicle who transferred ownership, it is in your interest to report the sale to the state in order to protect yourself from certain criminal and civil liabilities. A copy of the Seller’s Report of Sale form can be found on the Washington State Department of Licensing website.

If you have lost the title to the vehicle, the site has a form that can be used to release interest in a vehicle.

The website also lists the documents and steps that must be taken in order to transfer title including:

• an odometer statement

• the seller's release of interest in the title

• a bill of sale for purposes of calculating the use tax

What federal laws govern warranties and service contracts on consumer products?

My car/product has stopped working and the manufacturer or seller won't honor the warranty or service contract. Can I return or exchange it?

What remedies do I have if my car/product has stopped working and the manufacturer or seller won't honor the warranty or service contract?

What is the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act?

Comprehensive description of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal statute which provides remedies for failure to honor warranties, including implied warranties, and service contracts for consumer goods, including used goods and motor vehicles. The Act also regulates activities concerning warranties, such as disclosure and disclaimer. Describes what products, warranties, and service contracts are subject to the Act, who can sue and be sued under the Act, grounds for suit under the Act, and available remedies. Includes links to the Act itself and related regulations.

What are Washington's impound laws?

If my car is abandoned will it be impounded?

Who is responsible for impoundment costs?

What happens if my car has been impounded?

Will my car be auctioned if it has been impounded?

Will I be notified before my impounded car is auctioned?

How long do I have to respond to a notice that my impounded car will be auctioned?

How do I redeem my impounded car?

Does state law control all car impoundments in Washington?

Link to RCW Title 45.55 regarding impoundment of motor vehicles.