The Lemon Law
G.S. 20-351.3 — a replacement or a refund, at the buyer's choice
In North Carolina, a new motor vehicle's express warranties last at least one year or 12,000 miles. A defect reported to the manufacturer or dealer during the first year, or the warranty's term if longer, is repaired even if the repair comes after the warranty expires.
Replacement or refund, the consumer's pick. If after a reasonable number of attempts the manufacturer cannot fix a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's value and that appeared within 24 months or 24,000 miles of delivery, it replaces the vehicle with a comparable new one or takes it back and refunds, at the consumer's option.
- The full contract price, including dealer preparation, transportation and installed options, and the nonrefundable part of extended warranties.
- Sales tax, license and registration fees, and similar charges.
- Finance charges from the first report of the defect.
- Incidental and consequential damages.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.S. 20-351.2 — New motor vehicle warranties: repairs required
- G.S. 20-351.3 — New motor vehicle warranties: replacement or refund
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.