Get Compensation for Your Defective Vehicle

South Carolina Lemon Law – Know Your Rights

Vehicles Covered Under South Carolina Lemon Law

A vehicle that keeps breaking can turn simple errands into a daily problem. You may miss work, spend money on towing, and worry about safety, especially when the same issue comes back again and again.

If your vehicle is still covered by a manufacturer warranty, a South Carolina Lemon Law Attorney can help you understand what options may be available. Legal help can also make it easier to organize proof like repair orders, dates, and what the dealer wrote on each visit.

Minimalist blue car icon for apps, websites, or automotive services

New Vehicles

The South Carolina Lemon Law covers private passenger vehicles including cars, trucks under 9,000 lbs, and motorcycles.

🚨Not Covered

  • Living Portions of Recreational Vehicles
  • Off-Road Vehicles and Mopeds
Front view of a white pickup truck showing grille and headlights

If Your Car is Defective, You Have Rights.

“Lemon Law protects owners and lessees of vehicles with persistent defects.” –– Joseph Novel, Esq.

Josep Novel, Esq. — Founding Lemon Law Attorneys
The Lemon Reps — Lemon Law Attorneys Beverly Hills

Joseph Novel, Esq.

founding attorney

Learn how South Carolina's Lemon Law protects you.

Who Is Covered?

⚠️ What Vehicle Defects Qualify?

To qualify under South Carolina’s Lemon Law, your vehicle must have a nonconformity that:
  • Substantially Impairs Use, Value, or Safety

    A defect or condition that significantly affects the vehicle's operation, market value, or safety.​

Examples of Defects:
  • Engine Problems

    Stalling, misfires, loss of power.

  • Brake Malfunctions

    Inconsistent braking, total brake failure.

  • Electrical Issues

    Power steering loss, infotainment system failures.

  • Transmission Defects

    Jerky shifting, slipping gears.

  • Overheating Problems

    Persistent cooling system failures.

⏳ How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

  • 1 Year from Delivery or 12,000 Miles

    Whichever occurs first, starting from the date of original delivery.​

  • Issues after warranty expires?

    Call us now! You may still qualify.

🔨 What Is the Manufacturer’s Duty to Repair?

  • Attempt Repairs: The manufacturer or dealer must fix the problem within the warranty or 1 year from delivery, whichever comes first.
  • Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: This is presumed if, within the warranty term or one year from the original delivery date:​
    • The same issue has been repaired 3+ times but still exists.
    • The vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs.
  •  

What Happens If They Can’t Fix It?

Illustration showing cost or pricing for glass restoration with dollar symbol

Refund

Full refund, incl. taxes, fees, & remaining loan balance.

Illustration of a small orange truck for business or transportation

Replacement

You’ll receive a new car of equal value.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What counts as enough repair visits in South Carolina?

Many claims focus on whether the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the same problem. A common benchmark is repeated attempts for the same defect or a long total time out of service, and your repair orders help prove the pattern.

This is one of the most asked questions. Leased vehicles can qualify in many situations, and what matters is still the same: clear repair orders, repeat visits for the same defect, and how long the vehicle was out of service.

Yes. Some defects come and go but still reduce safety, reliability, or resale value, especially when repairs do not last. Keep documenting symptoms and bringing the vehicle in so the record stays clear.

Repair orders matter most, especially when the same complaint is listed more than once. Also keep the warranty booklet, towing receipts, rental receipts, and any written updates from the dealer.

If you want a simple next step, pull your repair orders into one folder and request a free case review so a South Carolina Lemon Law Attorney can review your timeline and warranty.