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.

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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
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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?

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Refund

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

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Replacement

You’ll receive a new car of equal value.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What counts as enough repair attempts under the South Carolina Lemon Law?

Under the South Carolina Lemon Law, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if the same defect has been worked on 3 or more times without being fixed, or if your vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days within the warranty term. Both thresholds are laid out in Section 56-28-50. Your repair orders are what establish this pattern, so hold onto every single one you receive under the South Carolina Lemon Law.

Yes, the South Carolina Lemon Law extends to lessors as well as purchasers. Under Section 56-28-10, a “consumer” includes both the purchaser and lessor of a motor vehicle used for personal, family, or household purposes and covered by the manufacturer’s express warranty. If your leased vehicle has been back in the shop repeatedly for the same unresolved problem, the South Carolina Lemon Law may entitle you to a replacement or refund.

Yes, a vehicle doesn’t need to be completely undriveable to qualify under the South Carolina Lemon Law. The law covers any defect that substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle, even if it still gets you around some of the time. Keep documenting every symptom and bringing the vehicle in for each occurrence, because a consistent repair record is what supports a strong South Carolina Lemon Law claim.

Repair orders are your most important documents under the South Carolina Lemon Law, especially when the same complaint appears across multiple visits. Also hold onto your warranty booklet, towing and rental receipts, and any written communications from the dealer or manufacturer. Strong, organized documentation makes it much easier to show the repair pattern the South Carolina Lemon Law is designed to address.

Start by pulling your repair orders together in date order and making a simple list of each visit, including the date, mileage, and the complaint you reported. It’s also worth noting that under the South Carolina Lemon Law, you may need to send the manufacturer written notification of the defect before pursuing a claim, so keeping a paper trail from the start matters. Request a free case review with a South Carolina Lemon Law attorney to find out if your situation meets the criteria and what your options are.