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Lemon Law Demand Letter Sample
A Lemon Law demand letter is a formal statutory notice sent to the seller, dealer, or their authorized representative outlining the vehicle's documented nonconformity, repair history, and the legal remedies your client is entitled to under applicable state and federal law.
Download the free sample and see exactly what a strong Lemon Law demand letter looks like, section by section.
Used by Lemon Law plaintiff attorneys and law firms nationwide.
Sample Lemon Law Demand Letter
The following is a professionally structured Lemon Law demand letter sample based on California case documentation under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Customize all bracketed fields with your client's specific case details before sending. This sample is for reference only and requires attorney review and approval before use.
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
[Your Law Firm Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Sent via Email: [Recipient Email]
[Recipient Name]
[Dealership or Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Ref: [Reference or File Number]
TIME SENSITIVE — PRIVILEGED SETTLEMENT CORRESPONDENCE
RE:
Your Client or Insured: [Dealer or Selling Party Full Name]
Our Client: [Client Full Name]
Our Client's Address: [Client Address]
Vehicle: [Year, Make, Model]
VIN: [Vehicle Identification Number]
Date of Purchase: [Purchase Date]
Reference Number:[File or Claim Number]
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
Dear [Recipient Name]:
Please be advised that this firm represents [Client Full Name] in connection with the purchase of a defective [Year Make Model], VIN [VIN], purchased on [Purchase Date], and their claim against [Dealer or Selling Party] under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and applicable state lemon law.
Our client hereby revokes acceptance of the vehicle and demands cancellation of all contracts related to its purchase, along with the return of all monies paid or owed, including any down payment, payments made, trade-in value, and any incidental or consequential damages.
Please direct all future communication to our office. Having been notified of our representation, do not contact our client directly. All inquiries should be directed to this office. Failure to comply with this directive may result in injunctive relief being sought.This letter is a good faith attempt to resolve our client's claims and avoid unnecessary litigation. All statements made here are for settlement purposes only. Enclosed are the vehicle purchase contract, repair orders, warranty documentation, and all other relevant supporting documentation.
Please be advised that this firm represents [Client Full Name] in connection with the purchase of a defective [Year Make Model], VIN [VIN], purchased on [Purchase Date], and their claim against [Dealer or Selling Party] under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and applicable state lemon law.
Our client hereby revokes acceptance of the vehicle and demands cancellation of all contracts related to its purchase, along with the return of all monies paid or owed, including any down payment, payments made, trade-in value, and any incidental or consequential damages.
Please direct all future communication to our office. Having been notified of our representation, do not contact our client directly. All inquiries should be directed to this office. Failure to comply with this directive may result in injunctive relief being sought.This letter is a good faith attempt to resolve our client's claims and avoid unnecessary litigation. All statements made here are for settlement purposes only. Enclosed are the vehicle purchase contract, repair orders, warranty documentation, and all other relevant supporting documentation.
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
FACTS AND LIABILITY
On [Purchase Date], our client purchased a [Year Make Model] from [Dealership Name] in [City, State] for a total purchase price of $[Purchase Price]. The vehicle was sold with express and implied warranties guaranteeing its utility, safety, and performance.
Shortly after purchase, defects in design, manufacture, materials, and workmanship began to manifest. The vehicle has experienced the following documented defects:
[Defect 1 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
[Defect 2 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
[Defect 3 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
[Defect 4 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
Our client promptly reported these defects and presented the vehicle for warranty repair on multiple occasions. Despite these repair attempts, the defects continue to substantially impair the use, value, and safety of the vehicle.
The dealer and its authorized repair facilities have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle and have failed to conform it to the applicable warranties.
On [Purchase Date], our client purchased a [Year Make Model] from [Dealership Name] in [City, State] for a total purchase price of $[Purchase Price]. The vehicle was sold with express and implied warranties guaranteeing its utility, safety, and performance.
Shortly after purchase, defects in design, manufacture, materials, and workmanship began to manifest. The vehicle has experienced the following documented defects:
[Defect 1 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
[Defect 2 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
[Defect 3 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
[Defect 4 — describe precisely using language from the repair orders]
Our client promptly reported these defects and presented the vehicle for warranty repair on multiple occasions. Despite these repair attempts, the defects continue to substantially impair the use, value, and safety of the vehicle.
The dealer and its authorized repair facilities have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle and have failed to conform it to the applicable warranties.
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
REPAIR HISTORY
Repair Attempt 1
Date In: [Date]
Date Out: [Date]
Days Out of Service: [Number]
Complaint: [Describe complaint as written on the repair order]
Repair Performed: [Describe repair]
Outcome: [Resolved / Not resolved]
(See Exhibit [Number]: Repair Order dated [Date])
Repair Attempt 2
Date In: [Date]
Date Out: [Date]
Days Out of Service: [Number]
Complaint: [Describe complaint as written on the repair order]
Repair Performed: [Describe repair]
Outcome: [Resolved / Not resolved]
(See Exhibit [Number]: Repair Order dated [Date])
Repair Attempt 3
Date In: [Date]
Date Out: [Date]
Days Out of Service: [Number]
Complaint: [Describe complaint as written on the repair order]
Repair Performed: [Describe repair]
Outcome: [Resolved / Not resolved]
(See Exhibit [Number]: Repair Order dated [Date])
Repair Attempt 4
Date In: [Date]
Date Out: [Date]
Days Out of Service: [Number]
Complaint: [Describe complaint as written on the repair order]
Repair Performed: [Describe repair]
Outcome: [Resolved / Not resolved]
(See Exhibit [Number]: Repair Order dated [Date])
Total Repair Attempts: [Number]
Total Cumulative Days Out of Service: [Number]
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
STATUTORY BASIS FOR CLAIMFACTS AND LIABILITY
Our client's claim arises under the following:On [Purchase Date], our client purchased a [Year Make Model] from [Dealership Name] in [City, State] for a total purchase price of $[Purchase Price]. The vehicle was sold with express and implied warranties guaranteeing its utility, safety, and performance.
Our client's claim arises under the following:On [Purchase Date], our client purchased a [Year Make Model] from [Dealership Name] in [City, State] for a total purchase price of $[Purchase Price]. The vehicle was sold with express and implied warranties guaranteeing its utility, safety, and performance.
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2301 et seq.
- [State] Lemon Law ([applicable statute and code section])
- Breach of Express Warranty
- Breach of Implied Warranty
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d)
A manufacturer or its authorized repair facility that is unable to service or repair a new motor vehicle to conform to the applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of attempts must either replace the vehicle or make restitution to the buyer.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b)
Four or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, or a vehicle out of service for 30 or more cumulative days, creates a rebuttable presumption that a reasonable number of repair attempts have been made.
For cases in other states, substitute the applicable lemon law statute and presumption standard for that jurisdiction.
A manufacturer or its authorized repair facility that is unable to service or repair a new motor vehicle to conform to the applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of attempts must either replace the vehicle or make restitution to the buyer.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b)
Four or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, or a vehicle out of service for 30 or more cumulative days, creates a rebuttable presumption that a reasonable number of repair attempts have been made.
For cases in other states, substitute the applicable lemon law statute and presumption standard for that jurisdiction.
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
DAMAGES AND RELIEF SOUGHT
3.1 Restitution Calculation
Our client is entitled to restitution under applicable state and federal law. The following table details the amounts at issue.
Our client is entitled to restitution under applicable state and federal law. The following table details the amounts at issue.
Item | Amount |
|---|---|
Vehicle Purchase Price | $[Amount] |
Down Payment | $[Amount] |
Monthly Payments Made | $[Amount] |
Trade-In Credit Applied | $[Amount] |
Finance Charges Paid | $[Amount] |
Registration, Taxes, and Fees | $[Amount] |
Incidental Damages (rental, transportation, towing) | $[Amount] |
Consequential Damages | $[Amount] |
Less: Mileage Offset ([miles at first repair] ÷ 120,000 × purchase price) | $[Amount] |
TOTAL | $[Amount] |
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
DEMAND TO SETTLE
Our client has authorized us to demand the following as FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF ALL CLAIMS:
Option A — Replacement
Replacement of the subject vehicle with a comparable new vehicle of the same or similar make and model, free of the recurring nonconformity,
Option B — Full Restitution
Full restitution in the amount of $[Total Demand Amount], inclusive of all charges, fees, incidental damages, and consequential damages as detailed above, less the applicable mileage offset
Applicable case law consistently recognizes a consumer's right to repurchase, replacement, restitution, incidental and consequential damages, attorney fees, and costs when a manufacturer or dealer fails to repair substantial warranty defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
We expect a written response by 5:00 P.M. on [Response Deadline Date]. Please provide this correspondence to all relevant decision-makers, claims personnel, and insurance carriers. Do not communicate directly with our client regarding this matter.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Option A — Replacement
Replacement of the subject vehicle with a comparable new vehicle of the same or similar make and model, free of the recurring nonconformity,
Option B — Full Restitution
Full restitution in the amount of $[Total Demand Amount], inclusive of all charges, fees, incidental damages, and consequential damages as detailed above, less the applicable mileage offset
Applicable case law consistently recognizes a consumer's right to repurchase, replacement, restitution, incidental and consequential damages, attorney fees, and costs when a manufacturer or dealer fails to repair substantial warranty defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
We expect a written response by 5:00 P.M. on [Response Deadline Date]. Please provide this correspondence to all relevant decision-makers, claims personnel, and insurance carriers. Do not communicate directly with our client regarding this matter.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Lemon Law Demand Letter — Sample Document
[Attorney Name]
[Bar Number]
[Law Firm Name]
[Email]
[Phone]
Enclosures:
Exhibit 1: [Mental Health Provider] Medical Record
Exhibit 2: [Emergency Department Provider] Medical Record
Exhibit 3: [Mental Health Provider] Medical Bill
Exhibit 4: [Emergency Department Provider] Medical Bill
Exhibit 5: Photographs of Injuries
Exhibit 6: Police or Animal Control Report (if available)
Download the Full Editable Template
Get the complete version of this Lemon Law demand letter sample, fully formatted with repair history blocks, restitution calculation tables, statutory citations, and a full exhibit list ready to customize for your next case.
Generate Your Next Lemon Law Demand Letter in Under 20 Minutes
Law Practice AI generates Lemon Law demand letters directly from the repair records and case documentation your firm uploads. The repair chronology is pulled from your uploaded service records. The days-out-of-service count is calculated from the actual dates in the file.
Every draft requires attorney review and approval before it is sent.
Every draft requires attorney review and approval before it is sent.
What Every Strong Lemon Law Demand Letter Must Include
Not all lemon law demand letters produce the same results. The ones that hold up share a consistent structure. Here is what belongs in every letter.
Opening and Representation Notice
Open with a clear statement of representation, the vehicle's identifying information (year, make, model, VIN), the purchase date, and the claims being asserted. Include an explicit directive that all future communications be directed to your office and that the opposing party not contact your client directly.
State immediately that your client revokes acceptance of the vehicle and demands cancellation of all related contracts.
State immediately that your client revokes acceptance of the vehicle and demands cancellation of all related contracts.
Defect Description
Describe each documented defect with precision.
Use the language from the repair orders where possible: the exact complaint as written by the service advisor, the diagnosis documented by the technician, and the repair performed on each visit. Consistency between the demand letter and the repair records removes any basis for disputing what the defect was.
Use the language from the repair orders where possible: the exact complaint as written by the service advisor, the diagnosis documented by the technician, and the repair performed on each visit. Consistency between the demand letter and the repair records removes any basis for disputing what the defect was.
Repair History
Document each repair attempt as a separate block with the date in, date out, days out of service, complaint description, repair performed, and outcome. Reference the corresponding exhibit for each visit.
The total repair attempt count and cumulative days-out-of-service figure determine whether the statutory presumption threshold applies.
The total repair attempt count and cumulative days-out-of-service figure determine whether the statutory presumption threshold applies.
Statutory Basis for the Claim
Cite both the applicable state lemon law and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
In California, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act governs lemon law claims for new vehicles. The presumption provision at California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) establishes that four or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service, creates a rebuttable presumption. Also assert breach of express warranty and breach of implied warranty as separate causes of action.
In California, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act governs lemon law claims for new vehicles. The presumption provision at California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) establishes that four or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service, creates a rebuttable presumption. Also assert breach of express warranty and breach of implied warranty as separate causes of action.
Restitution Calculation Table
Present the restitution figure in a structured table that includes the vehicle purchase price, down payment, all monthly payments made, trade-in credit applied, finance charges, registration and fees, incidental damages, consequential damages, and the applicable mileage offset. The mileage offset in California is calculated as: miles driven at time of first repair attempt, divided by 120,000, multiplied by the purchase price.
Present the net restitution figure after the offset is applied.
Example restitution calculation:
Present the net restitution figure after the offset is applied.
Example restitution calculation:
Item | Amount |
|---|---|
Vehicle Purchase Price | $[Amount] |
Down Payment | $[Amount] |
Monthly Payments Made | $[Amount] |
Trade-In Credit Applied | $[Amount] |
Finance Charges Paid | $[Amount] |
Registration, Taxes, and Fees | $[Amount] |
Incidental Damages | $[Amount] |
Consequential Damages | $[Amount] |
Less: Mileage Offset | $[Amount] |
TOTAL RESTITUTION SOUGHT | $[Amount] |
Civil Penalty Reservation
Where the failure to comply with warranty obligations was willful, most Lemon Law statutes authorize a civil penalty of up to two times the actual damages. Reserve the right to seek civil penalties in the demand letter.
This signals to the opposing party that the cost of non-compliance extends beyond the restitution figure.
This signals to the opposing party that the cost of non-compliance extends beyond the restitution figure.
Attorney Fees and Costs
Under most Lemon Law statutes, a prevailing buyer is entitled to recover attorney fees and costs. Include a statement in the demand that your firm will seek full recovery of fees and costs if the matter proceeds to litigation.
Settlement Demand with Response Deadline
State the specific relief demanded: replacement or restitution with the total figure itemized. Include a firm response deadline, typically 30 days from the date of the letter, and a clear statement that the matter will proceed to litigation without further notice if no substantive response is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a Lemon Law demand letter include?
Is a Lemon Law demand letter serious?
How long after a Lemon Law demand letter is sent do you get a response?
What is the statute of limitations for a Lemon Law claim?
Can I send a Lemon Law demand letter without an attorney?
What happens if the demand is ignored?
Turn Your Case Documentation Into a Complete Lemon Law Demand Letter
The sample above gives you the structure, the statutory citations, and the table formats. Law Practice AI gives your firm the platform to generate that structure automatically from your case documentation, with the repair chronology pulled directly from your uploaded service records.