Rhode Island

Get the Best Rhode Island Lemon Law Attorney to Protect Your Rights!

  • Covers new and used vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and certified pre-owned vehicles under warranty in Rhode Island.
  • Compensation options include vehicle replacement, refund, cash settlement, and in some cases, civil penalties up to three times the original compensation.
  • Not covered: Minor defects, issues caused by misuse, and vehicles not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

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Under Rhode Island Lemon Law, consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that have serious, unresolved defects are entitled to compensation.

If the defect cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you may receive replacement, refund, cash settlement, or in some cases, civil penalties if the manufacturer fails to comply.

Your Rights Under Rhode Island Lemon Law

If your vehicle has a defect that affects its safety, value, or use, and it cannot be fixed after several attempts, Rhode Island Lemon Law guarantees your right to:

  • Replacement: A new vehicle of the same make and model.
  • Repurchase: A full refund, including taxes and fees, minus a mileage deduction.
  • Cash Settlement: Compensation for the defect’s impact on the vehicle’s value, plus potential civil penalties up to three times the original amount.

Additionally, Rhode Island Lemon Law ensures that attorney fees are covered, so you can pursue your claim without incurring extra financial costs.

Which Vehicles Are Covered by Rhode Island Lemon Law?

Rhode Island Lemon Law applies to:

  • New and certified pre-owned vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Used vehicles sold with remaining factory warranties.
    • Vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, and certain business vehicles (under 10,000 lbs).

Exclusions may apply to minor defects or issues caused by misuse or unauthorized alterations.

How to Qualify for Rhode Island Lemon Law?

To qualify for Rhode Island Lemon Law, the defect must:

  • Be reported during the “term of protection” — 1 year or 15,000 miles from original delivery, whichever comes first (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5.2-1).
  • Survive a reasonable number of repair attempts. Rhode Island presumes that standard is met when the same defect has been repaired 4 or more times, or the vehicle has been out of service 30 or more calendar days — both within the term of protection (§ 31-5.2-3).
  • The manufacturer gets one final 7-calendar-day opportunity to cure, even after the term of protection ends.
  • A lawsuit must be commenced within 3 years of original delivery, or 2 years after reaching 15,000 miles, whichever is earlier (§ 31-5.2-12).

Types of Defects Covered by Rhode Island Lemon Law

Rhode Island Lemon Law covers defects that significantly affect the operation, safety, or value of the vehicle, such as:

  • Transmission issues (slipping, jerking, or delayed shifting)
  • Brake malfunctions or steering problems
  • Fluid leaks or engine overheating
  • Electrical problems (warning lights, battery issues, or dashboard failures)
  • AC or heater system malfunctions
  • Dead battery or alternator issues
  • And more…

If your vehicle has had multiple repairs for any of these issues, you may have a lemon.

Lemon Law for Used Cars in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Lemon Law applies to used vehicles if the following conditions are met:

  • The defect must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
  • The defect must impact the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
  • The defect must remain unresolved after reasonable repair attempts.

If your used vehicle qualifies, we will help you pursue compensation.

Why Choose Us for Your Lemon Law Case in Rhode Island?

Lemon Law Experts: Extensive experience with Rhode Island cases

  • Proven Success: Over 10 years of experience with Lemon Law cases in Rhode Island.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: You only pay if we win your case—no upfront costs.
  • 24/7 Availability: We’re available at any time to answer your questions and provide updates.
  • Complete Legal Support: From filing your claim to negotiating with the manufacturer, we handle it all.
  • Maximizing Compensation: We fight for you to secure maximum compensation, including civil penalties where applicable.

No upfront fees.
No upfront fees. No hidden charges. Your agreement explains any costs.

Cities We Serve in Rhode Island

Bristol
Bristol ➜
Cranston
Cranston ➜
Newport
Newport ➜
Pawtucket
Pawtucket ➜
Providence
Providence ➜

How it works

01

Free Case Review

Contact us and provide details about your vehicle’s defects for a free case evaluation.
02

Claim Process

We handle all legal aspects, from filing your claim to negotiating with the manufacturer.
03

Get Compensated

If successful, you’ll receive a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.

Don’t Let a Defective Car Take Control of Your Life

We are committed to providing exceptional legal support and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve under Rhode Island Lemon Law.
Start your free claim review now!
or Call (213) 531-2056

FAQs

FAQ Icon
Do I qualify under Rhode Island lemon law?

Your vehicle must be a new car, truck, motorcycle, or van under 10,000 lbs with defects reported within 1 year or 15,000 miles (whichever comes first). It qualifies if serviced 4+ times for the same defect OR out of service for 30+ days due to repairs, with the defect still existing after repair attempts.

How do I start a lemon law claim in Rhode Island?

First attempt repairs at the dealership, then file a request for arbitration with the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board through the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit. You can also use the manufacturer’s dispute process or BBB AUTO LINE arbitration, and consult an attorney if the outcome is unsatisfactory.

What documents Rhode Island attorneys need for a lemon case?

You’ll need all repair orders and service reports from every dealership visit, purchase or lease agreement, warranty documentation, out-of-service calendar tracking days unavailable and recurring issues, correspondence with dealer/manufacturer, and receipts for towing, rental cars, and related expenses.

How many repair attempts trigger the presumption in RI?

Rhode Island requires 4 or more repair attempts for the same defect within 1 year or 15,000 miles OR 30+ days out of service due to repairs. Used vehicles have a lower threshold of 3 repair attempts for the same defect OR 15 days out of service within the dealer warranty period.

What remedies can a Rhode Island lemon law lawyer obtain?

You can receive either a comparable replacement vehicle OR a full refund of the purchase price (minus reasonable allowance for use). Additional remedies include cash compensation for diminished value, incidental and consequential damages, plus attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in litigation.