Part On Back Order? The Lemon Law Is On Your Side

October 07, 2009
By: Robert Silverman


Imagine buying one of those hot new Chevrolet Camaros.

You’re cruising down the highway, enjoying every minute, when all of a sudden, the car won’t go into first gear or reverse. The dealership identifies the problem and points to the clutch slave cylinder. Apparently, there are a number of Camaros across the nation with the exact same problem. The good news is they know how to fix it; the bad news is you are going to be without your car for a little while… well more than a little while… over a month… at least… maybe two months… “but we will give you a loaner.”

As a result of the troubling economy, closed factories and less dealerships, many consumers are hearing the term “National Back Order.” There is nothing you can do, other than sit back and wait the days, weeks, months until your part comes in and your car is fixed, right?

WRONG! When you purchase a car with a manufacturers warranty, it is supposed to guarantee that your car is fixed efficiently and effectively. If it is not, you are entitled to recourse. Under each of the State Lemon Laws we handle, you are entitled to file a claim if your car is out of service for an extended period of time, and that includes if a part is on back order. In addition, these days do not have to be consecutive.

Under Pennsylvania Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under New Jersey Lemon Law, it’s 20 days within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under Delaware Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 12 months of ownership.

Under Massachusetts Lemon Law, it’s 15 business days within the first year.

Under Maryland Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 15 months of ownership.

Under Ohio Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first year of ownership.

Under New Hampshire Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the manufacturers warranty period.

Under Connecticut Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under New York Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).

And, even if the car is fixed, the consumer still may be entitled to significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the car, PLUS they get to keep the vehicle.

For more information on what what you should you do if you are waiting for a part on national back order, drop us a line or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).


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4 Responses to “Part On Back Order? The Lemon Law Is On Your Side”


  1. #1 Steve Bell says:

    The Thornton Chevrolet dealership, from which I bought this 2015 truck, have had my work truck for a month now. I took the truck in for a check engine light problem and a week later I’m told about a leak problem. This same leak I had mentioned to them months ago but no one could find the leak. I’m told the part needed to fix this leak is on the national backlog and there is nothing they can do; they have no idea when the part will even be available. In the meanwhile, my employment could be at risk. A loaner truck is out of the question…I travel for a living and no one allows a loaner out of state.

    • #2 LemonLaw says:

      @Steve: Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a firm in your state.

      • #3 Jose says:

        Hi my vehicle was involved in a car accident. The seat airbag deployed
        And is a national back order
        Since February vehicle still at body shop and there us no eta for the part
        I’m making payments since and I want to take legal action if is available
        Please let me know what should I do thanks

        • State: Califirnia
      • #4 LemonLaw says:

        @Jose: Sadly, this does not apply to accident repairs, only warranty repairs.


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