In most cases, buying a vehicle falls under the principle of “caveat emptor,” which means “let the buyer beware.” However, many states do have lemon laws that provide powerful protections for buyers who have purchased defective vehicles, compelling sellers to make necessary repairs or allowing buyers to cancel the sale. If a vehicle you’ve recently purchased in Kansas consistently has problems, understanding your rights under the law is key to achieving a favorable outcome.

Understanding Kansas’s Lemon Law

What Is a Lemon Law?

Lemon laws provide legal remedies for purchasers of vehicles that fail to meet expected standards. In Kansas, buyers or lessees of new cars or trucks that weigh less than 12,000 may demand repairs of any mechanical defects not covered by the warranty. Eligible issues must have a substantial impact on the use or value of the car and should be repeated before the end of the warranty period or within one year of the sale, whichever is first.

What the Lemon Law Doesn’t Cover

While some states provide protections for purchasers of used vehicles, Kansas law only applies to new vehicles bought or purchased within the state. Any problems related to unauthorized modifications made by the buyer are not covered by the lemon law, and neither are defects that don’t substantially affect its use or value.

Remedies Available Under the Lemon Law

Under Kansas’s lemon law, manufacturers are required to take steps to correct the defect. However if they have tried four times to repair the same issue, the vehicle has been returned more than 10 times, or it has been out of commission for repairs for more than 30 days, the manufacturer may be required to offer a replacement, or return the buyer’s money, minus a reasonable deduction for the use of the vehicle.

If you believed you’ve purchased a defective vehicle, the professional consultants at Wreck Expert will help understand your rights and how to protect them. Over the years, they’ve provided expert services to buyers throughout Kansas and Missouri, and they will guide you through the process of hiring an attorney or filing a claim with the state, if necessary. Visit their website for an overview of their services, or call (913) 444-4636 to discuss your situation with a member of their team.