You take your new vehicle to the dealership.
They try to diagnose the problem.
They replace a part.
The problem remains.
You bring it back.
They try something else.
Still not fixed.
Eventually, you may hear:
“We don’t know what’s causing it.”
Or:
“We’ve done everything we can.”
Or:
“There’s nothing else we can do right now.”
If you’re hearing things like this about a relatively new vehicle, don’t simply shrug and accept it.
There are steps you should take.
Get it in Writing
If the dealer tells you they can’t fix the problem, make sure your repair records accurately reflect what happened.
Ask:
- What did you report?
- What did the technician diagnose?
- What was repaired?
- What remains unresolved?
- Was the vehicle tested?
- Could the problem be duplicated?
- Is the dealer recommending another repair?
- Is the dealer saying the condition is normal?
The goal isn’t to argue with the service adviser.
The goal is to create an accurate record.
A Dealer’s Inability to Diagnose a Problem Doesn’t Make It Disappear
Some vehicle defects are easy to identify.
Others are intermittent.
A vehicle may:
- Lose power only occasionally.
- Stall after warming up.
- Display a warning light intermittently.
- Refuse to start under certain conditions.
- Produce a noise only at certain speeds.
- Experience electrical problems that disappear before reaching the dealership.
These can be difficult to diagnose.
But difficulty diagnosing a problem doesn’t mean nothing is wrong.
Document the Symptoms Yourself
If the problem can safely be recorded, consider taking video when the problem occurs.
For example, if a warning appears on the dashboard, take a picture.
If the vehicle produces an unusual sound, a recording may help.
If the vehicle won’t start, document what happens.
Never attempt to reproduce a dangerous condition simply to obtain evidence.
What Does Nevada Lemon Law Have to Do With This?
Nevada’s Lemon Law provides protections for qualifying consumers when a new vehicle cannot be conformed to its express warranty after a reasonable number of attempts and the nonconformity substantially impairs the vehicle’s use and value.
The statute is important when:
- The same continuing nonconformity (defect) has been repaired four or more times;
or
- The vehicle has been out of service for warranty repairs for 30 or more cumulative calendar days in the first year since the vehicle was delivered new.
Four Repairs Isn’t the Whole Story
Four repair attempts OR 30 cumulative days are important benchmarks under Nevada law—but they aren’t necessarily the only circumstances in which you may have a claim.
The statute uses a reasonable-number-of-attempts standard.
So if your vehicle has a serious defect and the dealer has already had several unsuccessful opportunities to fix it, you may want to investigate your rights rather than waiting indefinitely for the perfect number of attempts.
What If the Vehicle Is Still Under Warranty?
That’s important.
The Nevada Lemon Law provisions concern defects covered by the manufacturer’s express warranty and impose specific timing requirements.
Federal Magnuson-Moss warranty law may also be relevant while the manufacturer’s original warranty remains applicable.
Magnuson-Moss can provide a potential route for consumers to enforce warranty obligations when Nevada Lemon Law does not apply.
Don’t Let the Warranty Expire While You Wait
Nevada law contains specific rules regarding reporting defects and the period in which an action may be brought.
And the state’s Lemon Law action deadline is generally 18 months from original delivery of the new vehicle.
You Don’t Pay Us. The Manufacturer Pays Our Legal Fees.
If you have a qualifying Lemon Law or warranty claim, don’t assume hiring an attorney means writing a large check.
You don’t pay us. The manufacturer pays our legal fees.
The exact legal basis for fee recovery depends on the claims involved, but qualifying consumers may be represented without paying an attorney’s fee out of pocket.
Find Out Where You Stand
If the dealership says:
“We can’t fix it.”
you don’t have to accept that as the end of the conversation.
Take the:
30-SECOND NEVADA NEW CAR PROBLEM QUIZ
You may discover that your problem has a legal solution.
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