How does the lemon law process work in Louisiana?
Louisiana's lemon law process is enforced through civil court, preceded by manufacturer informal dispute resolution where certified.
1. Governing Statute
La. Rev. Stat. §§ 51:1941 through 51:1948 (New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act). Consumer assistance through the Louisiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section.
2. Coverage
Covers new motor vehicles purchased and registered in Louisiana, including motor homes (chassis and powertrain only, not living quarters). Demonstrators included. Leased vehicles are covered. Excludes motorcycles, used vehicles, vehicles modified by aftermarket installers, and trucks over 10,000 lbs GVWR.
3. Lemon Presumption
Under § 51:1943, a reasonable number of attempts is presumed if within the warranty period or 1 year from delivery, whichever first: (a) the same nonconformity has been subject to repair 4 or more times, or (b) the vehicle is out of service for repair 90+ cumulative days. Louisiana's 90-day OOS threshold is unusually long compared to other states.
4. Notice to Manufacturer
The consumer must give the manufacturer written notice by certified mail or registered mail of the alleged nonconformity and a final opportunity to cure (§ 51:1944).
5. Manufacturer's Buy-Back / Replacement
At the consumer's option, manufacturer must replace with a comparable new vehicle or refund the full purchase price including collateral charges (taxes, license, registration, dealer add-ons, finance charges), minus a reasonable allowance for use (statutory formula based on mileage at first repair attempt).
6. Arbitration
If the manufacturer has a state-certified informal dispute settlement procedure (e.g., BBB AUTO LINE), the consumer must first resort to it (§ 51:1944(D)). Decision binds only the manufacturer.
7. Lawsuit & Fee-Shifting
A prevailing consumer recovers reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (§ 51:1944(C)). Parallel claims under Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)) and Louisiana's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (La. Rev. Stat. § 51:1401) — which allows treble damages — are common.
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- 90-day out-of-service threshold disputes with manufacturer
- LUTPA treble damages potential for unfair conduct
- Motor home chassis vs. living-quarters classification
- La. Rev. Stat. §§ 51:1941 to 51:1948 (New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act)
- La. Rev. Stat. § 51:1401 (Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law)
- 15 U.S.C. § 2301 (Magnuson-Moss)
- 16 CFR Part 703
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.