If you bought or leased a vehicle in Wisconsin and it keeps going back to the shop, you do not have to live with it — and you do not have to fight the manufacturer or the dealership alone. DeLadurantey Law Office is a 100% consumer rights law firm. We represent Wisconsin consumers (never car companies or dealers) in lemon law and auto fraud claims statewide, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, Green Bay, and Appleton.
Wisconsin's New Vehicle Lemon Law (Wis. Stat. § 218.0171)
Wisconsin's Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease a new motor vehicle in Wisconsin — including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and motor homes. The law applies when the vehicle has a nonconformity: a defect or condition covered by the manufacturer's warranty that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and is reported within the warranty period or one year after first delivery, whichever is sooner.
The manufacturer gets a reasonable attempt to repair the problem. Under the statute, that generally means:
- The same defect is subject to repair four or more times and the problem continues; or
- The vehicle is out of service for an aggregate of 30 or more days because of warranty defects within that first year.
If your vehicle qualifies, you may demand that the manufacturer provide a refund or a comparable new replacement vehicle. The manufacturer then has a limited time to comply, and a manufacturer that fails to follow the law can be liable for your damages, costs, and attorney fees.
Bought a Used Car? You Still Have Powerful Rights
Wisconsin's Lemon Law generally covers new vehicles — but that is not the end of the story for used car buyers. Wisconsin consumers with a defective used vehicle are often protected by:
- The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — the “federal lemon law” that applies when a used vehicle was sold with a written warranty or service contract;
- Wis. Stat. § 100.18 — Wisconsin's prohibition on false, deceptive, or misleading sales representations;
- Wisconsin's motor vehicle dealer regulations — including the Wisconsin Buyer's Guide window label and the dealer's duty to inspect the vehicle and disclose known defects before the sale.
Learn more on our Used Car Lemon Law and Dealership Fraud pages.
What You Can Recover
Depending on your claim, Wisconsin and federal law may entitle you to a refund or replacement vehicle, repair costs, diminished value, and other damages. Critically, many consumer protection statutes are fee-shifting: the manufacturer or dealer can be ordered to pay your attorney fees, which is why we can often represent consumers at little or no out-of-pocket cost.
Why Wisconsin Consumers Choose DeLadurantey Law Office
- 100% consumer rights practice — we never represent car manufacturers, dealerships, banks, or debt collectors;
- Proven results — including a jury verdict of more than $300,000 for Wisconsin consumers;
- Wisconsin-licensed and Wisconsin-based — we are not a national call center; we are your neighbors, with an office in Waukesha serving consumers statewide;
- Recognized experience — Attorney Nathan DeLadurantey is a frequent lecturer on consumer protection law and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the Wisconsin Law Journal.
Wisconsin Lemon Law FAQ
Does the Wisconsin Lemon Law cover used cars?
Generally no — the state Lemon Law applies to new vehicles. But used car buyers frequently have claims under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Wisconsin's misrepresentation statute, and Wisconsin's dealer regulations. Do not assume you have no case until you have talked to a consumer lawyer.
How many repair attempts make my car a lemon?
In general, four repair attempts for the same warranty defect — or 30 total days out of service — within the warranty period or the first year after delivery.
Does the Lemon Law apply to leased vehicles?
Yes. Wisconsin's Lemon Law protects consumers who lease new vehicles as well as those who buy them.
How long do I have to act?
Strict deadlines apply to lemon law and auto fraud claims, and waiting can cost you your case. Keep every repair order and contact us promptly.
What will it cost me?
Your consultation is free, and because these laws shift fees to the manufacturer or dealer in many cases, most clients pay little or nothing out of pocket. Here is how that works.
Talk to a Wisconsin Lemon Law Attorney Today
Tell us what is happening with your vehicle. We will review your repair history and give you a straight answer about your options under Wisconsin and federal law. Call 414.377.0515 or contact us online for a free consultation.