Have you recently bought a car with a defect that no mechanic can fix? You may have bought a "lemon".
A "lemon" is a term that describes a vehicle with a manufacturer's defect that may affect its safety, use or value. The definition of a "lemon" can vary according to where you live.
While there are no "lemon laws" in Canada, there are measures in place to help if you think you may have bought a defective vehicle. You have different options to get redress depending on the type of problem you may have with your vehicle.
On this page
- Redress options for a new vehicle
- Redress options for a used vehicle
- Redress options for misrepresentation during the sale of a vehicle
- Small Claims Court redress for a "lemon"
Redress options for a new vehicle
If you have a problem with a new vehicle, first try to work it out with the dealer. If your problem is related to a manufacturer's defect in assembly or material, or how the manufacturer applies or administers its new vehicle warranty, try to resolve the issue directly with the manufacturer. Report design or manufacturing safety defects to Transport Canada.
The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
If you cannot resolve the issue with the manufacturer, you may be eligible for the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
This program can help you resolve disputes with automobile manufacturers. Most vehicles purchased or leased in Canada and made in the last four years are covered by CAMVAP. CAMVAP provides binding arbitration that may be an alternative to court.
The resolutions under this program can range from reimbursement for vehicle repairs to manufacturer buyback of the defective vehicle.
A few manufacturers aren't part of CAMVAP, and so vehicles purchased from them aren't covered by the program. Furthermore, if you have purchased a vehicle in the United States, or a vehicle that isn't designed for the Canadian market, then you aren't covered under CAMVAP, unless the manufacturer agrees to the arbitration process. Check the CAMVAP website for further information including a list of participating manufacturers.
Redress options for a used vehicle
Auto dealers may be selling used vehicles previously purchased in Canada or imported from other countries like the United States. Whether the vehicle was originally purchased by the dealer in Canada or imported from elsewhere, consumers purchasing used vehicles from an auto dealer can check to see how they are protected by their province or territory's consumer protection laws.
If you have unknowingly purchased a defective used vehicle from a Canadian auto dealer, contact your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office.
Redress options for misrepresentation during the sale of a vehicle
If the problem you are having with your vehicle relates to an issue of misrepresentation at the point of sale, you can contact your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office for advice.
Small Claims Court redress for a "lemon"
If you cannot resolve your complaint, consider fixing the vehicle at your own expense and using the Small Claims Court to recover the cost of repairs or to rescind the contract. If you decide to proceed with this option, you should obtain legal advice first and bring an independent mechanic with you in cases where the dealer and you do not agree on facts related to the condition of the vehicle.
Trusted consumer information
Published by the Consumer Measures Committee, a working group of federal, provincial and territorial governments, that helps educate and inform Canadian consumers.
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