Lemon laws, as commonly understood, primarily apply to motor vehicles like cars and trucks, and generally do not cover riding lawn mowers under most state laws.
However, a riding lawn mower is considered a consumer product, and if it is covered by a written warranty, it may be protected under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
This federal law requires manufacturers to honor their warranties and provides recourse if a product fails to meet warranty terms after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
The definition of a "reasonable number" of repair attempts is not strictly defined and can be subject to interpretation, but common guidelines suggest that if a defect is not repaired after two attempts, or if the vehicle (or in this case, the mower) is out of service for repairs for 30 days or more within the warranty period, this could constitute a reasonable basis for a claim.
Some states, like Ohio, have broader definitions that might include certain types of equipment, but this is not universal.
If a riding mower has persistent issues that cannot be resolved by the manufacturer or dealer despite multiple repair attempts, the consumer may have grounds to pursue a claim under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, potentially seeking a refund, replacement, or compensation for damages like towing, repair costs, and lost time.
It is advisable to document all repair attempts and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. Legal action, potentially through small claims court, may be necessary, and consulting with a consumer law attorney familiar with warranty law is recommended.
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