Minnesota's Car Laws

MINNESOTA’S

CAR LAWS

A Guide to Minnesota’s Lemon Law,

Used Car Warranty Law, and Truth In Repairs Act

MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL

LORI SWANSON

FROM THE OFFICE OF

www.ag.state.mn.us

This document is made available electronically by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library

as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp

Are you having trouble with a new car you just bought? Is your

“new” used car making strange noises? Have you had trouble

with a repair shop?

This brochure is designed to guide you through Minnesota’s lemon law, used

car warranty law, and Truth in Repairs Act. Buckle your seat belt, this is going

to be a quick ride through “Car Law 101.”

This brochure is intended to be used as a source for general

information and is not provided as legal advice.

Minnesota’s Car Laws is written and published by the Minnesota Attorney

General’s Ofce. This handbook is available in alternate formats upon request.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce values diversity and is an equal

opportunity employer.

Ofce of Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400, St. Paul, MN 55101

(651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)

(800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)

TTY: (651) 297-7206 or (800) 366-4812

www.ag.state.mn.us

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

Table of Contents

Minnesota’s Lemon Law ............................... 2

Which Motor Vehicles Are Covered? ............................................2

The Manufacturer’s Duty to Repair...............................................2

The Manufacturer’s Duty to Refund or Replace ...........................3

When Refunds or Replacements Are Not Given ...........................3

Refund and Replacement Eligibility Requirements ......................3

If You Are Awarded a Refund ........................................................4

Arbitration .....................................................................................4

Using the Lemon Law in Arbitration or Court ..............................6

Arbitration Program Telephone Numbers .....................................7

There Is No Three-Day Right to Cancel ........................................8

Used Car Warranty Law ............................... 9

“As Is” or Warranty .......................................................................9

The Basic Used Car Warranties .....................................................9

Who Provides a Used Car Warranty? ..........................................10

“Unlicensed” Dealers ..................................................................10

Exclusions....................................................................................10

The “Buyers Guide” ....................................................................11

The Dealer’s Duty Under the Warranty .......................................11

Refunds .......................................................................................12

Ordinary Maintenance .................................................................12

Limits on the Warranty ................................................................12

Bringing a Lawsuit ......................................................................12

Know the Difference Between Service Contracts

and the Used Car Warranty Law .................................................. 13

Truth In Repairs Act ....................................14

Your Rights When Your Car Is Repaired .....................................14

Resolving Repair Disputes ..........................................................15

Salvaged Cars ..............................................................................15

Resouces....................................................16

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Minnesota’s Lemon Law

Popularly known as the “lemon law,” Minnesota’s motor vehicle

warranty statute was created to help protect you when you buy

or lease a car, pickup truck, or van that is still under the original

manufacturer’s warranty. The law is not intended to eliminate all

problems you will ever encounter with your vehicle. What it does do is require

manufacturers to honor the time and mileage provisions of their written

warranties. The law also provides special arbitration, refund, and replacement

provisions for vehicles that are considered to be real “lemons.”

Which Motor Vehicles Are Covered?

The Minnesota lemon law covers new and lightly used motor

vehicles purchased or leased in Minnesota. The law covers passenger

automobiles, as well as pickup trucks and vans. The motor vehicle chassis or

van portion of a recreational vehicle (RV) is also covered. That means that as

long as the “lemon” problem occurs in portions of the chassis and van covered

by the warranty, the entire RV may be subject to replacement or refund. It does

not cover other areas, such as living areas or other amenities, that may have

been added to the chassis by the RV manufacturer. It also covers used vehicles

that are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. The vehicles must be

used at least 40 percent of the time for personal, family, or household purposes

(leased vehicles are covered by the law if the lease term is longer than four

months).

The rst report of a defect must occur within the warranty period, or two years,

whichever comes rst. If you have continuing problems with the same defect,

however, you still can make a claim until the end of the third year.

The Manufacturer’s Duty to Repair

The manufacturer or its authorized dealer must repair a motor vehicle in

accordance with the terms of the warranty, even after the manufacturer’s

warranty has expired, if:

1. The motor vehicle has a defect or problem that is covered by the

warranty; and,

2. The problem has been reported by the vehicle’s owner within the

warranty period, or within two years after original delivery of the

vehicle, whichever comes rst.

The Minnesota lemon

law covers motor

vehicles purchased or

leased in Minnesota still

covered by the original

manufacturer warranty..

The manufacturer

may have a duty to

repair the vehicle.

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

The Manufacturer’s Duty to Refund or Replace

The law has special refund and replacement provisions for cars that have

substantial defects or problems. Such vehicles are commonly called “lemons.”

Under the law, if the manufacturer or its authorized dealer has been unable to

repair a car’s problem after a “reasonable number of attempts,” the buyer or

lessee may go through a manufacturer’s arbitration program, or to court, to

seek a replacement vehicle or a full refund of the car’s purchase price (minus

a deduction for use of the vehicle). The law presumes a “reasonable number of

attempts” to include any one of the following:

1. Four or more unsuccessful attempts to repair the same defect; or,

2. One unsuccessful attempt to repair a defect that has caused the complete

failure of the steering or braking system and that is likely to cause death

or serious bodily injury; or,

3. A car that has been out of service due to warranty repairs for 30 or more

cumulative business days.

In each case, the initial defect must occur within the warranty period, or two

years following the original delivery date, whichever comes rst, but the

manufacturer’s repair attempts may extend to the end of the third year. Even if

your repair history does not fall into one of the above categories, you may still

have a lemon law claim, but it will be harder to prove.

When Refunds or Replacements Are Not Given

Be aware that the manufacturer does not have to make a refund or replace the

vehicle if:

• The problem does not substantially impair the use or market value of

the vehicle; or,

• The problem is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modications

or alterations to the vehicle.

Just because a repair shop has made a number of unsuccessful attempts to

x your car, you are not automatically eligible for a refund or replacement

vehicle. You must rst:

• Write to the manufacturer or authorized dealer notifying them of the

problem. Specically state that your car is a lemon and that you want a

refund or replacement under the lemon law. This does two things:

1. It gives the company an opportunity to x the defect (the

manufacturer gets one more chance to x the defect after

notication); and,

The manufacturer may

have a duty to replace

or provide a refund

regarding the vehicle.

Refund and Replacement Eligibility Requirements

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

2. It lets the company know you plan to use Minnesota’s lemon law

if the defect is not properly repaired.

• Try to resolve the problem through the manufacturer’s automobile

dispute arbitration program.

The manufacturer may require you to rst go through the arbitration program

before ling a lawsuit under the lemon law. Check with the manufacturer

or the Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce if you have questions about a

manufacturer’s arbitration program.

If You Are Awarded a Refund

If you are awarded a refund under the terms of the lemon law, the manufacturer

must refund:

1. The full purchase price of the vehicle, or the amount you actually paid

on your lease. For either a purchased or leased vehicle, however, a

reasonable allowance for the time that you were able to use the vehicle

may be deducted. This deduction cannot exceed 10 cents per mile or 10

percent of the purchase price, whichever is less;

2. The cost of certain options installed by the manufacturer or dealer;

3. Sales or excise tax;

4. License fees;

5. Registration fees;

6. Reimbursement for towing; and,

7. Rental expenses.

Note: If you are awarded a replacement vehicle, you have the option of

receiving a refund instead.

Arbitration

Automobile manufacturers doing business in Minnesota must offer consumers

an arbitration program located in the State of Minnesota that considers

consumers’ warranty related disputes.

A manufacturer’s arbitration program provides consumers a fast

and simple way to resolve disputes. Arbitrators can consider arguments

based on the lemon law. That being said, an arbitrator is not a judge and is not

required to apply the law the way a court would.

If the manufacturer requires it, consumers must rst go through the

manufacturer’s arbitration program before ling a lawsuit under the lemon

law. You may not have to wait until all the lemon law criteria are met before

going through arbitration, but you might have a stronger case if all the criteria

are met.

A manufacturer’s

arbitration program

provides consumers a

fast and simple way to

resolve disputes.

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

In fact, you may not even want to discuss the lemon law in arbitration if your

car does not meet the lemon law criteria.

Consumer Rights During the Arbitration Process:

• Lemon Law Information. You and the arbitrator(s) must receive a

copy of this brochure from the manufacturer’s arbitration program.

• Lemon Law Arguments. You may make any arguments to the

arbitrator(s) you think necessary to support your complaint, including

those based on the lemon law. The arbitrator(s) cannot be discouraged

or prohibited from considering your arguments.

• Documents. You are entitled to copies of all documents submitted to

the arbitration program and have the opportunity to comment on any

documents produced. You can request postponement of an arbitration

meeting if documents are presented to you at the meeting that have

not been previously provided to you.

• Oral Presentation. You must be given reasonable written notice of

the arbitration and an opportunity to make an oral presentation to the

arbitrator(s), unless you agree to a telephone conference or to submit the

case on the basis of documents alone. If the case is based on documents

alone, the manufacturer or dealer representative cannot participate in

discussion or resolution of the dispute. You may get better results if you

make a personal oral presentation to the arbitrator(s).

• Independent Appraisal. You must be given an adequate opportunity

to get an independent appraisal, at your own cost, of any manufacturer

claim that your vehicle does not have a problem or that your vehicle is

operating within normal specications.

• Repair Attempts. You must be given a chance to inform the

arbitrator(s) about the results of any recent repair attempts by the

manufacturer.

• Service Bulletins. You must be provided, at reasonable cost, any

technical service bulletin that the manufacturer knows directly applies

to the specic mechanical problem being disputed.

• Attorney. You have the right to be represented by an attorney

in the arbitration process. Most arbitration participants, however,

appear before the arbitrator(s) without an attorney. Attorney fees for

representation in arbitration are not recoverable under the lemon law.

The consumer has

many rights during the

arbitration process.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

• Arbitration Decision. You are not bound by the decision of the

arbitrator(s), unless you agree to be bound. That being said, many

manufacturers have agreed to be bound by the arbitration decision.

If you are unhappy with an arbitration decision, you may wish to

consult an attorney to discuss ling a lawsuit under the lemon law.

The arbitration decision is admissible as nonbinding evidence in any

subsequent legal action.

If you wish to appeal the arbitrator’s ruling in court, you

must le in court within six months of the decision.

• Refund Amount. If the arbitrator(s) decides you should receive a

refund or replacement vehicle under the terms of the lemon law, then

you are entitled to the same refunds and reimbursements you would

have received had you won in court.

• Bad Faith Appeal. If a court determines that you or the manufacturer

acted in bad faith when you appealed an arbitration decision, the party

that wins in court may be entitled to receive three times the actual

damages, plus attorney fees and court costs.

Using the Lemon Law in Arbitration or Court

To prepare for a dispute you should:

1. Keep copies of all purchase orders, sales receipts, lease agreements,

warranties, repair invoices, letters, and other documents concerning

your vehicle and any of its problems or potential defects.

2. If your vehicle is in the shop for repairs for more than one day at a time,

make sure that the repair invoice shows the date it was brought in and

the date you were notied that it was ready to be returned.

3. If you think you are eligible for a refund or replacement vehicle,

remember the law requires written notice be given to the manufacturer

or authorized dealer. You should send a letter by certied mail with

a return receipt requested. If you send the letter to the dealer, send a

copy to the manufacturer and keep a copy for your records. You should

include the following information in your letter:

• Your name, address, and telephone number.

• The date you purchased or began leasing the automobile.

• A list of defects and systems affected.

• The number of times the vehicle has been subject to repairs for

the same problem, and the dates of the repairs.

If you wish to le an

appeal of the arbitrator’s

ruling in court, you must

le in court within six

months of the decision.

There are several things

you should do to prepare

for arbitration or court.

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

• A statement that the defect still exists as of the date of the letter.

• A reference to the lemon law (Minnesota Statutes section

325F.665) and a statement that you will pursue a replacement

or refund claim under this law if the vehicle is not made to

conform to the warranty.

• A request for information about the company’s arbitration

program.

Remember, the refund and replacement provisions of the lemon law are

intended to provide a replacement or a refund only in the cases of the most

serious defectsfaults that substantially impair the use or market value of

the vehicle, or faults that involve life-threatening failures of the braking and

steering systems.

If You Sue

If you feel you must bring a lawsuit under the lemon law for a refund or

replacement vehicle, you should consult an attorney (you may be eligible to

recover attorney fees if you win). The law allows you to le suit any time

within three years of the date of the original delivery of the vehicle, if you rst

reported the defect within the warranty period, or two years, whichever comes

rst. If you go through a manufacturer’s arbitration program, you have six

months to appeal in court. The company has only 30 days to appeal in court.

Arbitration Program Telephone Numbers

These numbers are accurate as of April 2017. If the listed program no longer

works with your manufacturer, check your owner’s manual, or call your dealer

or manufacturer for updated information.

Better Business Bureau’s

Auto Line Arbitration Program

(see list of manufacturers below)

(800) 955-5100

FCA US

(Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram)

(866) 662-4639

Toyota (Lexus)

(800) 777-8119

Mitsubishi

(866) 662-8119

Porsche

(800) 279-5343

Suzuki

(866) 662-4639

Tesla

(866) 629-3204

For more information

about Minnesota’s lemon

law, visit our website at

www.ag.state.mn.us.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

The following manufacturers and distributors currently participate

in arbitration programs administered by the Better Business

Bureau: Acura, Audi, Bentley (Rolls-Royce), BMW, Ducati, Ford Motors

(Ford, Lincoln, Mercury), General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC

Truck, Pontiac, Saturn), Honda, Hyundai, Inniti, Jaguar, Kia, Lamborghini,

Land Rover, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini Cooper, Mobility

Ventures (AM General), Nissan, Oldsmobile, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

There Is No Three-Day Right to Cancel...

If we could impart just one piece of information, it would be to remind you that

there is no three-day right to cancel a car contract. Once you sign on the dotted

line, the car is yours. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce hears from

many consumers every Monday morning who assume they can still return

the car they bought Friday night. They can’t, and have to learn this lesson

the hard way. So, don’t be one of our remorseful Monday morning callers—

remember: when you buy a car, it’s yours!

Remember: there is no

three-day right to cancel

a car contract.

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

Used Car Warranty Law

Minnesota has one of the strongest used car warranty laws in the

country. Under the Minnesota used car warranty law, Minn. Stat. § 325F.662,

used car dealers must provide basic warranty coverage for most used cars and

small trucks sold to Minnesota buyers. The used car warranty law does not

apply if you buy a used car from a relative or friend, from a private party, or

“as is.”

“As Is” or Warranty

Whether your car will come with a warranty generally depends on whether

you buy a car covered under the used car warranty law. A car sold without

a warranty is sold “as is.” That means the seller has no obligation to x any

problem that may arise. Check the Buyers Guide window sticker to

determine if you will receive a warranty. That sticker will tell you if you

have a warranty, or if you are buying “as is.”

The Basic Used Car Warranties

The used car warranty law covers used cars purchased primarily for personal,

family, or household purposes. The terms and length of the warranty will

depend upon the mileage on the car at the time you buy it. For cars with

fewer than 36,000 miles, the warranty applies for 60 days or 2,500

miles, whichever comes rst. The parts covered under the warranty for

cars in this mileage range are:

• Engine: all lubricated parts, intake manifolds, engine block, cylinder

head, rotary engine housings, and ring gear.

• Transmission: automatic transmission case, internal parts, and

torque converter; or, manual transmission case and internal parts.

• Drive axle: axle housings and internal parts, axle shafts, drive

shafts, output shafts, and universal joints. (Secondary drive axles are

covered on automobiles and passenger vans, but are not covered on

other vehicles mounted on a truck chassis, such as utility and off-road

vehicles.)

• Brakes: master cylinder, vacuum assist booster, wheel cylinders,

hydraulic lines and ttings, and disc brake calipers.

• Steering: steering gear housing and all internal parts, power steering

pump, valve body, piston, and rack.

• Water pump.

• Externally mounted mechanical fuel pump.

• Radiator.

• Alternator, generator, and starter.

Minnesota has one

of the strongest used

car warranty laws in

the country.

Many parts are

covered by the used

car warranty laws.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

For cars with between 36,000 and 75,000 miles, the warranty

applies for 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes rst. For cars

in this mileage range, the warranty covers the parts listed above, except for the

following parts, which are not covered:

• Rack.

• Radiator.

• Alternator, generator, starter.

Parts are not covered under the used car warranty law if they

are not specically listed above.

Who Provides a Used Car Warranty?

The used car warranty law applies only if you buy your car from

a used car dealer. The law does not apply if you buy a used car from a

relative, friend, or neighbor. Nor does the law apply if you buy your car from:

• Your employer;

• A bank or nancial institution;

• A company that previously leased the car to you or a family member;

• The state, or any county or city in Minnesota; or

• An auctioneer who sells the car in connection with the sale of other

property or land.

“Unlicensed” Dealers

One problem the used car warranty law addresses is the problem of “unlicensed

dealers.” State law says that any person who is in the business of selling used

cars and who sells more than ve used cars in a year is a “dealer,” and must

obtain a dealer’s license. An unlicensed dealer is a person who sells more

than ve used cars in a year but fails to get a dealer’s license. Typically, an

unlicensed dealer sells cars one at a time from the unlicensed dealer’s home or

business. If you buy a qualifying car from an unlicensed dealer, then

your car is covered by the used car warranty law. In such a case, you

are legally entitled to warranty coverage even if the unlicensed dealer fails to

give you any written warranty documents.

Exclusions

Remember that the used car you buy might not be covered by the used car

warranty law. The following cars are excluded from the law, and although a

dealer may still choose to offer a warranty, these cars are usually sold “as is:”

• Cars with 75,000 miles or more;

• Cars sold for less than $3,000;

• Custom-built cars, or cars modied for show or racing;

If you buy a qualifying

car from an unlicensed

dealer, then your car

is covered by the used

car warranty law.

The used car warranty

law applies only if you

buy your car from a

used car dealer.

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

• Cars that are eight years of age or older;

• Cars purchased primarily for business or agricultural use;

• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 9,000 pounds;

• Vehicles manufactured in limited quantities;

• Vehicles not manufactured in accordance with federal emission

standards;

• Diesel engine vehicles; and

• Salvaged vehicles.

The “Buyers Guide”

A federal rule requires that dealers post a notice called a “Buyers

Guide” in the side window of all used cars offered for sale. If a car

is covered by the state’s used car warranty law or another warranty, then the

dealer must check the “dealer warranty” box on the Buyers Guide. The dealer

must also describe the terms and length of the warranty on the Buyers Guide.

If a car is not covered by the warranty law and no warranty is offered, then the

“as is—no dealer warranty” box must be checked.

Even if the car you buy is covered under the used car warranty law, you may

waive warranty coverage for a particular part. In order for warranty coverage

to be waived, the dealer must disclose on the Buyers Guide that the part is not

working properly, and you must sign and circle this statement.

The Dealer’s Duty Under the Warranty

If a malfunction, defect, or failure in a covered part occurs during

the warranty period, then the dealer must repair or replace the

part at no charge to the car buyer. However, to protect your rights under

the warranty, you must promptly notify the dealer of the problem within the

warranty period, and you must arrange to have the vehicle taken to the dealer

for inspection and repair.

If the dealer does not have a repair facility, the dealer will tell you where to

take the vehicle for inspection and repair under the warranty. If it is impossible

or unreasonable to return the vehicle to the dealer, you may have the repairs

done somewhere else with the dealer’s consent. If a part is repaired or replaced

under the car’s warranty, the warranty for that part is extended from the date of

repair for an additional warranty period.

For example, if your car’s transmission is repaired under its used car warranty,

then the transmission remains under warranty for an additional 30 days or

1,000 miles (or 60 days or 2,500 miles) from the date of the repair.

If a malfunction, defect,

or failure in a covered

part occurs during the

warranty period, then

the dealer must repair

or replace the part at no

charge to the car buyer.

Review the “Buyers

Guide” sticker in the

window for information

about the car.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

The dealer is not responsible for any malfunctions, defects, or failures that

occur after the warranty period expires, nor is the dealer responsible for repair

of parts not covered by the warranty.

Refunds

A dealer may decide to refund the purchase price of your car,

rather than repair or replace a warranty part. If the dealer gives you

a refund, you must return the vehicle to the dealer. The refund must include

all the charges , fees, and taxes you paid, including towing expenses, minus a

reasonable deduction for your use of the vehicle.

Remember that the dealer has the choice of correcting the warranty problem

or giving you a refund; the law does not give the car buyer the right to demand

a refund of the purchase price.

Ordinary Maintenance

A warranty given under the used car warranty law does not cover ordinary

maintenance of your car. Thus, repair or replacement of maintenance items

(such as spark plugs, ignition points, lters, uids, lubricants and oil, and

brake pads) is your responsibility. The warranty does not cover normal wear

and tear.

Limits on the Warranty

The warranty does not cover any repair problems caused by collisions, abuse,

negligence, or lack of adequate maintenance after you buy the car. The dealer

is not required to repair any parts still covered by the original factory warranty,

or parts that the manufacturer agrees to repair at no charge.

Bringing a Lawsuit

If a used car dealer fails to comply with the warranty law, you may bring a

lawsuit against the dealer. Any lawsuit under the used car warranty law must

be brought within one year after the warranty expires.

Often, you will be able to bring your case in conciliation court, where the

procedures are relatively informal and you will not be required to hire an

attorney.

Much of the expense of owning a car comes after you buy it. After three or four

years of driving, the mufer may roar, the brakes may grind, the windshield

wiper uid may leak, or the radio may go out. Slowly but surely, your vehicle

will begin to show signs of age. As Murphy’s Law says, “anything that can go

wrong, will go wrong” just after the warranty has run out!

There are some

limitations on the

used car warranty.

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

Know the Difference Between Service Contracts

and the Used Car Warranty Law

If you are offered an “extended warranty” at an additional cost, this is probably

a service contract, not a warranty. Service contracts provide limited coverage

for the car, so you should read the service contract carefully before deciding

whether you want to buy this coverage. Furthermore, the service contract may

require you to prove that you completed regular maintenance (oil changes,

etc.) on the vehicle or obtain pre-approval before a repair is made. You should

also be aware that a service contract is frequently a prot item for the dealer;

like any other add-on, the cost may be negotiated.

For additional information about motor vehicle service contracts, see Motor

Vehicle Service Contract Offers published by the Minnesota Attorney

General’s Ofce.

For more

information about

service contracts,

see Motor Vehicle

Service Contract

Offers published by

the Minnesota Attorney

General’s Ofce.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Truth in Repairs Act

Your Rights When Your Car Is Repaired

Minnesota’s Truth in Repairs Act (Minn. Stat. §§ 325F.56–325F.66)

spells out the rights and obligations of repair shops and their

customers for repairs that cost more than $100 and less than

$7,500.

Know your rights before you take your car in for repairs:

• You have the right to receive a written estimate for repair work

before the work commences, if you request one. A shop may impose

an additional charge for making the estimate, including a charge for

disassembly, diagnosis, and reassembly needed to make the estimate, if

the customer is told about the charge before the estimate is issued.

• Once you receive this estimate, the shop generally may not charge more

than 10 percent above the estimated cost.

• The shop is required to provide you with an invoice if the repairs

cost more than $50, and/or the work is done under a manufacturer’s

warranty, service contract, or an insurance policy.

• The shop cannot perform any unnecessary or unauthorized repairs. If,

after repairs are begun, a shop determines that additional work needs to

be done, the shop may exceed the price of the written estimate, but only

after it has informed you and provided you with a revised estimate. If

you authorize the additional work, the shop may not charge more than

10 percent above the revised estimate.

• Before the shop actually begins repairs, you have the right to ask for

and receive replaced parts, unless those parts are under warranty or

other restrictions. In that case, they must be returned by the shop to the

manufacturer, distributor, or other person. You may pay an additional

charge for retrieving parts because the shop usually can sell them.

However, if you are not allowed to keep the old parts you will have an

opportunity to examine them for up to ve days after the repair.

Know your rights

before you take your

car in for repairs.

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

Resolving Repair Disputes

Billing, the quality of repairs, and warranties can all lead to disputes. Don’t

let it be “my word against yours.” Keep all written estimates and

bills. Car repair shops should give you more than a bill with the repair cost

when repairs are complete. They should give you a complete breakdown of

what they did, including the cost of each part, labor charges, and the vehicle’s

odometer reading when the vehicle entered the shop and when the repair was

completed. Save this invoice in case you have any problems. Write down your

experiences along with dates and names of the people with whom you dealt.

If you have a dispute over a repair or charge, try to settle the problem with

the shop manager or owner rst. Some businesses have special programs for

handling disputes. If this doesn’t work, you may want to seek help from the

Attorney General’s Ofce. There also may be a low-cost alternative dispute

resolution program available in your community. In addition, you may want

to consider ling a claim in small claims court (also called conciliation court),

where you don’t need a lawyer to represent you.

For additional information about small claims or conciliation court, see

Conciliation Court: A User’s Guide to Small Claims Court published by the

Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce.

Salvaged Cars

Oftentimes buyers are not aware that they are buying a rebuilt or salvaged car.

Minnesota law requires car dealers to tell buyers if the car they’re interested

in buying has been branded as salvaged or rebuilt. The law requires that the

title documents for salvaged cars receive a “brand,” or a permanent written

disclosure about an auto’s prior salvage history. Don’t be fooled by a freshly

painted car.

For additional information on buying, leasing, and owning a car, see

The Car Handbook published by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce.

Don’t let it be “my

word against theirs.”

Keep all written

estimates and bills.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Resources

National Highway Trafc Safety Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,

Washington, DC 20590

www.nhtsa.gov

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Driver and Vehicle Services Division

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190

Saint Paul MN 55101

Vehicle Services: (651) 297-2126

TTY: (651) 282-6555

www.dps.mn.gov

Minnesota Department of Commerce

85 7th Place East, Suite 280

St. Paul, MN 55101

(651) 539-1500 or (800) 657-3602

www.mn.gov/commerce

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota

220 South River Ridge Circle

Burnsville, MN 55337

(651) 699-1111 or (800) 646-6222

www.bbb.org/minnesota

MINNESOTA’S CAR LAWS

OFFICE OF MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL LORI SWANSON

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400, St. Paul, MN 55101

(651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)

(800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)

TTY: (651) 297-7206 or (800) 366-4812

www.ag.state.mn.us

OFFICE OF MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL LORI SWANSON

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400, St. Paul, MN 55101

(651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)

(800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)

TTY: (651) 297-7206 or (800) 366-4812

www.ag.state.mn.us

- Car Handbook*

- Conciliation Court*

- Credit Handbook

- Guarding Your Privacy:

Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

- Home Building and Remodeling

- Home Buyer’s Handbook

- Home Seller’s Handbook

- Landlords and Tenants:

Rights and Responsibilities*

- Managing Your Health Care

- Manufactured Home Parks*

- Minnesota’s Car Laws

- Phone Handbook

- Probate and Planning: A Guide

to Planning for the Future

- Seniors’ Legal Rights

- Student Loan Handbook

- Veterans and Service Members

*Available in Spanish

Consumer Questions or Complaints

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce answers questions regarding numerous consumer issues. The Attorney

General’s Ofce also provides assistance in resolving disputes between Minnesota consumers and businesses and

uses information from consumers to enforce the state’s civil laws. We welcome your calls!

Additional Publications

Additional consumer publications are available from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce. Contact us to receive

copies or preview the publications on our website at www.ag.state.mn.us.

If you have a consumer complaint, you may

contact the Attorney General’s Ofce in writing:

Minnesota Attorney General’s Ofce

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400

St. Paul, MN 55101

You can also receive direct assistance from a

consumer specialist by calling:

(651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)

(800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)

TTY: (651) 297-7206 or (800) 366-4812

(TTY numbers are for callers using

teletypewriter devices.)