Instructions on How to Give Notice to the Manufacturer for a Virginia Lemon Law Buyback

Send a Certified/Return Receipt requested letter to the manufacturer. Make a copy of your letter for your records. Please include the following information:

- Identify the vehicle - year, make, model, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

- List the dates you have taken it back and for what problems, and that you want the problems corrected once and for all.

- Include a copy (you keep original) of each repair order.

- Request a buyback under the Virginia Lemon Law if they are unable to fix the problems.

- Keep a signed copy of the letter.

- Send the letter Certified/Return Receipt - The manufacturer has 15 days from their date of receipt to make a final repair. The date will be stamped on the green card when you receive it back from the Post Office. If the manufacturer does not contact you to schedule a repair within the 15 days, wait out the 15 days and then call The Consumer Law Group at 804-282-7900. If the manufacturer contacts you, makes a final repair attempt, and the problem returns, then call The Consumer Law Group at 804-282-7900. If the manufacturer offers to buyback or to replace the vehicle, call The Consumer Law Group at 804-282-7900 to make sure you are getting a good deal.

- Keep the green certified return receipt card, where the recipient signed for the letter and dated it , with a copy of your letter.

- Remember that you have 18 months from your date of purchase to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. The sending of the letter to the manufacturer does NOT extend the 18-month deadline. The only way to extend the 18-month deadline is to go through arbitration prior to the deadline.

You can view a Sample Letter to Put the Manufacturer on Notice on our website in our Library or Resources section.

Consumer Help