South Carolina Lemon Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced South Carolina lemon law attorneys who can force manufacturers to refund or replace your defective vehicle. South Carolina’s Lemon Law (S.C. Code § 56-28-10 et seq.) covers new vehicles for 1 year or 12,000 miles, and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides nationwide backup. We’ll match you with the right attorney at no cost to get started.

Under S.C. Code § 56-28-30, a vehicle is presumed a lemon if, within 1 year or 12,000 miles, the manufacturer cannot repair a nonconformity after 3 attempts, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative days.

SC’s Lemon Law applies only to new vehicles. Magnuson-Moss, the SC UCC implied warranty, and the SCUTPA protect used buyers.

Yes. SC’s definition of consumer includes lessees obligated to make payments.

Consumers must give the manufacturer written notice and a final opportunity to repair before suing. S.C. Code § 56-28-50.

The consumer. S.C. Code § 56-28-30 gives the consumer the right to select refund (less a reasonable use offset) or a comparable replacement.

S.C. Code § 56-28-90, S.C. Code § 39-5-140 (SCUTPA), and 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2) all shift attorney fees to the manufacturer.

SC’s Lemon Law generally applies to vehicles registered in South Carolina. Magnuson-Moss applies nationwide.

Why Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s Lemon Law (S.C. Code § 56-28-10 to § 56-28-110) covers new motor vehicles for 1 year or 12,000 miles, and provides for refund or replacement when the manufacturer cannot repair a substantial defect after 3 attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative days. South Carolina’s 3-attempt trigger is more consumer-friendly than the 4-attempt standard of most states. The SC Unfair Trade Practices Act (S.C. Code § 39-5-10) authorizes treble damages and attorney fees for unfair practices. An experienced attorney layers these statutes with the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301).

When Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney in South Carolina?

Our network includes South Carolina lemon law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Lemon Law Cases in South Carolina

From the moment you connect with a South Carolina lemon law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Not documenting every repair attempt with a dated dealer repair order

Letting a non-dealer shop perform warranty repairs

Skipping the pre-suit written notice required by S.C. Code § 56-28-50

Letting the short 1-year/12,000-mile coverage period expire

Failing to plead the SCUTPA for treble damages

Missing the 3-year SOL under S.C. Code § 56-28-90

Not documenting every repair attempt with a dated dealer repair order

Letting a non-dealer shop perform warranty repairs

Skipping the pre-suit written notice required by S.C. Code § 56-28-50

Letting the short 1-year/12,000-mile coverage period expire

Failing to plead the SCUTPA for treble damages

Missing the 3-year SOL under S.C. Code § 56-28-90

Common South Carolina Lemon Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do South Carolina Lemon Law Attorneys Cost?

Out of pocket — state law shifts your attorney fees to the wrongdoer. You keep your full recovery.

South Carolina’s Lemon Law (S.C. Code § 56-28-90), the SCUTPA (§ 39-5-140, with treble damages), and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2)) are all fee-shifting — the manufacturer pays the prevailing consumer’s reasonable attorney fees on top of the recovery. Most SC lemon law attorneys take cases with no fee deducted from the consumer’s refund or replacement.

What Can Your South Carolina Lemon Law Compensation Include?

Full Refund

Full purchase price (taxes, registration, finance charges) less a reasonable use offset under S.C. Code § 56-28-30.

Comparable Replacement Vehicle

A new vehicle of comparable value with manufacturer paying taxes and registration.

Cash & Keep Settlement

A negotiated cash payment with the consumer keeping the vehicle.

Treble Damages (SCUTPA)

S.C. Code § 39-5-140 allows up to 3x actual damages plus attorney fees for unfair or deceptive practices.

Attorney Fees (Fee-Shifting)

S.C. Code § 56-28-90, § 39-5-140 (SCUTPA), and 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2) all shift attorney fees to the manufacturer.

Incidental & Consequential Damages

Towing, rental cars, finance charges, and registration costs.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

South Carolina Lemon Law Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney in South Carolina?

When Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney in South Carolina?

Types of Lemon Law Cases in South Carolina

Common South Carolina Lemon Law Mistakes

How Much Do South Carolina Lemon Law Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your South Carolina Lemon Law Compensation Include?

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