Recreational Vehicles (RVs) Under Michigan Lemon Law

Recreational vehicles are explicitly excluded from coverage under Michigan’s Lemon Law. MCL § 257.1401(e) excludes motor homes from the “motor vehicle” definition.

For RV buyers, Magnuson-Moss provides federal-court remedies — including mandatory attorney fees under § 2310(d)(2) — and remains the primary tool.

Coverage limitations

• Motor home chassis — generally not covered (Michigan Lemon Law’s exclusion is broader than some states).
• Motor home coach — not covered.
• Towable RVs — not covered by the Lemon Law.

The chassis-vs-coach distinction in other states

Some states cover the chassis side of motor homes. Michigan instead excludes motor homes outright by vehicle type under MCL § 257.1401, so Magnuson-Moss is the primary tool for both chassis and coach defects in Michigan RV cases.

Common RV defect categories

• Slide-out failures.
• Leveling system failures.
• Plumbing and water system issues.
• Electrical systems.
• HVAC (particularly heating issues — important in Michigan winter storage).
• Roof leaks (often discovered after Michigan winter freeze/thaw).
• Chassis-side issues.

What you should do

1. Pull every repair order from chassis and coach.
2. Document time-out-of-service.
3. Note specific failures.
4. File Magnuson-Moss federal action in E.D. or W.D. Mich.
5. Get a free case review from a Michigan attorney with RV experience.

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