How to File a Rhode Island Lemon Law Claim

Filing a Rhode Island claim under § 31-5.2 follows a defined sequence, anchored by documented repair attempts, the 7-day final cure, and the Attorney General’s Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board.

Step 1 — Document repair attempts

Within the term of protection (one year or 15,000 miles):

• 4 or more attempts for the same nonconformity; OR
• 30 or more cumulative calendar days out of service.

Keep every repair order and a running log of in/out dates. See documenting evidence.

Step 2 — Allow the 7-calendar-day final cure

Once the threshold is met, the manufacturer must be afforded one additional opportunity to cure — not to exceed 7 calendar days (§ 31-5.2-5), even if the term has expired. Document this final attempt; a failed cure strengthens your case.

Step 3 — File with the Arbitration Board

File a request with the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board:

• $20 consumer filing fee.
• Decision within 90 days of the eligibility determination.
• The consumer elects refund or replacement.

Step 4 — Collect, and watch for the appeal

If the Board finds for you:

• Refund or replacement (manufacturer has 30 days).
• $25/day for continued loss of use.
• Only the manufacturer can appeal — and must post a bond equal to the award plus $2,500; a frivolous appeal doubles the award.

Step 5 — Mind the deadline

Bring the action within 3 years of original delivery or 2 years of reaching 15,000 miles, whichever is earlier (§ 31-5.2-12). The DTPA and Magnuson-Moss (4 years) run longer.

Common filing mistakes

• Skipping the 7-day final cure — the presumption won’t apply without it.
• Missing the short term of protection (one year / 15,000 miles) for the underlying repair history.
• Missing the § 31-5.2-12 SOL.

Bottom line

Document attempts (4 or 30 calendar days), allow the 7-day final cure, file with the AG’s Arbitration Board ($20, 90-day decision), and elect your remedy — with $25/day and a doubled award protecting you if the manufacturer appeals. Get a free case review.

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