The Manufacturer's Response in a Rhode Island Lemon Law Claim

Once you satisfy the presumption and file, the manufacturer’s response shapes the rest of a Rhode Island lemon-law claim — starting with the 7-calendar-day final cure.

The 7-calendar-day final cure

Once the 4-attempt or 30-calendar-day threshold is met, the manufacturer is afforded one additional opportunity to cure — not to exceed 7 calendar days (§ 31-5.2-5), even after the term of protection expires. Cooperate, but:

• Keep the repair order documenting the visit and result.
• A failed final cure confirms the presumption.

Common manufacturer responses

• Successful cure — if genuinely fixed, the claim may resolve.
• Another “no problem found” — adds to your attempt count if you reported the defect.
• Goodwill offer (extended warranty, partial credit) — often below a full refund.
• Refund or replacement offer — remember the consumer elects between them.
• Contesting eligibility at the Board.

Common defenses

• The defect does not substantially impair use, market value, or safety.
• The problem resulted from abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modification.
• The defect was cured within a reasonable number of attempts (or on the final cure).
• The claim is outside the term of protection or the SOL.

Clean documentation defeats these.

The bonded appeal, $25/day, and double-award consequences

Rhode Island puts real pressure on a manufacturer that loses arbitration:

• Only the manufacturer can appeal — and must post a bond equal to the award plus $2,500 (§ 31-5.2-7.1(g)(2)).
• The consumer collects $25 per day for continued loss of use.
• A frivolous or unreasonable appeal doubles the total award.

These discourage a manufacturer from appealing a meritorious claim just to delay.

Bottom line

Cooperate with the 7-day final cure, document everything, and recognize the affirmative defenses. Rhode Island’s bonded manufacturer-only appeal, $25/day continuing damages, and double-award rule put strong pressure on a manufacturer that has failed to repair. Get a free case review.

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