Automobile Consumer Protection Act of 1983

Summary

Automobile Consumer Protection Act of 1983 - Authorizes a consumer to notify the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer that an automobile does not conform to all applicable warranties. Requires such nonconformity to be corrected at no charge even though the corrections may have to be made after the expiration of the warranty period. Provides that if the defect or condition not in conformity with the warranty cannot be corrected after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either replace the motor vehicle with a comparable one or refund the full purchase price less a reasonable allowance for mileage and any damage not attributable to normal wear and tear. Permits a manufacturer to allege as an affirmative defense to any such claim either that: (1) the nonconformity does not substantially impair the value of the motor vehicle; or (2) it is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modification or alterations. States that if a manufacturer has established an informal dispute procedure, the refund or replacement requirements will not apply unless the consumer resorts to such procedures. Prohibits a consumer from waiving, limiting, or disclaiming these provisions. Requires an action brought under these provisions to be commenced within four years after the date of the original delivery of the motor vehicle. Permits the court to award attorney's fees to a prevailing plaintiff.

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Timeline

1. 4 August 1983

   Referred

   Referred to Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection and Finance.

   Source: Committee

2. 4 August 1983

   Introduced

   Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 4 August 1983

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 4 August 1983

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

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Versions

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Documents

1 official file

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 4 August 1983

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Mitchell, Parren J. [D-MD-7] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Morrison, Bruce A. [D-CT-3] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Oakar, Mary Rose [D-OH-20] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-20] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Owens, Major R. [D-NY-11] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Stokes, Louis [D-OH-11] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Frost, Martin [D-TX-24] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Hawkins, Augustus F. [D-CA-29] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Moakley, John Joseph [D-MA-9] · D · Cosponsor
• · hsif00 · Standing

Related records

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