Substantially Impair

    This means to significantly diminish or lessen the use of the vehicle, value or safety to the buyer. Certainly defects that cause the vehicle not to start, not to stop, or impair one's ability to operate the vehicle would be substantial impairments. Significant paint defects or defects to key components, like the air conditioning system, might also be considered substantial impairments as well. Whether a defect is a substantial impairment is a decision for the judge or jury in a contested case.