New Car Lemon Laws by State (2026)
Each state's new-car lemon law: coverage period, repair attempts and remedies.
| State | New car lemon law |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama's lemon law covers new or previously untitled motor vehicles bought mainly for personal, family or household use; it does not cover motor homes or vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. The "lemon law rights period" is the first year after delivery or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. A defect that significantly impairs use, value or safety and is reported in that period must be repaired. The manufacturer is presumed to have had reasonable repair attempts if, within 24 months or 24,000 miles, the same defect was subject to repair three or more times plus a final repair attempt, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs a total of 30 calendar days. If the defect is not fixed, the consumer can choose a comparable new vehicle or a refund of the contract price and collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for use. Ala. Code §§ 8-20A-1, 8-20A-2 |
| Alaska | Alaska's Motor Vehicle Warranties Act covers new four-wheel vehicles normally used for personal, family or household purposes (not tractors, farm or off-road vehicles). If the manufacturer or dealer cannot fix a defect that substantially impairs use or market value after a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever ends first, the manufacturer must, at the owner's choice, replace the vehicle or refund the full purchase price minus a reasonable allowance for use. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed after three or more repairs of the same problem, or 30 or more business days out of service, within that period. The owner must send written notice by certified mail within 60 days after the warranty or one-year period ends; the manufacturer may make one final repair attempt within 30 days of the notice. AS 45.45.300–45.45.360 |
| Arizona | Arizona's lemon law covers new motor vehicles bought or leased by consumers (not vehicles over 10,000 pounds declared gross weight or bought at public auction; for motor homes, only the vehicle and chassis). Defects must be reported during the express warranty or within two years or 24,000 miles of delivery, whichever is shorter. If the manufacturer cannot fix a defect that substantially impairs use and value after a reasonable number of attempts, it must replace the vehicle or refund the full purchase price, including collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for use. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed after four or more repairs of the same problem, or 30 or more calendar days out of service, in that period, but only if the manufacturer received direct written notice and a chance to fix the defect. A lawsuit must be filed within six months after the warranty or two-year/24,000-mile period ends, and a winning consumer gets reasonable costs and attorney fees. A.R.S. §§ 44-1261 to 44-1265 |
| Arkansas | Arkansas's lemon law covers new or previously untitled motor vehicles bought or leased by consumers (not mopeds, motorcycles, the living quarters of motor homes, or vehicles over 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating other than motor homes). Defects reported during the "motor vehicle quality assurance period" (24 months or 24,000 miles from delivery, whichever is later) must be repaired. After three repair attempts for the same defect, or one attempt for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, the consumer must notify the manufacturer by certified or registered mail and allow a final repair attempt. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed after that, or after 30 cumulative calendar days out of service, or five or more repair attempts on separate occasions for defects that together substantially impair the vehicle. If the vehicle still is not fixed, the manufacturer must within 40 days replace it or repurchase it, with a reasonable offset for use; the consumer has an unconditional right to choose a refund. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 4-90-403, 4-90-405, 4-90-406, 4-90-410 |
| California | California's lemon law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, including the Tanner Consumer Protection Act) covers new motor vehicles bought or used mainly for personal, family or household purposes, plus new vehicles under 10,000 pounds bought for business use by someone with no more than five vehicles registered in California; it includes demonstrators and the driving portion of motor homes but not motorcycles or off-road vehicles. It is presumed that the manufacturer had a reasonable number of repair attempts if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, whichever comes first: a defect likely to cause death or serious injury was repaired two or more times; the same defect was repaired four or more times; or the vehicle was out of service for repairs more than 30 calendar days in total. (For the first two, the buyer must have directly notified the manufacturer at least once, if the manufacturer disclosed that requirement.) If the manufacturer cannot fix the vehicle, it must replace it (if the buyer agrees) or make restitution. Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1793.2(d), 1793.22 |
| Colorado | Colorado's lemon law covers new private passenger vehicles, including pickups and vans, that carry no more than ten people and are sold to consumers in Colorado for personal, family or household use; it does not cover motor homes, vehicles with three or fewer wheels, or vehicles modified for commercial use. Defects reported within two years or 24,000 miles of delivery, whichever is earlier, must be repaired. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, in that period, the same defect was repaired three or more times, the vehicle was out of service 24 or more business days, or a safety-related defect (likely to cause death or serious injury, or a fire or explosion risk) was repaired two or more times, and the problem remains. The consumer must first notify the manufacturer by certified mail and give it ten business days to fix the defect. If it cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must, at the manufacturer's option, replace the vehicle or refund the full purchase price, taxes and fees, minus a reasonable allowance for use. Suits must be filed within 30 months of original delivery. C.R.S. §§ 42-10-101 to 42-10-107 |
| Connecticut | Connecticut's lemon law covers new passenger and commercial-passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles sold or leased in Connecticut. Defects reported within two years or the first 24,000 miles, whichever ends first, must be repaired. If the manufacturer cannot fix a defect that substantially impairs use, safety or value after a reasonable number of attempts, it must replace the vehicle with one acceptable to the consumer, or take it back and refund the full contract price, collateral charges (such as sales tax and registration), certain finance charges and incidental damages, minus a reasonable allowance for use. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed after four or more repairs of the same defect, or 30 or more calendar days out of service, in that period; for a defect that is a serious safety hazard, two repair attempts within the warranty term or one year is enough. The consumer must give the manufacturer written notice only if the manufacturer clearly disclosed that requirement in the warranty or owner's manual. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-179 |
| Delaware | Delaware's lemon law covers passenger motor vehicles bought or leased in Delaware or registered by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (excluding motor home living quarters). A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, within the warranty term or one year from delivery, whichever is earlier, substantially the same defect was repaired four or more times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs more than 30 calendar days in total. The presumption applies only if the manufacturer received direct written notice and a chance to repair. If the defect is not fixed, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable new one acceptable to the consumer or repurchase it and refund the full purchase price and related costs, minus a limited allowance for use; the consumer has an unqualified right to choose a refund instead of a replacement. 6 Del. C. §§ 5001, 5003, 5004 |
| District of Columbia | D.C.'s lemon law covers new motor vehicles. Defects must be reported to the manufacturer, its agent or dealer within the first 18,000 miles or two years after delivery, whichever comes first, and must be fixed at no charge. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, in that period and after notice from the consumer, the same non-safety defect was repaired four or more times, a safety-related defect was repaired one or more times, or the vehicle was out of service 30 or more days in total, and the problem still exists. If a defect that significantly impairs the vehicle cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must, at the consumer's option, replace it with a comparable vehicle or refund the full purchase price including taxes and fees, minus up to 10 cents per mile for use beyond the first 12,000 miles and any damage not from normal wear. Any agreement waiving these rights is void. D.C. Code §§ 50-502, 50-504 |
| Florida | Florida's lemon law covers new vehicles sold in Florida, including recreational vehicles (except the living quarters), demonstrators and leased vehicles, but not motorcycles, mopeds, off-road vehicles or trucks over 10,000 pounds. The "Lemon Law rights period" is the 24 months after original delivery. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, during that period, the same defect was repaired at least three times plus a final repair attempt by the manufacturer (after the consumer's written notice) and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs a total of 30 or more days (60 for recreational vehicles). If the defect substantially impairs use, value or safety and cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must, within 40 days, repurchase the vehicle and refund the full purchase price, or replace it with a vehicle acceptable to the consumer, in either case less a reasonable offset for use and including collateral and incidental charges. The consumer has an unconditional right to choose a refund. Fla. Stat. §§ 681.102, 681.104 |
| Georgia | Georgia's lemon law covers new motor vehicles bought or leased for personal, family or household use, or as one of 10 or fewer vehicles a business buys or leases each year; it does not cover motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, boats, trucks over 12,000 pounds or the living quarters of motor homes. The "lemon law rights period" is the first 24 months or 24,000 miles after delivery, whichever comes first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is deemed to have been made if, during that period, a serious safety defect was repaired once and not fixed, the same defect was repaired three times and not fixed, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs a total of 30 days. The consumer must then notify the manufacturer by certified mail or overnight delivery, and the manufacturer has 28 days for a final repair attempt. If the vehicle is a lemon, the manufacturer must replace or repurchase it. O.C.G.A. § 10-1-784; Georgia Attorney General, Georgia Lemon Law |
| Hawaii | Hawaii's lemon law covers motor vehicles used mainly for personal, family or household purposes, including motorcycles (not motor scooters or mopeds), demonstrators, and certain vehicles also used for business; it does not cover vehicles over 10,000 pounds. The "lemon law rights period" is the manufacturer's warranty term, two years from delivery, or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, in that period, the same defect was examined or repaired at least three times and still exists, a defect likely to cause death or serious injury was examined or repaired at least once and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs 30 or more business days. The presumption applies only if the manufacturer received the consumer's written report and a reasonable chance to repair. If the defect cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must provide a replacement vehicle or take it back and refund the full purchase price and collateral and incidental charges, minus a reasonable offset for use. Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 481I-2, 481I-3 |
| Idaho | New motor vehicle defects reported during the express warranty, the first two years after delivery, or the first 24,000 miles, whichever ends earliest, must be repaired. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, in that period, the same defect was repaired four or more times and still exists (the manufacturer must have had at least one chance to repair it), the vehicle was out of service for repairs 30 or more business days in total, or a defect causing complete failure of the braking or steering system that is likely to cause death or serious injury was repaired at least once. If a defect impairing use or market value cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or refund what the consumer paid (capped at 105% of the manufacturer's suggested retail price) plus taxes, fees and certain towing and rental costs, minus a mileage-based allowance for use. The consumer may reject a replacement and insist on a refund. Idaho Code §§ 48-902, 48-903 |
| Illinois | Illinois's New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act covers new passenger cars, light trucks under 8,000 pounds and recreational vehicles bought or leased (for at least a year) mainly for personal, family or household use. The "statutory warranty period" is one year or 12,000 miles after delivery, whichever comes first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, within that period, the same defect was repaired four or more times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs 30 or more business days. If the defect cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must provide a comparable replacement vehicle or take it back and refund the full purchase price or lease cost, including collateral charges (not including taxes), minus a reasonable allowance for use. 815 ILCS 380/2, 380/3 (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act) |
| Indiana | Indiana's lemon law covers self-propelled vehicles under 10,000 pounds sold to buyers in Indiana and intended for highway use (not conversion vans, motor homes or farm tractors). The "term of protection" ends 18 months after delivery or at 18,000 miles, whichever comes first; defects reported in that time must be repaired even after it ends. A reasonable number of attempts is considered made if the defect was repaired at least four times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs at least 30 business days and the defect still exists. If the defect cannot be corrected, the manufacturer must take the vehicle back and, at the buyer's option, within 30 days refund the full contract price (minus a reasonable allowance for use) or provide a comparable replacement, and must reimburse necessary towing and rental costs. Ind. Code §§ 24-5-13-5, 24-5-13-7, 24-5-13-8, 24-5-13-10, 24-5-13-15 |
| Iowa | Iowa's lemon law covers self-propelled vehicles bought or leased in Iowa for highway use (not mopeds, motorcycles, autocycles, motor homes or vehicles over 15,000 pounds). The "lemon law rights period" is the manufacturer's warranty term, two years from delivery, or the first 24,000 miles, whichever ends first. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if, during that period, the same defect substantially impairing the vehicle was examined or repaired at least three times plus a final repair attempt by the manufacturer, a defect likely to cause death or serious injury was examined or repaired at least once plus a final attempt, or the vehicle was out of service 30 or more days in total. If the vehicle is not fixed, the manufacturer must replace it with one acceptable to the consumer or repurchase it and refund the full purchase or lease price, including collateral and incidental charges, minus a reasonable offset for use; the consumer has an unconditional right to choose a refund. Iowa Code ch. 322G (§§ 322G.2, 322G.4) |
| Kansas | Kansas's lemon law covers new motor vehicles sold or leased in Kansas and registered for 12,000 pounds or less (not parts customized by second-stage manufacturers or converters). Defects reported during the warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever is earlier, must be repaired. If the manufacturer has actual notice, a reasonable number of attempts is presumed if, within that period, the same defect substantially impairing use and value was repaired four or more times and still exists, the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days in total, or there were 10 or more attempts to repair any such defects. If the vehicle cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must replace it with a comparable vehicle under warranty or take it back and refund the full purchase or lease price including collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for use. K.S.A. 50-645 |
| Kentucky | Kentucky's lemon law covers new motor vehicles bought or leased by a Kentucky resident in Kentucky. It does not cover motor homes, motorcycles, mopeds, farm tractors, vehicles with more than two axles, or vehicles substantially altered after the first sale. If the manufacturer cannot fix a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety after a reasonable number of attempts within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months after delivery (whichever comes first), the buyer must report the defect in writing to the manufacturer. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired four or more times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for repair of the same defect for a total of at least 30 calendar days. The manufacturer must then, at the buyer's choice, replace the vehicle or take it back and refund the full purchase price (including finance charges, sales tax, and license and registration fees), minus a reasonable allowance for use. Disputes over refund or replacement must first go through the manufacturer's dispute resolution program before a lawsuit. A lawsuit must be filed within two years after original delivery, and a court may award attorney's fees to a winning buyer. KRS 367.841, 367.842, 367.843 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana's motor vehicle warranty (lemon) law covers new passenger and passenger-commercial vehicles bought for personal, family or household use, plus personal watercraft and all-terrain vehicles used only for personal purposes; it also covers lessees and people to whom the vehicle is transferred during the warranty. Vehicles of 10,000 GVW or more and vehicles used only for commercial purposes are excluded. The consumer must report the defect to the manufacturer or a dealer and make the vehicle available for repair before the warranty expires or within one year after original delivery, whichever is earlier. If, within that period, the same defect has been subject to repair four or more times without success, or the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 45 or more calendar days, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable new one or accept its return and refund the full purchase price, amounts paid at the point of sale, and sales tax, license and registration fees, minus a reasonable allowance for use (leases have their own refund rules). If the manufacturer has an informal dispute program that complies with federal rules (16 C.F.R. Part 703), the consumer must use it first. Suit must be filed within three years of purchase or one year after the warranty ends, whichever is longer, and a consumer who wins in whole or in part is entitled to reasonable attorney fees. La. R.S. 51:1941, 51:1942, 51:1943, 51:1944, 51:1947 |
| Maine | Maine's lemon law covers motor vehicles sold or leased in Maine, except vehicles used primarily for commercial purposes with a gross vehicle weight of 8,500 pounds or more; governments and businesses that register three or more vehicles are not "consumers." The consumer must report the defect during the express warranty, within 3 years after original delivery, or within the first 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, within that period, the same defect was subject to repair 3 or more times and still exists; a defect causing a serious failure of the brakes or steering was subject to repair once; or the vehicle was out of service for repairs for a total of 15 or more business days. The consumer must then notify the manufacturer or dealer in writing that the consumer wants a refund or replacement, and the manufacturer gets a final 7-business-day opportunity to repair. If the defect still substantially impairs the vehicle's use, safety or value, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or take it back and refund the purchase price (or lease payments), finance charges, sales tax and registration fees, and reasonable towing, storage and alternative-transportation costs, minus a reasonable allowance for use; the consumer may reject a replacement and take a refund instead. The Department of the Attorney General administers a state-certified arbitration program for lemon law disputes. 10 M.R.S. §§ 1161, 1163 |
| Maryland | Maryland's lemon law covers new passenger vehicles, motorcycles, multipurpose vehicles and trucks with a rated capacity of 3/4 ton or less registered in Maryland; motor homes and fleet purchases of five or more vehicles are excluded. The protection period is the first 18,000 miles or 24 months after delivery, whichever comes first. The consumer must report the defect during that period by written notice to the manufacturer by certified mail, return receipt requested, and give the manufacturer a chance to fix it; repairs must be completed within 30 days of the manufacturer receiving the notice. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired 4 or more times and still exists, the vehicle was out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more days, or a brake or steering failure was repaired once without bringing the vehicle into compliance with state safety inspection laws. If a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use and market value cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must, at the consumer's option, replace the vehicle with a comparable one acceptable to the consumer or refund the full purchase price, including license and registration fees and similar charges, minus a reasonable allowance for use (no more than 15% of the purchase price) and for damage beyond normal wear. A lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of original delivery, and a court may award attorney's fees to a winning plaintiff. Md. Code, Com. Law §§ 14-1501, 14-1502 |
| Massachusetts | The new car lemon law covers motor vehicles sold or leased by a dealer or manufacturer; auto homes, off-road vehicles and vehicles used primarily for business are excluded. The protection period is one year or 15,000 miles from original delivery, whichever comes first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired three or more times and continues, or the vehicle was out of service for a total of 15 or more business days during that period; the manufacturer then gets one final repair chance of up to seven business days. If the defect is not fixed, the manufacturer must either replace the vehicle or refund the full contract price (including trade-in credit and incidental costs) minus an allowance for use; the consumer may refuse a replacement and choose a refund. A consumer can request state-certified arbitration within 18 months of original delivery. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 7N½ |
| Michigan | Michigan's lemon law covers new passenger vehicles, SUVs, pickup trucks and vans bought or leased in Michigan (or by a Michigan resident) that come with a manufacturer's express warranty; motor homes, buses, other trucks and vehicles with fewer than four wheels are excluded. Business buyers are covered only if they buy or lease fewer than 10 new vehicles a year. The defect must be reported during the express warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever is earlier. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired four or more times within two years and still exists (the consumer must give written notice after the third attempt, and the manufacturer then gets 5 business days to fix it), or the vehicle was out of service for 30 or more days during the warranty or first year. The manufacturer must then, within 30 days, replace the vehicle with a comparable one or refund the purchase price (the consumer may demand a refund), including collateral charges and towing/rental costs, minus a reasonable allowance for use. Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 257.1401, 257.1402, 257.1403 |
| Minnesota | Minnesota's lemon law covers new passenger cars, pickup trucks and vans (and the chassis of motor homes) used at least 40% for personal, family or household purposes. The manufacturer must repair defects reported during the express warranty or within two years of delivery, whichever is earlier. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired four or more times and continues, the vehicle was out of service a total of 30 or more business days, or a braking or steering defect likely to cause death or serious injury continues after one repair attempt; the consumer must first give the manufacturer written notice and a chance to fix it. If the defect substantially impairs use or market value and is not fixed, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or refund the full price (including taxes, fees, towing and rental costs), minus a use allowance of no more than 10 cents per mile or 10% of the price, whichever is less; the consumer may choose a refund. Consumers generally must first use the manufacturer's informal dispute program, and must sue within three years of delivery (or six months after the program's final decision). Minn. Stat. § 325F.665 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi's Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act covers motor vehicles sold in Mississippi for use on public roads, including demonstrators; motorcycles, mopeds, off-road vehicles, golf carts, low-speed vehicles and certain motor home parts are excluded. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if, within the warranty term or one year from delivery (whichever ends earlier), the same defect was repaired three or more times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service a total of 15 or more working days. The consumer must give the manufacturer written notice, and the manufacturer then has 10 working days after delivery to its repair facility to fix the problem. If it cannot, the consumer may choose a comparable replacement or a refund of the full purchase price plus collateral charges, minus 20 cents per mile driven. A lawsuit generally must be filed within one year after the warranty expires or 18 months after delivery, whichever is earlier (or within 90 days after an informal dispute panel's final action). A consumer who prevails may be awarded costs and attorney fees. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-17-155, 63-17-159 |
| Missouri | Missouri's lemon law covers new motor vehicles bought mainly for personal, family or household use, including demonstrators and lease-purchase vehicles sold with a manufacturer's warranty. It does not cover commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles, mopeds, electric bicycles, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles (except their chassis, engine, powertrain and component parts). Problems must be reported during the warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever ends first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if the same problem has been repaired four or more times and still exists, or the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more working days. The consumer must give the manufacturer written notice, and the manufacturer then has 10 calendar days after the vehicle reaches an authorized repair facility to fix it. If the problem cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must, at its option, replace the vehicle with a comparable new one acceptable to the consumer or refund the full purchase price plus collateral charges, less a reasonable allowance for use. If the manufacturer has a qualifying informal dispute program, the consumer must use it first before seeking a refund or replacement. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 407.560, 407.565, 407.567, 407.571, 407.573, 407.575 |
| Montana | Montana's lemon law (the New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act) covers new motor vehicles bought or leased for personal, family or household use, including the non-residential part of a motor home, but not trucks of 15,000 pounds or more gross vehicle weight rating. The warranty period for the law is 2 years from original delivery or the first 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. The consumer must notify the manufacturer in writing during that period; repairs reported in time must be made even after the period ends. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect has been repaired four or more times during the warranty period and still exists, or the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 30 or more business days during the warranty period after notice. If the defect substantially impairs use and market value or safety and cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a new one of the same model and equal value, or may instead refund the full purchase price plus reasonable collateral charges and incidental damages, less a reasonable allowance for use based on miles driven. A consumer who wants a refund or replacement and is refused must first use a dispute settlement program certified by the Montana Department of Justice. Mont. Code Ann. §§ 61-4-501 to 61-4-504; Montana Office of Consumer Protection, Vehicles and the Lemon Law |
| Nebraska | Nebraska's lemon law covers new motor vehicles sold in Nebraska, excluding recreational vehicles. A "consumer" includes a buyer of a vehicle normally used for personal, family, household or business purposes. Problems must be reported to the manufacturer, its agent or dealer during the warranty or within one year of original delivery, whichever is earlier. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if the same problem has been repaired four or more times in that period and still exists, or the vehicle has been out of service for repairs a total of 40 or more days; the presumption applies only if the manufacturer received prior written notice by certified mail and a chance to fix the defect. If a defect that substantially impairs use and market value cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable one or take it back and refund the full purchase price, including sales tax, license and registration fees, less a reasonable allowance for use. If the manufacturer has a dispute settlement procedure certified by the Director of Motor Vehicles, the consumer must use it before seeking a refund or replacement. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-2701 to 60-2705 |
| Nevada | Nevada's lemon law covers new motor vehicles bought for personal, family or household use (not motor homes or off-road vehicles). The buyer must report the defect in writing to the manufacturer before the express warranty expires or within 1 year after delivery to the original buyer, whichever is earlier; the manufacturer must then make the repairs even if they happen after that period. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same problem has been repaired four or more times in that period and still exists, or the vehicle has been out of service for repairs a total of 30 or more calendar days. If a defect that substantially impairs use and value cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable one or take it back and refund the full purchase price, including sales tax, license and registration fees, less a reasonable allowance for use. If the manufacturer has an informal dispute procedure that complies with federal rules, the buyer must use it first. A lawsuit must be filed within 18 months after original delivery. Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 597.600, 597.610, 597.620, 597.630, 597.650 |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire's lemon law covers new passenger vehicles, other four-wheel vehicles and motorcycles under 11,000 pounds gross weight, plus off-highway recreational vehicles and snowmobiles, while still under the manufacturer's express warranty. Purchasers and lessees are covered; government buyers are not. The defect must substantially impair the vehicle's use, value or safety and must be reported during the warranty term. It is presumed the manufacturer had a reasonable number of tries if the same defect was repaired at least 3 times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for a total of 30 or more business days during the warranty. The manufacturer gets one final chance to repair. Disputes go to the state's New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, which must hold a hearing within 40 days of receiving a complaint. At the consumer's choice, the remedy is a comparable replacement vehicle or a refund of the full purchase price, minus an allowance for the consumer's use of the vehicle. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. ch. 357-D (§§ 357-D:2, 357-D:3, 357-D:4, 357-D:5) |
| New Jersey | New Jersey's New Car Lemon Law applies to anyone who buys, leases or registers a new car or motorcycle in New Jersey; it also covers authorized emergency vehicles and portions of motor homes, but not vehicles registered for commercial use or motor home living quarters. Protection lasts 24,000 miles or two years from delivery. The defect must substantially impair the vehicle's use, value or safety, or be a serious safety defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. After two failed repair attempts for the same defect, or after the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 20 days (45 days for a motor home), or after one attempt for a serious safety defect, the consumer must send the manufacturer a certified "last chance" letter; the manufacturer then has 10 days to repair. If the defect remains, the consumer can apply to the Division's Lemon Law Unit for a hearing before an administrative law judge (filing fee $50, refunded if the consumer wins) and may be entitled to a refund. If the consumer wins, the manufacturer must pay reasonable attorney's fees. N.J.S.A. 56:12-29 to 56:12-49; N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs, "New Car Lemon Law" consumer brief (rev. 01/04/24) |
| New Mexico | New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act covers passenger vehicles—including cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles and vans—with a gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds, normally used for personal, family or household purposes, and sold and registered in New Mexico. The protection period is the express warranty term or one year from original delivery, whichever ends first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if the same defect has been repaired four or more times and still exists, or the vehicle has been in repair for a total of 30 or more business days during that period. The presumption applies only if the consumer has given the manufacturer prior direct written notice and a chance to fix the defect. If a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle cannot be fixed, the manufacturer must replace it with a comparable vehicle or refund the full purchase price, including collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for the consumer's use. NMSA 1978, §§ 57-16A-2, 57-16A-3 |
| New York | New York's New Car Lemon Law covers vehicles (other than off-road vehicles) used mainly for personal, family or household purposes that were bought, leased or transferred in New York or are registered here, while under the manufacturer's express warranty. Protection covers defects during the first 18,000 miles or two years from original delivery, whichever comes first. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if the same defect has been subject to repair four or more times and still exists, or the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more calendar days in that period. At the consumer's option, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable one or refund the full purchase or lease price plus fees and charges, minus an allowance for use beyond the first 12,000 miles and for damage beyond normal wear. Consumers may use the manufacturer's dispute program or the state arbitration program set up under Attorney General regulations (a filing fee applies). A court may award reasonable attorney's fees to a winning consumer. N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 198-a |
| North Carolina | North Carolina's New Motor Vehicles Warranties Act covers new motor vehicles sold or leased in North Carolina, except house trailers and vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Replacement or refund rights apply to a defect (nonconformity) that substantially impairs the vehicle's value and occurs within 24 months or 24,000 miles after original delivery, if the manufacturer cannot fix it after a reasonable number of attempts. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was presented for repair four or more times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service for a total of 20 or more business days during any 12-month period of the warranty. For the presumption to apply, the consumer generally must notify the manufacturer directly in writing and give it up to 15 calendar days to fix the problem (if the manufacturer disclosed this requirement). At the consumer's option, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable new one or take it back and refund the contract price, collateral charges and certain other costs, minus an allowance for use. A consumer must give written notice of intent to sue at least 10 days before filing, and damages can be trebled if the manufacturer unreasonably refused to comply. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 20-351.1, 20-351.3, 20-351.5, 20-351.7, 20-351.8 |
| North Dakota | North Dakota's lemon law covers new passenger motor vehicles and trucks with a registered gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less, bought or leased mainly for personal, family or household use (motor homes are excluded). If the consumer reports a defect during the express warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever ends first, the manufacturer must repair it. If a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use and market value cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or take it back and refund the full purchase price, including collateral charges, minus a use allowance of no more than 10 cents per mile or 10% of the price, whichever is less. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed when the same defect has been subject to repair more than three times, or the vehicle has been out of service for at least 30 business days, within the warranty term or one year (whichever is less); the manufacturer must first get direct notice and a chance to fix it. If the manufacturer has a qualifying informal dispute program, the consumer must use it first. A lawsuit must be filed within six months after the earlier of the warranty's expiration or 18 months after delivery. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 51-07-16 to 51-07-22 |
| Ohio | Ohio's lemon law (Nonconforming New Motor Vehicle Law) covers new passenger cars, noncommercial motor vehicles and parts of motor homes (not mobile homes or recreational vehicles), for buyers and lessees. If a defect covered by the warranty that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety is reported within one year or the first 18,000 miles, whichever comes first, the manufacturer must repair it even if repairs continue after that period. If it cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must, at the consumer's choice, replace the vehicle or refund the full purchase price plus incidental damages (such as towing, rental, meals and lodging). A reasonable number of attempts is presumed, within the first year or 18,000 miles, if the same problem was repaired three or more times and continues or recurs, the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days, there were eight or more repair attempts for any problems, or one attempt failed to fix a problem likely to cause death or serious injury. A consumer may sue within five years of delivery and recover attorney's fees and court costs; if the manufacturer has an Attorney General-approved arbitration program, it must be used first. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1345.71, 1345.72, 1345.73, 1345.75 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma's lemon law covers new motor vehicles that must be registered in Oklahoma, up to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, plus recreational vehicles of any weight. If the consumer reports a defect directly in writing to the manufacturer, its agent or dealer during the express warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever ends first, the manufacturer must make the needed repairs. If a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use and value cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either take the vehicle back and refund the full purchase price including taxes and government fees (but not interest), minus a use allowance, or replace it with a comparable new model the consumer accepts. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was subject to repair four or more times, or the vehicle was out of service for a cumulative 30 business days, within the warranty term or one year; the manufacturer must first receive direct written notice and a chance to fix it. If the manufacturer has a qualifying informal dispute program, the consumer must use it before seeking a refund or replacement. A consumer who wins in court recovers costs and reasonable attorney fees. Okla. Stat. tit. 15, § 901 |
| Oregon | Oregon's lemon law covers new passenger motor vehicles bought or leased in Oregon (or bought elsewhere and registered in Oregon) for personal, family or household use, including motorcycles and motor homes (but not their living-quarters components). The consumer must report each defect during the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the manufacturer must receive direct written notice and a chance to fix it. If a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, market value or safety is not fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or take it back and refund the full purchase or lease price and collateral charges, minus a use allowance. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed, within the two-year/24,000-mile period, if the same defect was repaired three or more times and continues, the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days (60 for a motor home), or a defect likely to cause death or serious injury was subject to repair at least once plus a final attempt. If the manufacturer has a qualifying informal dispute program, the consumer must use it first; its decision binds the manufacturer but not the consumer. A court may award attorney fees and, if the manufacturer did not act in good faith, up to three times damages (capped at $50,000 above the refund or replacement). Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 646A.400 to 646A.412 |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania's Automobile Lemon Law covers new vehicles designed to carry no more than 15 people, bought or leased and registered in Pennsylvania for personal, family or household use, including motorcycles (but not motor homes or off-road vehicles). The manufacturer must repair, at no cost, a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety that occurs within one year of delivery, the first 12,000 miles, or the warranty term, whichever comes first (for motorcycles, one year or the warranty term). If it fails after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must, at the buyer's choice, replace the vehicle with a comparable one or refund the full purchase or lease price, including collateral charges, minus a use allowance of no more than 10 cents per mile or 10% of the price, whichever is less; a refund must be paid within 30 days of the buyer's choice. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired three times and still exists, or the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days. If the manufacturer has a qualifying informal dispute program, the buyer must use it before suing, but its decision does not bind the buyer. A buyer who sues may recover reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs. 73 P.S. §§ 1951-1963 (Automobile Lemon Law, Act 28 of 1984, §§ 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island's lemon law covers automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and vans with a registered gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds (not motorized campers), bought or leased. The "term of protection" is one year or 15,000 miles from delivery, whichever comes first. If a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, market value or safety is reported during that term, the manufacturer must repair it even after the term ends. If it is not fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must take the vehicle back and, at the consumer's choice, refund the full contract or lease price (including trade-in credit) minus a use allowance, or replace it with a comparable new vehicle; refunds also cover sales tax, registration, finance charges and certain towing and rental costs. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired four or more times, or the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days, during the term of protection, with one final repair opportunity of up to seven days for the manufacturer. If the manufacturer has a qualifying informal dispute program it must be used first, but the consumer can still go to court. A winning consumer is awarded reasonable attorney's fees. A lawsuit must be filed within three years of delivery or two years after the vehicle reached 15,000 miles, whichever is earlier. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-5.2-1 to 31-5.2-12 |
| South Carolina | South Carolina's lemon law covers new private passenger vehicles and motorcycles (including three-wheel motorcycles) sold and registered in the state for personal, family or household use, excluding the living portion of recreational vehicles and off-road vehicles. If a vehicle does not conform to its warranty within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the consumer reports it during the warranty, the manufacturer must make the repairs at no cost. If a defect that substantially impairs use, market value or safety cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or, at its option, refund the full purchase price including finance charges, taxes and government fees, minus a use allowance based on miles driven before the first report. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired three or more times, or the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days during the warranty. Before using the law, the consumer must give the manufacturer written notice (by registered, certified or express mail) and a final repair opportunity of up to 10 business days, if the manufacturer disclosed this requirement at sale. If the manufacturer has a qualifying dispute program, the consumer must use it first. A lawsuit must be filed within three years of delivery, and a winning consumer may recover costs and attorney's fees. S.C. Code Ann. §§ 56-28-10 to 56-28-110 |
| South Dakota | South Dakota's lemon law covers new or previously untitled self-propelled highway vehicles bought mainly for personal, family or household use, including four-wheel ATVs of 200cc or more, but not motor homes, electric bicycles or vehicles rated 15,000 pounds or more. The "lemon law rights period" is one year or the first 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the consumer reports a warranty defect that significantly impairs use, value or safety during that period, the manufacturer must repair it, though the repair duty ends at 24 months or 24,000 miles. If the defect cannot be fixed after reasonable attempts, the manufacturer must, at the consumer's choice, replace the vehicle (and refund taxes and fees) or take it back and refund the contract price, collateral charges, certain finance charges and incidental costs such as alternative transportation, minus a use allowance. Reasonable attempts are presumed if, within 24 months or 24,000 miles, the same defect was subject to four or more repair attempts plus a final attempt, or the vehicle was out of service a cumulative 30 calendar days. Before suing, the consumer must send notice by certified mail and give the manufacturer a final chance to repair (within 14 days), and must first use any qualifying in-state dispute program. A consumer may recover reasonable attorney fees, and must sue within three years of delivery. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 32-6D-1 to 32-6D-11 |
| Tennessee | According to the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs, Tennessee's lemon law applies if you bought a new vehicle, or one still under the manufacturer's warranty, that has a defect or condition making it unreliable or unsafe for normal operation, and the manufacturer or dealer cannot repair it after three attempts or the vehicle is out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more days. In that case you may be entitled to return the vehicle and receive a refund of the full purchase price. Before receiving a refund, you must notify the manufacturer of the problem in writing by certified mail. Lawsuits must be brought within six months after one year from the original delivery date or the expiration of the express warranty, whichever is later. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-24-101 to 55-24-112, as summarized by the Tennessee Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs |
| Texas | Under the Texas lemon law, a manufacturer, converter or distributor must make repairs needed to conform a new motor vehicle to its express warranty, including after the warranty expires if the problem was reported during the warranty. If it cannot fix a defect that creates a serious safety hazard or substantially impairs the vehicle's use or market value after a reasonable number of attempts, it must reimburse reasonable incidental costs and either replace the vehicle with a comparable one or take it back and refund the full purchase price minus a reasonable allowance for use. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed, before the earlier of the warranty's expiration or 24 months/24,000 miles from delivery, if: the same defect was repaired four or more times and continues; a serious safety hazard was repaired two or more times and continues; or the vehicle was out of service for repair a cumulative 30 or more days (not counting days with a comparable loaner). The manufacturer must receive written notice and a chance to cure, and a proceeding must be started within six months after the earlier of the warranty's expiration or 24 months/24,000 miles from delivery. Tex. Occ. Code §§ 2301.603 to 2301.606 |
| Utah | Utah's New Motor Vehicles Warranties Act covers new motor vehicles sold in Utah, including the vehicle and chassis portion of motor homes and street-use motorcycles, but not vehicles over 14,000 pounds (other than motor homes and farm tractors), off-road motorcycles, mopeds or e-bikes. If a defect is reported during the warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever is earlier, the manufacturer must repair it. If a defect that substantially impairs use, market value or safety cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable new one or take it back and refund the full purchase price including collateral charges, minus a reasonable use allowance. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same defect was repaired four or more times, or the vehicle was out of service 30 or more business days, during the warranty or the first year, whichever is earlier. The Division of Consumer Protection enforces the law; a consumer may sue only after the Division has investigated and evaluated the claim, and must first use any qualifying manufacturer dispute program. The court may award attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. A separate mediation process applies to structural defects in new recreational vehicle trailers. Utah Code §§ 13-20-2 to 13-20-8 |
| Vermont | Vermont's lemon law covers passenger motor vehicles purchased, leased or registered in Vermont, but not motorcycles, the living portion of recreational vehicles, or trucks over 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. If a defect is reported during the warranty, the manufacturer must make the needed repairs even after the warranty ends, and dealers must give a written repair order each time. If a defect that substantially impairs use, market value or safety cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must, at the consumer's option, replace the vehicle with a comparable new one or take it back and refund the full purchase price, trade-in and down payment credits, finance and registration charges and incidental and consequential damages, minus a use allowance. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if the same problem was subject to repair at least three times (the first within the warranty) and continues, or the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days during the warranty. The consumer notifies the manufacturer in writing and chooses either the manufacturer's dispute program or the state's Vermont Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, which charges no filing fee. Proceedings must begin within one year after the express warranty expires. 9 V.S.A. §§ 4171 to 4181 |
| Virginia | Virginia's Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act covers new passenger cars, pickup and panel trucks, motorcycles, autocycles, mopeds and the self-propelled chassis of motor homes, including demonstrators and leased vehicles. The "lemon law rights period" is 18 months after delivery. If a defect that significantly impairs the vehicle's use, market value or safety (even one that does not affect driveability) is not fixed after a reasonable number of attempts during that period, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable one acceptable to the consumer or take it back and refund the full contract price, collateral charges and incidental damages, minus a use allowance up to the first notice of the defect; the consumer has an unconditional right to choose a refund. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if, during the rights period, the same defect was repaired three or more times and continues, a serious safety defect was repaired once or more and continues, or the vehicle was out of service 30 calendar days. The consumer must give the manufacturer written notice, and the manufacturer gets one more chance (up to 15 days) if it had not been notified. Using a manufacturer's dispute program is the consumer's choice. A successful consumer recovers attorney's fees, expert fees and court costs. Suit must be filed within the 18-month rights period, with an extension if a timely dispute-program claim was not resolved. Va. Code §§ 59.1-207.11, 59.1-207.13, 59.1-207.14, 59.1-207.15, 59.1-207.16 |
| Washington | Washington's Motor Vehicle Warranties Act covers new self-propelled vehicles, including motorcycles, originally bought or leased at retail from a Washington dealer or leasing company (fleet purchases are excluded; motor homes have special rules). The eligibility period is two years from delivery or the first 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the manufacturer cannot fix a defect, serious safety defect or condition that substantially impairs use, value or safety after a reasonable number of attempts, it must, at the consumer's option, replace or repurchase the vehicle within 40 calendar days of the consumer's written request; a repurchase refunds the purchase price, collateral charges and incidental costs, minus a use offset. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed within the eligibility period if: the same serious safety defect was diagnosed or repaired two or more times; the same nonconformity four or more times; the vehicle was out of service 30 calendar days (at least 15 during the warranty); or two or more different serious safety defects were each subject to repair within 12 months (with at least one attempt for each during the warranty). Disputes can go to a state new motor vehicle arbitration board through the Attorney General; the consumer may accept or reject the decision and appeal to superior court. RCW 19.118.021, 19.118.031, 19.118.041 |
| West Virginia | West Virginia's lemon law covers new passenger automobiles bought or titled in West Virginia, including Class A pickup trucks and vans, the self-propelled chassis of motor homes, and certain farm vehicles. If a defect is reported during the warranty or within one year of delivery, whichever is longer, the manufacturer must make the needed repairs. If a defect that substantially impairs use or market value cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle with a comparable new one; the consumer may also sue the manufacturer and may be awarded a refund of the purchase price (including sales tax, license and registration fees and other reasonable purchase expenses) or damages for diminished value, repair costs, loss of use and inconvenience, and reasonable attorney fees. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if, within the warranty or one year (whichever is earlier), the same defect was repaired three or more times and continues, the vehicle was out of service 30 or more calendar days, or a defect likely to cause death or serious injury was repaired at least once and continues; the manufacturer must first receive written notice and a chance to cure. Suit must be filed within one year after the express warranty expires. W. Va. Code §§ 46A-6A-2 to 46A-6A-5 |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin's lemon law covers new motor vehicles that must be registered in Wisconsin (including demonstrators and executive vehicles, but not mopeds or trailers), bought or leased in the state. If a defect that substantially impairs use, value or safety is reported and the vehicle is made available for repair before the warranty expires or one year after delivery, whichever is sooner, it must be repaired. A "reasonable attempt to repair" means, within that same period, the same defect has been subject to repair at least four times and continues, or the vehicle has been out of service at least 30 days because of warranty defects. If it is not fixed after a reasonable attempt and the consumer gives the manufacturer the required form, the manufacturer must, at the consumer's direction, replace the vehicle with a comparable new one and refund collateral costs, or take it back and refund the full purchase price plus sales tax, finance charges, amounts paid at sale and collateral costs, minus a use allowance (based on miles before the first report). Refunds are due within 30 days after the consumer offers to transfer title. Wis. Stat. § 218.0171 |
| Wyoming | Wyoming's lemon law covers self-propelled motor vehicles under 10,000 pounds unladen weight sold or registered in Wyoming. If a new vehicle does not conform to its express warranty and the consumer reports the problem within one year after delivery, the manufacturer must make the needed repairs, even after the year ends. If a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use and fair market value cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace it with a new or comparable vehicle or take it back and refund the full purchase price, including collateral charges, minus a reasonable allowance for use. A reasonable number of attempts is presumed if, within one year after delivery, the same defect was subject to repair more than three times and continues, or the vehicle was out of service for a cumulative 30 business days; the manufacturer must first receive direct written notice and a chance to cure. A consumer must first use any qualifying manufacturer dispute program before seeking replacement or refund. An injured consumer may sue and recover reasonable attorney's fees. Wyo. Stat. § 40-17-101 |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.