You might consider requesting a refund or replacement from a car dealership or an automaker. replacement car If you've bought a lemon—a vehicle that doesn’t work correctly and can't be fixed because of an inherent flaw—federal and state lemon laws dictate when and how you can get reimbursed for purchasing a defective car.
Read further to discover additional details regarding lemon vehicle legislation, including information on how state-by-state requirements various actions required once you find out that you've purchased a defective vehicle.
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Key Takeaways
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What Constitutes a Lemon Vehicle?
Typically, a lemon denotes an item that functions improperly or poses safety risks because of a production flaw. This word is frequently used for automobiles experiencing malfunctions or considerable issues under warranty coverage. warranties —and keep experiencing issues despite being brought in for repairs three or more times. [1]
What Does the Lemon Law Entail?
A lemon law refers to legislation designed to protect consumers from purchasing defective vehicles known as "lemon" cars. At the federal level, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act functions similarly to a lemon law; it mandates that manufacturers must provide repairs at no cost when items are covered under warranty. This act also ensures that warranty claims can be approved even if the faulty vehicle includes non-original equipment components and upholds the implicit guarantee that sold automobiles will perform as expected. [2]
What Is the Function of Lemon Laws?
Although lemon laws generally have the same objective, they may vary from one state to another in the following aspects: [1]
- Transaction type: In certain states, lemon laws are applicable solely to newly purchased automobiles. Nevertheless, several other states have implemented regulations safeguarding lessees as well as those buying used vehicles. used cars .
- Vehicle type: Based on your location, your lemon laws might cover various vehicle types such as motorcycles and recreational vehicles. RVs ) and boats.
- Duration of protection: Once you've had your vehicle for a specific period of months or covered a particular mileage threshold— as defined by your state’s lemon law—you might lose the option to seek compensation if you later find out that it is indeed a defective vehicle.
- Seller’s duty to repair: Your state's lemon laws might also specify how many times the manufacturer or dealer of your vehicle has the opportunity to make repairs before they must either provide a refund or replace the car. Usually, this limit is around four repair attempts, though it could differ depending on local regulations.
Lemon Laws by State
Review the subsequent table for an understanding of how lemon laws operate across each state and the District of Columbia. [3]
| State/District | Lemon Law Overview |
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Alabama |
In Alabama, the lemon laws apply to new vehicles with weights under 10,000 pounds. You have the option to ask for a refund or exchange within either one year from the date of purchase or until you've driven 12,000 miles—whichever happens sooner. Should the vehicle require repair work, those fixes should take place within two years following your initial purchase or before hitting the 24,000-mile mark, depending on which limit occurs earlier. |
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Alaska |
In Alaska, the lemon laws apply to all new vehicles for the duration of the first year following their purchase. |
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Arizona |
In Arizona, drivers may receive reimbursement for new lemons within a span of up to two years or 24,000 miles following the purchase date, whereas the warranty period for used vehicles lasts only 15 days or 500 miles. If you try to get your vehicle repaired, expect to cover a cost of $25. deductible paid out of pocket for the initial two repairs. |
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Arkansas |
If new vehicles fall under the Arkansas lemon law, they might be protected for up to two years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Should the manufacturer fail to resolve issues with your vehicle, you could qualify for reimbursement covering not only the original purchase price but also the expenses related to taxes, titles, and additional warranties associated with the car. |
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California |
California provides lemon law protections for new, used, and leased vehicles. The coverage for new automobiles extends up to 18 months or 18,000 miles, whereas for used cars, it remains valid until the end of the manufacturer’s warranty period. |
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Colorado |
In Colorado, the lemon laws apply to both new and leased cars—excluding motor homes and motorcycles—for as long as one year following either delivery of the vehicle or the start of its warranty, whichever occurs sooner. |
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Connecticut |
For both new and leased vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, Connecticut’s lemon laws apply for a duration of up to two years or until the vehicle has been driven 24,000 miles. |
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Delaware |
All newly purchased or rented vehicles, excluding motorhomes, fall under Delaware’s lemon law protection for a period of one year. |
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District of Columbia |
For new and leased vehicles, the District of Columbia’s lemon law provides coverage for up to two years or until the vehicle has reached 18,000 miles. |
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Florida |
If your recently purchased or leased vehicle encounters a significant, non-fixable problem within 24 months from the time of purchase, you might qualify for a reimbursement or substitution in Florida. |
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Georgia |
For both new and leased vehicles, Georgia’s lemon laws apply within a period of up to two years or until the vehicle has been driven for 24,000 miles. |
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Hawaii |
In Hawaii, the lemon law covers both newly purchased and leased vehicles for a duration of up to two years or until the vehicle has been driven for 24,000 miles. |
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Idaho |
Both new and leased cars, trucks, and vans fall under Idaho’s lemon law protection for a duration of two years or until they have traveled 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. |
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Illinois |
The Illinois lemon law covers both new and leased cars provided they have not undergone modifications. Vehicles meeting these criteria receive protection for up to one year or 12,000 miles. |
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Indiana |
For both new and leased vehicles, Indiana's lemon law covers them for up to 18 months or 18,000 miles. |
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Iowa |
Vehicles with a weight of less than 15,000 pounds that are new or leased fall within the coverage of Iowa’s lemon law for up to two years or until they reach 24,000 miles. The state’s lemon legislation also outlines how consumers can seek compensation for problematic cars through what is referred to as an informal dispute resolution mechanism. |
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Kansas |
Motorists in Kansas have the option to seek compensation from the maker of a new or leased defective car, provided they notify about needed fixes within twelve months since buying it. |
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Kentucky |
In Kentucky, the lemon laws cover both new and leased vehicles with weights under 12,000 pounds. The coverage period lasts for one year or until the vehicle reaches 12,000 miles from the date of sale, provided that significant issues occur at least four times within this timeframe. |
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Louisiana |
According to Louisiana's lemon law, dealerships are required to try fixing defective new or leased cars within the initial twelve months following the sale. Should a vehicle be unable to operate due to repairs for at least 45 days during this period, the dealership has to provide either a reimbursement or a substitute vehicle. |
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Maine |
In Maine, the lemon law covers both new and leased vehicles for up to three years or 18,000 miles. It also provides car owners who have bought a defective vehicle with the opportunity to present their case at a hearing without any cost. |
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Maryland |
For new and leased cars in Maryland, the lemon laws apply within a period of up to two years or until you've driven 18,000 miles. Should your vehicle become non-operational for a cumulative total of at least 30 days, you might be eligible for either a reimbursement or an exchange. |
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Massachusetts |
Every newly bought or rented car in Massachusetts falls under the state’s lemon law protection. This legislation also extends coverage to used cars that have fewer than 125,000 miles on them when sold or pass their initial inspection within seven days post-purchase. |
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Michigan |
Under Michigan’s lemon law, new and leased vehicles come with coverage for one year or until the end of the manufacturer’s warranty. For used cars, this protection extends as long as they remain within their original warranty period and have not exceeded one year from when they were first bought. |
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Minnesota |
In Minnesota, the lemon laws cover new cars, leased vehicles, and those described as "slightly used" for up to two years or until the end of the manufacturer’s warranty period. Should your automobile remain unfixed, part of your reimbursement might be reduced to reflect how much you've utilized the vehicle. |
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Mississippi |
For new and leased vehicles in Mississippi, the lemon law is applicable within one year or until the expiration of the manufacturer's warranty. During this period, the manufacturer is required to try and fix any issues that arise. |
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Missouri |
In Missouri, the lemon law covers both newly purchased and leased vehicles for a duration of one year or until the end of the manufacturer’s warranty period. If your vehicle keeps having issues despite four repair attempts, remains out of commission for at least 30 days, or becomes essentially undriveable due to persistent problems, you're required to file an official complaint via the manufacturer’s dispute process. |
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Montana |
The lemon laws in Montana apply to both new and leased vehicles for a duration of up to two years or covering a distance of 18,000 miles. |
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Nebraska |
In Nebraska, both newly purchased and leased vehicles may qualify as lemons if they require repair at least four times within their first year after being bought or if they are out of service cumulatively for 40 days or longer due to issues. |
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Nevada |
Nevada’s lemon law applies to new and used vehicles for one year or until the manufacturer’s warranty expires. |
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New Hampshire |
As long as they remain within their warranty period, new and leased vehicles fall under New Hampshire’s lemon law. If your vehicle requires repair attempts totaling three times or more, or if it has been off the road due to issues for at least 30 days, you have the right to go through an arbitration process. |
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New Jersey |
In New Jersey, the lemon law covers both new and leased vehicles for up to two years or 24,000 miles. If you're dealing with a used vehicle within this period—provided it isn’t older than seven models years, has fewer than 100,000 miles recorded, and was bought for at least $3,000—it will be protected under these regulations too. For a used automobile to meet the criteria of being classified as a lemon, it needs to come from an authorized dealer, require at least three unsuccessful repair attempts for the same issue, and accumulate over 20 days out of commission because of said defect. |
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New Mexico |
In New Mexico, the lemon laws apply to both newly acquired vehicles and those that have been previously owned but remain under their original factory warranties at the time of purchase. The coverage lasts for one year or until the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever comes first. |
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New York |
The New York lemon law extensively protects both new and leased vehicles, extending coverage to used cars provided they were transferred within either two years or 18,000 miles from their original sale date. Just remember that for your used car to be protected under this law, you must acquire a written warranty at the time of purchase. |
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North Carolina |
In North Carolina, the lemon laws apply to both newly purchased and leased cars for a duration of two years or until they have covered 24,000 miles. To be eligible under these regulations, however, you're required to notify the car maker in written form regarding any defects found. Should repairs keep your vehicle off the road cumulatively totaling 20 days, the manufacturer then has an obligation to either swap it with a new one or refund the initial amount paid. |
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North Dakota |
For both new and leased vehicles, North Dakota’s lemon law covers them for up to one year or until they have been driven for 12,000 miles. |
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Ohio |
Ohio's lemon laws cover both new and leased vehicles for a period of up to one year or 18,000 miles. |
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Oklahoma |
For new and leased vehicles in Oklahoma, the lemon law covers them within one year or until they have been driven for 12,000 miles. However, this legislation only comes into play after you've tried resolving the problem directly through the manufacturer. |
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Oregon |
In Oregon, the lemon law covers both newly purchased and leased vehicles for up to two years or until they have been driven 24,000 miles. To be eligible for either a replacement vehicle or a refund, your car needs to have been repaired and unavailable for use for at least 30 days due to issues. |
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Pennsylvania |
In Pennsylvania, the lemon laws cover both newly purchased and leased cars for a duration of one year or until they reach 12,000 miles. To be eligible for further action, you have to provide the manufacturer with at least three opportunities to repair your vehicle. Should your car remain unusable for an aggregate period totaling 30 days because of a continuous issue, you might then become qualified for a reimbursement. |
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Rhode Island |
Rhode Island motorists are required to file a claim with the state’s Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board rather than addressing a lemon issue directly with the manufacturer or dealership. This coverage extends to both new and leased vehicles within their first year or 15,000 miles. For used cars, the coverage comes into play if repairs are needed at least three times or if the vehicle has been off-road due to issues for a total of 15 days during the warranty period. |
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South Carolina |
In South Carolina, the lemon laws cover both newly purchased and leased vehicles for a duration of one year or until they have been driven for 12,000 miles. |
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South Dakota |
In South Dakota, the lemon law covers both newly purchased and leased vehicles for a duration of one year or until they have covered 12,000 miles. To be eligible for a refund or exchange, the manufacturer needs to make at least four repair attempts on your vehicle—or your car should have been off the road due to repairs for an aggregate period totaling thirty days. |
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Tennessee |
In Tennessee, the lemon law primarily covers new and leased vehicles; however, it also includes any automobile that remains within the manufacturer’s warranty period. This protection lasts for up to one year. |
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Texas |
Motorists in Texas can obtain coverage for a new vehicle, rented car, or pre-owned automobile still under warranty via the state’s lemon law. This protection extends for as long as two years or until the car has been driven 24,000 miles. |
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Utah |
Utah's lemon laws cover both new and leased vehicles for a period of up to two years. |
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Vermont |
If you encounter issues with lemons in Vermont, whether they're new cars, leased vehicles, or used cars under an active manufacturer’s warranty, you have the option to file a claim. Should you find out that your new vehicle is indeed a lemon, it's necessary to issue a formal arbitration request within one year after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. |
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Virginia |
In Virginia, the lemon laws apply to both new and leased vehicles within an 18-month period or until the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty. While used cars might also qualify "under certain conditions," those specific conditions have yet to be detailed. |
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Washington |
To get your defective vehicle replaced under Washington’s lemon law, you must file a written request. This coverage extends to both new and leased vehicles for up to two years or 24,000 miles. |
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West Virginia |
West Virginia’s lemon law applies to new and leased vehicles for one year or until the manufacturer’s warranty expires. |
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Wisconsin |
Wisconsin’s lemon law applies to new and leased vehicles for one year or until the manufacturer’s warranty expires. If you opt to receive a replacement car rather than a full refund, you may still be reimbursed for applicable collateral costs. |
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Wyoming |
Vehicles that are new or leased and still under warranty fall under Wyoming’s lemon law. To be eligible for a replacement or refund, your vehicle must have undergone three failed repairs within one year or spent a combined total of 30 days being repaired during this period. |
How Can I Tell If I Bought a Lemon?
If your car consistently experiences an unresolved problem despite several trips to the mechanic, it might be considered a lemon vehicle. However, for your car to officially qualify as a lemon, certain conditions must still apply. mechanical breakdowns are due to an inherent flaw. Consequently, you might not qualify for compensation under your state’s lemon law if your vehicle encounters persistent issues that remain unresolved despite repairs. car accident .
Can You Identify If a Car Is a Lemon Before Buying It?
Here are some measures you can follow to boost your odds of identifying if a vehicle is a lemon prior to purchasing it: [4]
- Investigate the car brand and specific series to check for any history of flaws or official notifications.
- Inspect the vehicle for indications of evident damage, wear and tear, or extreme usage. mileage .
- Have a certified mechanic examine the vehicle prior to purchasing it.
- Take the car for a test drive and watch for warning signs such as unusual sounds or unresponsive braking.
- Talk about your state’s car lemon laws with the dealer initially to ensure they comprehend their potential obligations should the vehicle turn out to be defective.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check whether the particular used car you're considering was ever labeled as a lemon.
How to Submit a Lemon Law Complaint
You typically can address a lemon claim directly through the dealership where you purchased your car. However, consulting with an attorney might be wise to ensure that the compensation or new vehicle you get aligns with your state’s lemon law regulations. It's worth noting that numerous states' lemon laws include fee-shifting clauses—this means the automobile maker could potentially bear your legal costs if you pursue litigation and emerge victorious. [2]