Lemon Laws by State (2026)
About this article
Sourced from primary statutes (U.S. Code, CFR, state compiled statutes) and official government agency guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
Compare by state
Statute citations are verified per state. Select a state to jump to its full section below.
| Primary statute | |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Lemon Law, Ala. Code § 8-20A-1 et seq. |
| Alaska | Alaska Lemon Law — Alaska Stat. § 45.45.300 |
| Arizona | A.R.S. § 44-1261 et seq. — Arizona Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (new vehicle lemon law) |
| Arkansas | Arkansas New Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act, Ark. Code § 4-90-401 et seq. |
| California | California Civil Code § 1793.22 — Tanner Consumer Protection Act (lemon law presumption) |
| Colorado | C.R.S. § 42-10-101 et seq. — Colorado Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Lemon Law) |
| Connecticut | CGS § 42-179 — Connecticut Lemon Law |
| Delaware | Delaware Lemon Law, 6 Del. C. § 5001 et seq. |
| District of Columbia | D.C. Lemon Law, D.C. Code § 50-501 et seq. |
| Florida | Florida Lemon Law, Fla. Stat. § 681.10-681.118 |
| Georgia | Georgia Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act, O.C.G.A. § 10-1-780 et seq. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Lemon Law — HRS § 481I |
| Idaho | Idaho Code § 48-901 et seq. — Motor Vehicle Warranties (Lemon Law) |
| Illinois | 815 ILCS 380 — Illinois New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act (lemon law) |
| Indiana | Indiana Motor Vehicle Protection Act, IC § 24-5-13 — lemon law coverage and remedies |
| Iowa | Iowa Code § 322G — Motor Vehicle Defect Notification Act (Lemon Law) |
| Kansas | K.S.A. § 50-623 — Kansas Consumer Protection Act |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Lemon Law, KRS § 367.840–367.846 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana New Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act, La. R.S. § 51:1941 et seq. |
| Maine | 10 M.R.S.A. § 1161 et seq. — Maine Lemon Law |
| Maryland | Maryland Lemon Law, MD Code, Commercial Law § 14-1501 et seq. |
| Massachusetts | MGL c. 90, § 7N½ — Massachusetts Lemon Law (new and used vehicles) |
| Michigan | Michigan Lemon Law, MCL § 257.1401 et seq. (48-month coverage, 4 repair attempts) |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 325F.665 — Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. § 63-17-151 et seq. — Mississippi Lemon Law |
| Missouri | Missouri Lemon Law, RSMo § 407.560 |
| Montana | Mont. Code Ann. § 61-4-501 et seq. — Montana Lemon Law |
| Nebraska | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-2701 — Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Lemon Law) |
| Nevada | NRS 597.600–597.680 — Nevada New Vehicle Lemon Law |
| New Hampshire | RSA 357-D — New Hampshire Lemon Law |
| New Jersey | NJ New Vehicle Lemon Law, N.J.S.A. 56:12-29 |
| New Mexico | NMSA § 57-16A-1 et seq. — Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act |
| New York | NY General Business Law § 198-a — New Car Lemon Law |
| North Carolina | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-351 et seq. — NC New Vehicle Warranties Act (Lemon Law) |
| North Dakota | N.D. Cent. Code § 51-07 — Motor Vehicle Warranties (Lemon Law) |
| Ohio | Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1345.71–1345.77 — Ohio Lemon Law |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Lemon Law, Okla. Stat. tit. 15 §§ 901–910 |
| Oregon | Oregon Lemon Law — ORS § 646A.400 |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law, 73 P.S. § 1951 |
| Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5.2 — Rhode Island Lemon Law (new and used vehicles) |
| South Carolina | SC Lemon Law, S.C. Code § 56-28-10 et seq. |
| South Dakota | SDCL § 32-6D — South Dakota Lemon Law |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act |
| Texas | Texas Lemon Law, Tex. Occ. Code § 2301.601 et seq. |
| Utah | Utah New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act — Utah Code § 13-20 |
| Vermont | 9 V.S.A. § 4170–4181 — Vermont Lemon Law (new and used vehicles) |
| Virginia | Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, Va. Code § 59.1-207.9 et seq. |
| Washington | Washington Lemon Law, RCW 19.118 |
| West Virginia | W. Va. Code § 46A-6A-1 et seq. — West Virginia Lemon Law |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. § 218.0171 — Wisconsin Lemon Law |
| Wyoming | Wyo. Stat. § 40-17-101 et seq. — Wyoming Lemon Law (3 repair attempts or 30 business days) |
What is this right?
Lemon laws exist because, before the late 1970s, buying a new car with a defect that nobody could fix meant you were just stuck with it. California passed the first modern lemon law — the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — in 1970 and tightened it with the Tanner Consumer Protection Act in 1982. Every other state followed by the early 1990s. The basic deal: if a new vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer can't fix after a reasonable number of attempts, they have to replace it or refund you.
Every state has its own version, with different cutoffs for what qualifies, how many repair attempts you need, and which vehicles are covered. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (1975) sits behind all of them as a backup — if a manufacturer doesn't honor a written warranty, you can sue under federal law and recover attorney's fees if you win, which is why most lemon-law lawyers will take your case on contingency.
When does it apply?
Most state lemon laws apply when:
- You bought or leased a new vehicle. A handful of states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island) also have a separate used-car lemon law.
- The vehicle has a substantial defect — covered by the warranty and impairing use, value, or safety. Cosmetic squeaks don't count; brakes that fail or a transmission that won't shift do.
- The defect appeared inside the state's window — typically 1–2 years or 12,000–24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- The dealer or manufacturer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts and still hasn't fixed it.
What "reasonable number" actually means:
- Most states: 3–4 repair attempts for the same problem, or 30+ cumulative days out of service.
- Safety defects — brakes, steering, airbags — often qualify after just 1–2 attempts.
- You have to give the manufacturer the chance to fix it. One bad service visit and a demand for a refund will get you laughed out of arbitration.
A few myths:
- "Lemon laws only cover cars." Most states cover all motor vehicles. Some include motorcycles, RVs, and boats. A few have broader consumer-product lemon laws.
- "My used car is covered." Usually no. Federal law (Magnuson-Moss) might still help if there was a written warranty, but state lemon-law refund machinery typically doesn't reach used vehicles outside those seven states.
- "I just don't like it." Buyer's remorse isn't a defect. The problem has to be real, substantial, and not caused by you.
What to Do If You Bought a Lemon
Step 1: Document every visit. Repair orders, receipts, written complaints, and email threads. Date, mileage, what you reported, what they did, what they didn't. The case turns on the paper trail.
Step 2: Send written notice. A formal demand letter to the manufacturer (not just the dealer) by certified mail, return receipt. Most states require this before you can file. The letter triggers a final repair opportunity, usually 10–30 days.
Step 3: Check whether arbitration is required. Many manufacturers — and some state laws — make you go through a manufacturer-sponsored arbitration program (BBB Auto Line is the biggest) before suing. It's usually free and resolves in 40–60 days.
Step 4: Sue if arbitration fails. Under both state lemon laws and the federal Magnuson-Moss Act, the manufacturer pays your attorney's fees if you win — which is why most lemon lawyers work on contingency. You bring zero money to the table.
Step 5: Pick your remedy. Replacement vehicle of comparable value, or a full refund minus a reasonable usage allowance (typically calculated as miles driven before the first defect, divided by 120,000, times the purchase price).
What should you NOT do?
Don't stop taking it in. You need a documented pattern. Skipping appointments out of frustration kills the case.
Don't get warranty repairs done at an independent mechanic. Only authorized dealer or manufacturer service counts toward your lemon-law clock.
Don't sign a quick settlement without checking the math. Manufacturers regularly offer 50–60% of what a court or arbitrator would award. Get the figure pressure-tested by a lemon-law attorney before you sign anything that includes a release.
Don't trade in or sell the car before filing. Once you no longer own it, your lemon-law rights generally die with the title transfer. File first, then dispose.
Worked example
ScenarioYour new car's transmission fails repeatedly; the dealer has tried to fix the same defect four times in the first year and it's still broken.
OutcomeRepeated unsuccessful repairs of the same substantial defect within the warranty period are the classic lemon-law trigger. If your state's threshold (commonly three to four attempts for the same defect, or about 30 days out of service) is met, you can typically demand a refund or comparable replacement vehicle.
Lemon-law thresholds are state-specific — the 3–4 attempts / ~30 days figures are common but vary, so confirm your state's exact numbers in its section. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. §2301 et seq.) adds a fee-shifting backstop.
You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to assert your rights.
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What qualifies as a 'lemon'?
Generally a new vehicle with a substantial defect, covered by the warranty, that the manufacturer or dealer can't fix after a reasonable number of attempts. Minor issues usually don't count — the defect must significantly impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety. Definitions vary by state.
How many repair attempts before my car is a lemon?
It varies by state, but many set the bar at around three to four attempts to fix the same defect, or roughly 30 cumulative days out of service. Some use a lower count for serious safety defects. Check your state's section above for its exact threshold.
What do I get if my car is a lemon?
Most state lemon laws entitle you to either a refund (often the purchase price minus a usage offset) or a comparable replacement vehicle, and you usually choose. The manufacturer, not the dealer, is typically responsible. Your state's section above lists the remedy.
Are used cars covered by lemon laws?
Often less so — many state lemon laws focus on new vehicles, though some cover certified used or leased vehicles, and used-car sales may have separate protections. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act can still apply to written warranties. See your state's section above.
Do I need a lawyer for a lemon-law claim?
Not always, but it helps. A key advantage: the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and many state lemon laws let a winning consumer recover attorney's fees from the manufacturer, so many lemon-law attorneys take cases at little upfront cost.
State-by-state details
Alabama
Primary statute: Alabama Lemon Law, Ala. Code § 8-20A-1 et seq.
Full Alabama guide →Alaska
Primary statute: Alaska Lemon Law — Alaska Stat. § 45.45.300
Full Alaska guide →Arizona
Primary statute: A.R.S. § 44-1261 et seq. — Arizona Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (new vehicle lemon law)
Full Arizona guide →Arkansas
Primary statute: Arkansas New Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act, Ark. Code § 4-90-401 et seq.
Arkansas protects new car buyers under the New Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act:
- The Arkansas New Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act (Ark. Code § 4-90-401 et seq.) covers new vehicles purchased or leased in Arkansas
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if it has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts
- The law presumes a reasonable number of attempts has been made after 3 repair attempts for the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days
- The coverage period is the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first
- If the vehicle qualifies, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund (minus a reasonable offset for use)
- You must first provide written notice to the manufacturer and allow a final repair attempt
California
Primary statute: California Civil Code § 1793.22 — Tanner Consumer Protection Act (lemon law presumption)
Full California guide →Colorado
Primary statute: C.R.S. § 42-10-101 et seq. — Colorado Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Lemon Law)
Colorado's Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act provides strong protections for new vehicle buyers:
- The Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (C.R.S. § 42-10-101 et seq.) covers new motor vehicles that develop substantial defects during the warranty period
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if within the first year of ownership: the manufacturer has failed to repair a defect after 4 repair attempts, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days
- Consumers must notify the manufacturer in writing and allow one final repair attempt before pursuing a claim
- Remedies include a replacement vehicle or a full refund (minus a reasonable use allowance)
- Colorado requires disputes to go through the manufacturer's arbitration program (if one exists) before filing suit — but arbitration decisions are not binding on the consumer
- Attorney fees may be available to prevailing consumers
Connecticut
Primary statute: CGS § 42-179 — Connecticut Lemon Law
Full Connecticut guide →Delaware
Primary statute: Delaware Lemon Law, 6 Del. C. § 5001 et seq.
Full Delaware guide →District of Columbia
Primary statute: D.C. Lemon Law, D.C. Code § 50-501 et seq.
D.C. has its own lemon law that protects consumers who purchase defective new vehicles:
- D.C. Lemon Law (D.C. Code § 50-501 et seq.): Covers new motor vehicles purchased or leased in D.C. that have substantial defects affecting use, value, or safety
- The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of repair attempts — typically 4 attempts for the same defect or 30 cumulative business days out of service within the first 2 years or 18,000 miles
- If the defect persists, the consumer is entitled to a replacement vehicle or full refund minus a reasonable use allowance
- D.C.'s Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA) provides additional remedies including treble damages for deceptive practices by dealers
- Used vehicles are not covered by the lemon law, but the CPPA may apply to misrepresentations about used cars
Florida
Primary statute: Florida Lemon Law, Fla. Stat. § 681.10-681.118
Full Florida guide →Georgia
Primary statute: Georgia Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act, O.C.G.A. § 10-1-780 et seq.
Full Georgia guide →Hawaii
Primary statute: Hawaii Lemon Law — HRS § 481I
Hawaii's lemon law provides strong protections for buyers of new motor vehicles:
- HRS § 481I (the Hawaii Lemon Law) covers new motor vehicles with substantial defects under the manufacturer's warranty
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the defect persists after 3 repair attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days
- The defect must substantially impair the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle
- The consumer must provide written notice to the manufacturer and allow a final repair attempt
- Remedies include replacement of the vehicle or a full refund minus a reasonable allowance for use
- Hawaii requires manufacturers to provide a dispute resolution procedure — consumers should exhaust this before filing suit
- Hawaii does not have a used car lemon law — the statute covers only new vehicles
Idaho
Primary statute: Idaho Code § 48-901 et seq. — Motor Vehicle Warranties (Lemon Law)
Idaho's lemon law protects buyers of new motor vehicles with persistent defects:
- Idaho Code § 48-901 et seq. covers new motor vehicles that have a substantial defect covered by the manufacturer's warranty
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the defect persists after 3 repair attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days
- The defect must occur within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first
- The consumer must notify the manufacturer in writing and allow a final repair attempt before pursuing a lemon law claim
- Remedies include replacement of the vehicle or a full refund minus a reasonable allowance for use
- Idaho does not have a used car lemon law — the statute covers only new vehicles
Illinois
Primary statute: 815 ILCS 380 — Illinois New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act (lemon law)
Full Illinois guide →Indiana
Primary statute: Indiana Motor Vehicle Protection Act, IC § 24-5-13 — lemon law coverage and remedies
Full Indiana guide →Iowa
Primary statute: Iowa Code § 322G — Motor Vehicle Defect Notification Act (Lemon Law)
Iowa protects new car buyers under the Motor Vehicle Defect Notification Act:
- The Iowa Motor Vehicle Defect Notification Act (Iowa Code § 322G) covers new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Iowa
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if a defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts
- Iowa presumes a reasonable number of attempts after 3 repair attempts for the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days
- Coverage applies during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first
- If the vehicle qualifies, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund (minus a reasonable use offset)
- Iowa requires mandatory arbitration through the manufacturer's dispute resolution program before filing a lawsuit
Kansas
Primary statute: K.S.A. § 50-623 — Kansas Consumer Protection Act
Full Kansas guide →Kentucky
Primary statute: Kentucky Lemon Law, KRS § 367.840–367.846
Full Kentucky guide →Louisiana
Primary statute: Louisiana New Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act, La. R.S. § 51:1941 et seq.
Louisiana's Lemon Law (the New Motor Vehicle Warranty Rights Act) protects buyers of defective new vehicles:
- Coverage: New motor vehicles purchased or leased in Louisiana, within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Threshold: 4 repair attempts for the same nonconformity OR the vehicle is out of service for 15 or more calendar days due to repairs
- Written notice required: You must notify the manufacturer in writing via certified mail and give them a final opportunity to repair
- Remedies: Replacement vehicle or refund of the purchase price (minus a reasonable use allowance)
- Attorney fees: If you prevail, the manufacturer must pay your attorney fees and costs
- Does not cover used vehicles or vehicles used primarily for business with 3+ in fleet
Maine
Primary statute: 10 M.R.S.A. § 1161 et seq. — Maine Lemon Law
Full Maine guide →Maryland
Primary statute: Maryland Lemon Law, MD Code, Commercial Law § 14-1501 et seq.
Maryland has a strong lemon law that protects purchasers and lessees of new motor vehicles:
- Maryland Lemon Law (MD Code, Commercial Law § 14-1501 et seq.): Covers new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Maryland that have substantial defects affecting use, value, or safety
- The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of repair attempts — the defect must persist after 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or the vehicle must be out of service for 30 or more cumulative days during the first 24 months or 18,000 miles
- If the defect persists, the consumer is entitled to a replacement vehicle or full refund minus a reasonable use allowance based on mileage
- Lemon Law Unit: Maryland has a dedicated Lemon Law Unit within the Office of the Attorney General that handles complaints and provides free arbitration
- The consumer must first notify the manufacturer and use any informal dispute mechanism before filing with the Lemon Law Unit
- Used vehicles are not covered by the lemon law, but the Maryland Consumer Protection Act may provide remedies for fraud or misrepresentation
Massachusetts
Primary statute: MGL c. 90, § 7N½ — Massachusetts Lemon Law (new and used vehicles)
Full Massachusetts guide →Michigan
Primary statute: Michigan Lemon Law, MCL § 257.1401 et seq. (48-month coverage, 4 repair attempts)
Michigan has a strong Lemon Law covering new vehicles with a relatively long coverage period:
- The Michigan Lemon Law (MCL § 257.1401-1410) covers new motor vehicles that develop substantial defects
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the manufacturer or dealer has made 4 or more repair attempts for the same defect, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days
- Coverage applies during the first 48 months from the date of original delivery — longer than most states
- You must provide written notice to the manufacturer before pursuing a claim
- Remedies include a replacement vehicle or full refund, minus a reasonable use allowance
- Michigan does not have a state-run lemon law arbitration program — disputes are resolved through manufacturer programs or the courts
Minnesota
Primary statute: Minn. Stat. § 325F.665 — Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act
Minnesota's lemon law protects buyers of new motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act:
- Under Minn. Stat. § 325F.665, a new vehicle qualifies as a lemon if within the first 2 years of ownership or the warranty period (whichever is earlier): the manufacturer has failed to repair a defect after 4 repair attempts, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days
- Consumers must notify the manufacturer in writing and allow a final repair attempt
- Remedies include a replacement vehicle or a full refund (minus a reasonable use allowance)
- Minnesota requires disputes to go through the manufacturer's arbitration program if one exists — but the arbitration decision is not binding on the consumer
- Minnesota's lemon law is broader than many states because it covers 2 years rather than 1
- Attorney fees may be awarded to prevailing consumers
Mississippi
Primary statute: Miss. Code Ann. § 63-17-151 et seq. — Mississippi Lemon Law
Mississippi protects new car buyers under a lemon law with a shorter coverage window than most states:
- The Mississippi Lemon Law (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-17-151 et seq.) covers new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Mississippi
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if a defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts
- Mississippi presumes a reasonable number of attempts after 3 repair attempts for the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days
- Coverage applies only during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (shorter than most states)
- If the vehicle qualifies, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund (minus a reasonable use offset)
- You must provide written notice to the manufacturer and allow a final repair attempt before filing a claim
Missouri
Primary statute: Missouri Lemon Law, RSMo § 407.560
Full Missouri guide →Montana
Primary statute: Mont. Code Ann. § 61-4-501 et seq. — Montana Lemon Law
Full Montana guide →Nebraska
Primary statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-2701 — Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Lemon Law)
Nebraska's lemon law covers new motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act:
- The Nebraska Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-2701 et seq.) covers new vehicles with substantial defects under the manufacturer's warranty
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the defect persists after 4 repair attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 40 or more cumulative days
- The defect must occur within the first 12 months of original delivery
- The consumer must provide written notice to the manufacturer before pursuing a lemon law claim
- Remedies include replacement of the vehicle or a full refund minus a reasonable allowance for use
- Nebraska does not have a used car lemon law — the statute covers only new vehicles
Nevada
Primary statute: NRS 597.600–597.680 — Nevada New Vehicle Lemon Law
Nevada's lemon law provides strong protections for new vehicle purchasers:
- The Nevada New Vehicle Lemon Law (NRS 597.600–597.680) covers new motor vehicles with substantial defects covered by the manufacturer's warranty
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the defect persists after 4 repair attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days
- The defect must occur within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) of original delivery
- The consumer must notify the manufacturer in writing and allow one final repair attempt before pursuing a lemon law claim
- Remedies include replacement of the vehicle or a full refund minus a reasonable allowance for use
- Consumers may also pursue claims through Nevada's informal dispute resolution program
New Hampshire
Primary statute: RSA 357-D — New Hampshire Lemon Law
Full New Hampshire guide →New Jersey
Primary statute: NJ New Vehicle Lemon Law, N.J.S.A. 56:12-29
Full New Jersey guide →New Mexico
Primary statute: NMSA § 57-16A-1 et seq. — Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act
New Mexico's lemon law protects buyers of new vehicles with substantial defects:
- The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act (NMSA § 57-16A-1 et seq.) covers new motor vehicles with defects covered by the manufacturer's warranty
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the defect persists after 4 repair attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative business days
- The defect must occur within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) of original delivery
- The consumer must notify the manufacturer in writing and allow a final repair attempt
- Remedies include replacement of the vehicle or a full refund minus a reasonable allowance for use
- New Mexico consumers may also pursue claims under the Unfair Practices Act for deceptive practices related to vehicle sales
New York
Primary statute: NY General Business Law § 198-a — New Car Lemon Law
Full New York guide →North Carolina
Primary statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-351 et seq. — NC New Vehicle Warranties Act (Lemon Law)
Full North Carolina guide →North Dakota
Primary statute: N.D. Cent. Code § 51-07 — Motor Vehicle Warranties (Lemon Law)
Full North Dakota guide →Ohio
Primary statute: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1345.71–1345.77 — Ohio Lemon Law
Full Ohio guide →Oklahoma
Primary statute: Oklahoma Lemon Law, Okla. Stat. tit. 15 §§ 901–910
Full Oklahoma guide →Oregon
Primary statute: Oregon Lemon Law — ORS § 646A.400
Full Oregon guide →Pennsylvania
Primary statute: Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law, 73 P.S. § 1951
Full Pennsylvania guide →Rhode Island
Primary statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5.2 — Rhode Island Lemon Law (new and used vehicles)
Full Rhode Island guide →South Carolina
Primary statute: SC Lemon Law, S.C. Code § 56-28-10 et seq.
South Carolina's Lemon Law protects buyers of defective new motor vehicles:
- Coverage: New motor vehicles purchased or leased in South Carolina, within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Threshold: 3 repair attempts for the same nonconformity OR the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more calendar days due to repairs
- Written notice required: You must notify the manufacturer in writing and give them a final opportunity to repair
- Remedies: Replacement vehicle or refund of the purchase price (minus a reasonable use allowance)
- Arbitration: The manufacturer may require arbitration through a state-certified program before a lawsuit
- Does not cover used vehicles
South Dakota
Primary statute: SDCL § 32-6D — South Dakota Lemon Law
Full South Dakota guide →Tennessee
Primary statute: Tennessee Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act
Full Tennessee guide →Texas
Primary statute: Texas Lemon Law, Tex. Occ. Code § 2301.601 et seq.
Full Texas guide →Utah
Primary statute: Utah New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act — Utah Code § 13-20
Full Utah guide →Vermont
Primary statute: 9 V.S.A. § 4170–4181 — Vermont Lemon Law (new and used vehicles)
Full Vermont guide →Virginia
Primary statute: Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, Va. Code § 59.1-207.9 et seq.
Virginia has the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Va. Code § 59.1-207.9 et seq.) for new vehicle purchases:
- Covers new motor vehicles that develop defects within the first 18 months of purchase
- The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of repair attempts — the law presumes unreasonable after 3 repair attempts for the same defect or 30 cumulative days out of service
- The consumer must provide written notice to the manufacturer before pursuing a lemon law claim
- Remedies include replacement of the vehicle or a full refund (minus a reasonable use allowance)
- Virginia does not have a used car lemon law — used vehicles are not covered
- The Virginia Attorney General's Office handles consumer complaints related to lemon law claims
Washington
Primary statute: Washington Lemon Law, RCW 19.118
Full Washington guide →West Virginia
Primary statute: W. Va. Code § 46A-6A-1 et seq. — West Virginia Lemon Law
West Virginia's lemon law protects buyers of new vehicles with substantial defects:
- The West Virginia Lemon Law (W. Va. Code § 46A-6A-1 et seq.) covers new motor vehicles with defects covered by the manufacturer's warranty
- A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the defect persists after 3 repair attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative calendar days
- The defect must occur within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) of original delivery
- The consumer must notify the manufacturer in writing and allow a final repair attempt
- Remedies include replacement of the vehicle or a full refund minus a reasonable allowance for use
- West Virginia consumers may also pursue claims under the Consumer Credit and Protection Act for deceptive vehicle sales
Wisconsin
Primary statute: Wis. Stat. § 218.0171 — Wisconsin Lemon Law
Full Wisconsin guide →Wyoming
Primary statute: Wyo. Stat. § 40-17-101 et seq. — Wyoming Lemon Law (3 repair attempts or 30 business days)
Full Wyoming guide →