Lemon Laws: State Guide

All states have some form of car lemon law. These laws protect consumers who buy a new car (or, in some cases, a used car) that fails to operate safely or properly despite repair attempts. These laws hold dealerships and manufacturers accountable for defective vehicles.

The specifics of lemon laws vary from state to state, including the following:

• The specific number of repair attempts that must occur before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon
• Time periods and mileage limits
• Whether protections include used vehicles or leased vehicles

Federal vs. State Lemon Laws

Both state and federal consumer protection laws cover defective vehicle purchases.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that protects most consumer goods under written warranty, including motor vehicles. It offers broad protections that require sellers to provide clear, detailed information about warranty coverage.

The Act also entitles consumers to legal remedies, contingent on eligibility. For lemon vehicles, this means the dealership may have to issue a replacement vehicle or a full refund (including fees).

In short, federal law protects consumers from deceptive warranty practices.

In addition to federal law, states have enacted their own lemon laws covering defective vehicle purchases. See your state's lemon statute to determine the reasonable number of attempts at repair, the definition of a “substantial defect," and more.

Table of State-Specific Lemon Law Information

The table at the end of this article links to lemon law information for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Follow the link for your state to learn more about car buyer protections in your area, specifically:

• Steps to take if you think your new vehicle is a lemon, including details on state arbitration programs
• What is a reasonable number of repair attempts
• Types of nonconformities that qualify as “substantial" defects
• Whether protections apply to used or leased vehicles, or only new vehicles in their original warranty period
• Types of vehicles covered (like motorcycles, motorhomes, or RVs)
• Legal remedies for lemon vehicles, like a replacement vehicle or refund
• Time limit and mileage limit for manufacturer repairs
• The consumer affairs agency or attorney general's office that handles lemon issues and complaints

Need Help With a Defective Vehicle? Talk to an Attorney in Your State

If your new car under warranty continues to have issues despite repair attempts, you may have bought a lemon. While most car buyers can resolve lemon issues on their own, there are situations where you may want to consult an attorney.

For example, if a dealership is being uncooperative or you suspect auto dealer fraud, legal help can be beneficial. An attorney can determine if you have a lemon law claim and help facilitate a legal remedy. This can include requiring the dealer to repurchase your vehicle from you at its full purchase price or issue a replacement vehicle.

Contact a lemon law attorney in your area to learn how they can help you get appropriate compensation for your defective vehicle.