What is lemon law?

Lemon laws are state and federal statutes that provide remedies to consumers who purchase new (and sometimes used) vehicles that turn out to have significant, unrepairable defects — colloquially called "lemons." ^[1][2] **Federal protection: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act ^[1] The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301–2312) governs written warranties on consumer products, including vehicles. While it does not use the term "lemon law," it allows consumers to sue manufacturers for breach of warranty and to recover attorneys' fees, making it a powerful federal backstop when state remedies are insufficient. State lemon laws — the core protection ^[2] Every state has its own lemon law providing more specific remedies for defective vehicles. While the details vary, state lemon laws typically provide: Who qualifies? - The vehicle was purchased or leased new (some states also cover used vehicles) - The defect is substantial — it significantly impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety - The defect is covered by the manufacturer's warranty - The defect was not caused by the consumer's misuse The repair opportunity requirement Before triggering lemon law protections, you must give the manufacturer/dealer a reasonable number of repair attempts. States vary, but common thresholds include: - 4 repair attempts for the same defect, OR - The vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative days within the warranty period Remedies If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you are typically entitled to either: - A full refund (purchase price minus a usage allowance), OR - A replacement vehicle** of comparable value Manufacturers must also pay your attorneys' fees if you prevail under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. ^[1] What to do if you have a lemon 1. Document every repair visit (dates, descriptions, repair orders) 2. Send written notice to the manufacturer 3. Submit to the manufacturer's arbitration program if required by your state 4. File a lawsuit or complaint with your state attorney general's office if arbitration fails *State lemon laws vary significantly. Many attorneys handle lemon law cases on a contingency or fee-shifting basis. Contact your state's AG consumer protection office for state-specific information.*