60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™
Are you tired of making endless trips to the dealership for the same car problem? It’s incredibly frustrating when a vehicle you bought or leased in Texas keeps failing, despite repeated repair attempts. You might feel stuck, but you have rights. Thankfully, the Texas Lemon Law provides strong consumer protections for people in this exact situation. This guide will break down exactly how the law works, what qualifies as a lemon, and the steps you can take to fight back and get the resolution you deserve.
Think your car might be a lemon? Take our free 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment™ or call 1-888-536-6671 to find out if you qualify. There is no fee unless we win your case.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Texas lemon law, from which vehicles qualify and what counts as a defect, to how to file a claim and what remedies you can expect. Whether your truck has recurring transmission problems, your car stalls without warning, or your SUV has a safety defect the dealer cannot resolve, this guide will help you understand your rights.
The Texas Lemon Law is part of Chapter 2301 of the Texas Occupations Code, enforced by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. It protects consumers who purchase or lease new motor vehicles that turn out to have substantial manufacturing defects. Unlike many states where consumers must go through manufacturer-controlled arbitration, Texas runs its own complaint process through the TxDMV, which is widely regarded as more neutral and consumer-friendly.
The law applies when a new vehicle has a defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer has been unable to repair the problem after a reasonable number of attempts.
Several features set the Texas lemon law apart from the laws in Ohio, Florida, and other states:
Lemon laws didn’t just pop up overnight. They were created because people needed a way to fight back when they were sold seriously defective products, especially cars. For a long time, if you bought a new car that turned out to be a dud, you were often stuck dealing with the manufacturer on their terms. This power imbalance led states to create specific legislation to protect consumers. Texas took a significant step in this direction by establishing its own Lemon Law, which is part of the Texas Occupations Code. What makes the Texas system particularly noteworthy is its state-run dispute resolution process. Instead of forcing you into an arbitration system controlled by the car company, Texas uses the Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to handle complaints. This approach is designed to be more neutral and accessible, ensuring you get a fair shot at making your case without having to pay a fee to file a complaint. It’s a powerful example of how consumer protection laws are supposed to work—by leveling the playing field for individuals.
The Texas lemon law covers new motor vehicles, including:
The Texas Lemon Law is designed to be comprehensive, offering protection to a wide range of consumers and vehicle types. It’s not just for cars and trucks bought by Texas residents. The law recognizes that different people use different kinds of vehicles and that special circumstances, like military service, shouldn’t leave you without recourse. This broad coverage ensures that more people have a fair shot at getting the remedy they deserve when they’re stuck with a defective vehicle. Whether you’re serving our country or enjoying the outdoors on an ATV, the law provides a clear path to hold manufacturers accountable for their warranties.
If you are an active-duty member of the armed forces stationed in Texas, you are covered by the state’s Lemon Law. This is a critical provision that ensures your service doesn’t leave you vulnerable when you buy or lease a new vehicle in the state. You are entitled to the same protections as any Texas resident, meaning you can pursue a claim if your vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer can’t fix. This allows you to seek a replacement, repurchase, or cash compensation without being penalized for your military commitments. It’s a way of making sure that those who serve our country are also served by its consumer protection laws.
Many people don’t realize that the Texas Lemon Law’s protections go beyond standard cars and trucks. The law also extends its coverage to motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). If you purchased one of these vehicles new in Texas and it suffers from a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, you have rights. As with other vehicles, you must give the manufacturer a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem. This inclusion is significant because it acknowledges that a ‘lemon’ isn’t just a faulty car; it can be any motor vehicle that fails to live up to its warranty, ensuring a wider range of consumers can get the relief they need.
The Texas Lemon Law is very specific about which vehicles are eligible for protection, and it’s important to know what falls outside its scope. Two significant exclusions are repossessed vehicles and farm equipment. If a lender has repossessed your car or truck, you unfortunately lose the ability to file a claim under the state’s lemon law, regardless of how many defects it had. Similarly, the law does not apply to agricultural machinery like tractors and other equipment used for farming. While these limitations can feel frustrating, they are a defined part of the Texas statute. It’s worth remembering that other laws, such as the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, can sometimes provide protection for warrantied products even when a state-specific law does not apply.
To qualify under the Texas lemon law, the defect must meet three requirements:
While the Texas Lemon Law offers strong consumer protection, it’s important to know that not every problem qualifies. The law focuses on defects that “substantially impair” the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, which means minor annoyances typically aren’t covered. For instance, small cosmetic flaws like a paint chip, a minor interior rattle, or faint wind noise don’t usually meet the legal threshold for a lemon. Similarly, issues resulting from normal wear and tear are excluded. Items such as brake pads and tires are expected to be replaced as part of routine maintenance and are the owner’s responsibility. The law also won’t cover problems caused by owner abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications that damage the vehicle. If you’re trying to figure out if your issue is substantial enough, our frequently asked questions page can provide more clarity.
While the Texas Lemon Law provides a strong safety net, the best-case scenario is avoiding a lemon altogether. Taking a few proactive steps before and after you buy can save you a world of headaches down the road. It puts you in control and ensures you’re prepared to act if your new vehicle starts showing signs of trouble. Here’s how you can protect your investment and your peace of mind.
Your best defense against a lemon starts before you ever sign the paperwork. A little homework can go a long way in helping you choose a reliable vehicle. Spend some time researching the specific make and model you’re interested in. Look into reliability ratings from trusted sources and check owner forums for discussions about common complaints or recurring problems. While no car is perfect, identifying a pattern of transmission failures or electrical gremlins in a particular model can help you steer clear of a potential nightmare. This initial research is your first line of defense in the car-buying process.
Once you’ve brought your new car home, it’s tempting to just start driving and enjoy it. But take a moment to get acquainted with two very important documents: your owner’s manual and information about the Texas Lemon Law. Your manual contains the details of your manufacturer’s warranty—what’s covered, for how long, and your responsibilities as the owner. Understanding these terms is critical. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with your rights under the Texas Lemon Law from the beginning empowers you. You’ll know what constitutes a “reasonable number of repair attempts” and what steps to take if you suspect a problem, putting you ahead of the game.
Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is non-negotiable. Failing to do so can give the manufacturer an excuse to deny your warranty claims, arguing that the defect was caused by your neglect. Just as important is keeping meticulous records of everything. Hold onto every single repair order, invoice, and any notes from conversations with the dealership or manufacturer. This paper trail is the single most important piece of evidence in a lemon law case. Having this documentation organized makes it much easier for an experienced attorney to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve. It proves you’ve done your part and that the fault lies with the vehicle, not you.
Stay informed about your vehicle even after the purchase. Manufacturers often issue recalls for safety-related defects, and you should receive a notice in the mail. However, they also release Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to dealerships, which are essentially instructions for fixing common, non-safety problems. These aren’t as widely publicized, but they are public information. You can check for both recalls and TSBs on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Knowing about a TSB for your car’s issue can be powerful when you visit the service department, as it shows the manufacturer has already acknowledged the problem.
Before you can file a lemon law complaint in Texas, the manufacturer must have had a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect. Texas law establishes these specific thresholds:
If you have brought the vehicle to an authorized dealer four or more times for the same defect and it remains unresolved, you have met the repair attempt threshold.
When it comes to a lemon law claim, timing is critical. The Texas Lemon Law sets firm deadlines you must meet to protect your rights. You’re required to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) within six months of the *earliest* of these three milestones: the end of your manufacturer’s warranty, 24 months from your purchase date, or 24,000 miles on the odometer. It’s important to remember this clock only starts ticking *after* you’ve given the dealership a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem. These timelines can feel confusing, which is why we’ve answered many frequently asked questions about them. Once your complaint is submitted, the TxDMV generally schedules a hearing within 40 to 60 days, moving your case toward a resolution. Staying on top of these dates is a key part of building a successful claim.
For defects that create a serious safety hazard, such as risk of death or substantial bodily harm, you only need two unsuccessful repair attempts.
If your vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more days for warranty repairs during the coverage period, you may also qualify. The days do not need to be consecutive, and they can be for different defects.
There is one major exception to the 30-day rule that you need to be aware of. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the time your vehicle spends in the shop does not count against the 30-day total if the dealer provides you with a comparable loaner vehicle. This means if you had a substitute car to drive while yours was being fixed, those days won’t help you meet the threshold for a lemon law claim. This makes it absolutely essential to keep detailed records not only of the repair dates but also of whether or not you were given a loaner. This single detail can make or break your eligibility under this specific test.
The 30-day test focuses on the cumulative time your vehicle was unavailable to you, not whether it was eventually repaired. Even if the dealer manages to fix the issue on the 31st day, you may still have a valid claim. The law recognizes the significant inconvenience and loss of use you suffered. Importantly, these 30 days do not need to be consecutive and can be for a variety of different warranty-covered defects. If you believe your vehicle has been out of service for 30 days or more, it’s a strong indicator that you should explore your rights. Don’t assume that a last-minute repair invalidates your case; the history of the vehicle is what truly matters. If this sounds like your situation, it’s time to see if you qualify for a claim.
Strong documentation significantly strengthens your claim. Keep all of the following:
Once you’ve confirmed your vehicle qualifies and you’ve given the manufacturer a reasonable chance to fix it, it’s time to take formal action. The process for filing a lemon law complaint in Texas is well-defined and managed by the state, which is great news for consumers. It might seem like a lot of paperwork, but by following the steps and keeping your records organized, you can build a powerful case. This is the official route to holding the manufacturer accountable and getting the compensation you deserve for the headaches and expenses caused by your defective vehicle. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to do.
In Texas, the path to resolving a lemon law claim has a mandatory first stop. Unlike in states where you might go directly to court, you must first file a complaint through the state-run dispute resolution process with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). This isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s a huge advantage. The process provides a neutral setting for your case, which is much better than facing a private arbitration system run by the manufacturer. It’s also completely free to file a complaint. This formal step kicks off the process, and the TxDMV works to schedule hearings within 40 to 60 days, putting you on a clear path toward a resolution.
Your first official action is to complete and submit the Texas Lemon Law complaint form. This document is where you’ll lay out the facts of your case for the TxDMV. You’ll need to provide vehicle details, a clear defect description, and a timeline of your repair attempts. This is where your documentation becomes critical—you must attach copies of your repair orders, purchase agreement, and any correspondence. Filling out this form accurately is essential, as it sets the foundation for your entire claim. If you feel overwhelmed, an experienced attorney can help you prepare a thorough and compelling complaint to ensure nothing is missed.
Texas law requires you to notify the manufacturer in writing about the defect and your dissatisfaction with the repair attempts. Many manufacturers include a specific address for lemon law complaints in the owner’s manual. Send the notice via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery.
After sending written notice, the manufacturer typically has one final opportunity to repair the vehicle. If the repair attempt is unsuccessful, you can proceed to filing a complaint.
Submit your complaint to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The complaint form is available online at the TxDMV website. There is no filing fee. Include copies of all repair orders, your written notice to the manufacturer, and any supporting documentation.
While searching online, you might see conflicting information about a $35 fee to file a Texas lemon law complaint. Let’s set the record straight: filing a complaint with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is completely free. This is a significant advantage, as it removes any financial hurdle to getting your case started. You shouldn’t have to pay a fee just to have your voice heard, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of a faulty vehicle. The state-run system is intentionally designed to be accessible, ensuring your path to a remedy isn’t blocked by upfront costs. It’s one of the ways the Texas process puts consumers first.
A hearing examiner from the TxDMV will review your complaint. You will have the opportunity to present your evidence, and the manufacturer will present theirs. The hearing may be conducted in person or by phone. Having an attorney represent you at this stage significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome.
Once you file your complaint, the next phase is often called mediation, but in Texas, it’s actually a formal administrative hearing with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). This is a major plus for you. Instead of dealing with a private arbitration system that the manufacturer might control, you get a neutral state examiner to hear your case. This process is designed to be fair and accessible, giving you a real opportunity to have your evidence reviewed impartially. The examiner’s job is to listen to both sides and determine if your vehicle legally qualifies as a lemon under state law, putting you on a much more level playing field with the car company.
During the hearing, which is usually held over the phone or by video conference, you’ll present your side of the story. You’ll explain the vehicle’s defects, show your repair records, and describe how the issues have seriously affected its use, safety, or value. The manufacturer will have its own team there to challenge your claim, which can feel pretty overwhelming. This is where having an experienced attorney makes a world of difference. We can represent you during the hearing, organize and present your evidence clearly, question the manufacturer’s representatives, and handle all the legal technicalities to build the strongest case for you.
After the hearing concludes, the examiner will issue a formal written decision. If they rule in your favor, they can order the manufacturer to buy back your vehicle, provide a comparable replacement, or, in some situations, repair the defect and pay you for the vehicle’s lost value. This decision is legally binding, forcing the manufacturer to comply. The best part is that filing a complaint with the TxDMV is free. And when you partner with a firm like ours, you pay no out-of-pocket fees for our help. We only get paid if we win your case, so you can fight for your rights without any financial risk. You can check out some of our past successes to see the kinds of results we achieve for our clients.
The TxDMV will issue a written decision. If the decision is in your favor, the manufacturer is legally required to comply. Possible remedies include a repurchase of the vehicle, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
Waiting for a decision can be one of the most stressful parts of any legal process. Thankfully, the Texas lemon law process is designed to be relatively quick. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) generally aims to schedule hearings within 40 to 60 days after you file your complaint. This means you could have a resolution much faster than you would in a traditional court case. While this is the goal, timelines can sometimes vary depending on caseloads and the complexity of your situation. Still, this state-run system is generally more efficient than the manufacturer-led arbitration programs found in other states, getting you an answer without unnecessary delays. You can find answers to more questions about the process on our Lemon Law FAQs page.
What happens if the hearing examiner doesn’t rule in your favor? It’s not necessarily the end of the road. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. Your first step is to request a new hearing with the TxDMV. If you’re still not satisfied with that outcome, you can then appeal the decision to a state court in Travis County. This is where having an experienced attorney becomes absolutely critical. Taking on a major auto manufacturer in court is a serious undertaking, and their legal teams are formidable. An attorney can help you build the strongest possible case for your appeal and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. If you find yourself in this situation, contact us today to see how we can help.
Working with an attorney who focuses exclusively on lemon law cases ensures your complaint is properly prepared and your rights are fully protected. At Kahn & Associates, we handle the entire process on your behalf, including preparing the TxDMV complaint, gathering evidence, and representing you at the hearing.
At Kahn & Associates, we operate on a pure contingency basis: No Recovery, No Fee. We have represented over 13,000 consumers and handle the entire process remotely. Call us at 1-888-536-6671 or take our 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment™.
If the TxDMV or a court finds in your favor, you can receive one of the following remedies:
The manufacturer must refund your full purchase price, including:
The manufacturer may deduct a reasonable usage allowance for the miles you drove before reporting the first defect.
When you win a lemon law claim and opt for a refund, the goal is to make you financially whole again. This means the manufacturer must reimburse you for the money you’ve invested in the vehicle. Your refund should cover your down payment, all monthly loan or lease payments you’ve made, and collateral charges like sales tax, title, and registration fees. You’re also entitled to get back money spent on related expenses, such as towing or a rental car, which is why keeping every receipt is so important. The one thing a manufacturer can subtract is a “reasonable usage deduction” for the miles you drove before the first repair attempt. It’s worth noting that laws vary by state; for instance, the Ohio Lemon Law doesn’t permit this mileage offset. If you have more questions, our lemon law FAQs are a great resource.
Instead of a refund, you can request a replacement vehicle of comparable value. The replacement must be new and substantially similar to your original vehicle.
The law says a replacement vehicle should be “substantially similar” to your original car. But what if the only available model has features your lemon didn’t, like a sunroof or a premium sound system? The manufacturer will likely ask you to pay the difference for those upgrades. On the flip side, if the replacement is a downgrade and lacks features your original car had, the manufacturer owes you compensation for that loss in value. These details often become major sticking points in a settlement. An experienced attorney is essential for these discussions, ensuring the manufacturer provides a truly comparable vehicle or fair compensation. They can help you negotiate the terms so you don’t end up paying more than you should for a car you were forced to replace.
In some cases, a negotiated cash settlement is the best outcome. This often happens when consumers want to keep the vehicle but receive compensation for the diminished value and inconvenience. Learn more about how lemon law settlements work.
Beyond a refund or replacement, you may also be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable costs you paid out-of-pocket because of the defect. Think about the money you spent on towing the car to the dealership or renting a vehicle to get to work. Under Texas law, these expenses can be recovered as part of a successful claim. This is why keeping meticulous records of every single expense is so important—save all your receipts for towing, rentals, and any other costs directly related to the vehicle’s issues. These smaller amounts add up, and including them in your claim ensures you are fully compensated for the financial headaches the lemon has caused. You can find answers to more specific questions about what costs are covered in our frequently asked questions.
Under Texas law, you must file your lemon law complaint with the TxDMV within six months after the vehicle’s warranty expires. For federal claims under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the statute of limitations is typically four years from the date the defect was first discovered.
Do not wait until the last minute. Evidence becomes harder to gather, dealer records may be purged, and the longer you wait, the more the manufacturer can argue the problem resulted from normal wear rather than a manufacturing defect.
Figuring out your exact filing deadline can feel like solving a math problem, but it’s crucial to get it right. For the Texas Lemon Law, the clock starts ticking *after* your manufacturer’s warranty expires. For example, if your 3-year/36,000-mile warranty ended on May 15th because you hit the mileage limit, you would have until November 15th to file your complaint with the TxDMV. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act works differently, giving you four years from the date you first discovered the defect. Because these dates can be tricky to pinpoint and missing them can mean losing your rights, it’s best not to guess. An experienced attorney can review your repair history and purchase documents to give you a clear answer. We can help you determine your exact deadline and ensure you don’t miss your window to file a claim.
No. The Texas state lemon law applies only to new vehicles. However, if you purchased a used vehicle that still had the manufacturer’s original warranty in effect at the time of purchase, you may have a viable claim under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Additionally, if the dealer made specific representations about the vehicle’s condition that turned out to be false, you may have a separate claim under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). Learn more about consumer protection laws for car buyers.
For used car buyers, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) offers another important layer of protection. This law targets false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices that happen during a sale. For example, if a dealer told you a used car had a clean history when it was actually in a major accident, you might have a claim under the DTPA. Unlike the lemon law, which focuses on a manufacturer’s failure to honor a warranty, the DTPA addresses misrepresentation by the seller. If you win a DTPA claim, you could recover money for economic losses like repair costs or the vehicle’s diminished value, and potentially your attorney’s fees, giving you a way to hold sellers accountable for their promises.
While pursuing a lemon law claim with an experienced attorney is the most effective way to secure the compensation you deserve, it’s helpful to know about the other resources available to Texas consumers. The state has a unique, consumer-friendly process, but understanding all your options puts you in a stronger position. These resources can provide information and alternative paths for resolving your vehicle issues, though they often serve a different purpose than a formal legal claim aimed at securing a repurchase or replacement.
You may have seen the BBB AUTO LINE program mentioned in your vehicle’s warranty documents. This is a third-party dispute resolution service offered by the Better Business Bureau to help settle warranty disagreements between consumers and auto manufacturers, often without needing a lawyer. It’s a form of arbitration that is free for the consumer to use. While it can be a useful tool for certain warranty issues, it is important to understand that this is not the same as filing a formal complaint through the state-run Texas Lemon Law process. The outcomes from a BBB arbitration may not be as favorable as what you could achieve with a successful lemon law claim, and the process itself is different from the mandatory hearings conducted by the TxDMV.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is the state agency that administers and enforces the Texas Lemon Law. This is your official starting point for the state’s dispute resolution process. If you have questions about the procedure, need to obtain a complaint form, or want to verify information, the TxDMV Lemon Law Section is your go-to resource. You can reach them by phone at (888) 368-4689 or find forms and detailed guides on their website at TxDMV.gov. Remember, while the TxDMV staff can explain the process, they cannot offer legal advice or act as your advocate. For dedicated representation to ensure your case is presented effectively, it’s best to contact an attorney who specializes in these claims.
Yes. Leased vehicles receive the same protections as purchased vehicles under the Texas lemon law, provided the vehicle is new and still within the manufacturer’s warranty.
Yes. Many defects are intermittent and difficult to reproduce on demand. What matters is that you reported the problem to the dealer and gave them the opportunity to repair it. Your personal documentation of when the defect occurs is important evidence.
You are not legally required to have an attorney, but the process involves legal standards, deadlines, and strategic decisions that benefit from professional guidance. Under both the Texas lemon law and the federal Magnuson-Moss Act, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees if you win.
This happens frequently. Before accepting any offer, have an attorney review it to make sure it reflects the full value of your claim, including incidental damages and attorney fees.
Most cases are resolved within three to six months. The TxDMV aims to schedule hearings within 40 to 60 days of complaint filing. Learn more about lemon law timelines and settlements.
Yes, you can continue to drive the vehicle unless doing so poses a safety risk. Continuing to drive does not waive your lemon law rights, but be sure to document any ongoing issues.
Ready to find out if your vehicle qualifies? Get your free 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment™ now, or call 1-888-536-6671. Our experienced team will review your case at no cost and with no obligation.
At Kahn & Associates, lemon law is all we do. Founded by Craig A. Kahn, who literally wrote the book on the subject (Service Required: The Uncensored Truth About Lawyers and The Lemon Law), our firm has represented over 13,000 consumers nationwide. We handle Texas lemon law and federal warranty claims on a pure contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
If your vehicle qualifies, you have nothing to lose by getting a professional evaluation. Take our free 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment™ today, or call 1-888-536-6671.
Lemon Law Protections in Your State: Florida Lemon Law, Michigan Lemon Law, North Carolina Lemon Law, Ohio Lemon Law, Pennsylvania Lemon Law
*Disclaimer: The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as offering legal advice, or creating an attorney client relationship between the reader and the author. While we aim for accuracy, the law is constantly changing and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or timeliness of the information. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this Website without seeking appropriate legal advice about your individual facts and circumstances from an attorney licensed in your state.
*Disclaimer: The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as offering legal advice, or creating an attorney client relationship between the reader and the author. While we aim for accuracy, the law is constantly changing and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or timeliness of the information. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this Website without seeking appropriate legal advice about your individual facts and circumstances from an attorney licensed in your state.
Have questions about your lemon law case? Our FAQ section is here to provide clear, concise answers to the most common concerns. Take a look below to find the information you need, and if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance!
The so-called “Lemon Law” is a State law which is defines when a manufacturer has breached its written warranty and what the victim is entitled to for such a breach of warranty. Additionally, there are various other warranty laws (or Lemon Laws) in each State and on the Federal level which can be used to recover money for consumers who do not meet the strict definitions contained in their State’s Lemon Law. In most states, the State Lemon Law provides for a Full Refund or a Replacement Vehicle (less a reasonable allowance for use) and Attorney’s Fees and Costs if the consumer prevails. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
According to Wikipedia, in the 1800s, people started using the word ‘lemon’ to describe people who were sour (or unfriendly). In American English the word was first recorded in 1909 in the slang sense of “worthless thing”. Over time, ‘lemon’ came to refer to anything that was defective or broken or which breaks constantly, particularly a car. However, in an effort to further define such a broad term, the Lemon Law attempts to define certain situations which entitle consumers to their money back or a new vehicle. In a nutshell, any defect or nonconformity, or combination of defects, which is/are not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts or a reasonable amount of time, may entitle you to Lemon Law relief. Your vehicle does NOT have to be breaking down to be considered a lemon. In short, if you are aggravated enough to be reading this you may have a lemon. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
Almost any type of passenger vehicle is covered by the Lemon Law. This means that Cars, Trucks, Vans, Motorcycles and many other types of motor vehicles are usually covered under the Lemon Law. For Boats, ATVs, RVs and items that may not covered by the strict definitions of the State Lemon Law, other State and Federal Lemon Laws are available which do cover these products. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
The ultimate relief in a Lemon Law Case is your money back or a new car. This is known as a “buy back” or a “repurchase.” Many State’s Lemon Laws provides for a Full Refund or a Replacement Vehicle (less a reasonable allowance for use) and mandatory Attorney’s Fees and Costs if the consumer prevails. When that occurs, the defective vehicle is returned to the manufacturer. This is usually done by returning it locally to one of their authorized dealers. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
Should we agree to represent you, your case will be handled on a contingency basis, whereby our office will not get paid unless you get paid. You will not have to come out-of-pocket to pay our fee! Furthermore, Kahn & Associates, L.L.C. may advance all usual and reasonable costs as a part of our representation on certain cases.
Kahn & Associates, L.L.C. represents thousands of consumers every year with defective vehicles. As with most cases, over 97% of these cases settle to the satisfaction of both parties. Remember, the manufacturer would rather pay less now than risk paying a much larger amount to you, your attorney and their attorneys later.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Craig A. Kahn, who has more than 20 years of legal experience in lemon law.
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Stuck with a defective car in Ohio? State Lemon Laws protect you. Get a refund, replacement, or cash settlement. Learn your rights today!
Florida Lemon Laws cover new and used vehicles. If your car’s a lemon, you deserve compensation. Let us help you fight for justice!
Michigan’s Lemon Law protects you from faulty vehicles. Don’t settle for endless repairs—claim your refund or replacement now.
North Carolina Lemon Laws ensure defective vehicles are replaced or refunded. Know your rights and take action today!
Pennsylvania Lemon Law covers new cars with repeated issues. Get the compensation you deserve. Click to learn more!
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