Ohio Lemon Law

Ohio Lemon Law: Know Your Rights, Get What You Deserve

If you’re fed up with repeated trips to the repair shop for the same problems, you may be driving a lemon—and you may have legal rights. Ohio’s Lemon Law was created to protect consumers from vehicles that just can’t seem to get fixed, no matter how many chances the manufacturer has had.

At Kahn & Associates, we’ve been helping Ohio drivers get compensation, refunds, and replacement vehicles for nearly three decades. Even if your vehicle doesn’t meet the exact criteria of the state lemon law, you may still qualify under federal warranty laws and other legal protections.

Don’t let ongoing repairs cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Let us fight to get you the justice and relief you deserve.

What Is the Ohio Lemon Law (and How Can Other Laws Help)?

If you’ve purchased or leased a defective vehicle in Ohio, you may be protected under the Ohio Lemon Law. This law requires manufacturers to repair substantial defects that affect the use, value, or safety of your vehicle—typically within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. If they fail to do so after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a full refund or replacement vehicle.

But that’s just the beginning.

Even if your vehicle doesn’t meet the strict requirements of the Ohio Lemon Law, you still have rights. We regularly use a powerful combination of federal warranty law (like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act, and breach of warranty laws to hold manufacturers accountable. These laws work together to give consumers broader protection and more opportunities to recover compensation—even if your situation falls outside the narrow scope of the state lemon law.

That’s where our experience matters. With decades of lemon law and warranty litigation behind us, we know how to navigate this complex legal web and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

No cost to you. No office visit needed. Let us evaluate your case today.

Who or What Qualifies Under the Ohio Lemon Law (and Other Warranty Laws)?

To qualify under the Ohio Lemon Law, your vehicle must generally meet these criteria:

• It must be a new car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, or van purchased or leased in Ohio.
• The issue must arise within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• The defect must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
• The manufacturer must have had a reasonable number of chances to repair the issue, such as:
• 3 or more repair attempts for the same defect,
• 8 or more repair attempts for any issues, OR
• 30+ total calendar days in the shop for repairs.

But even if your vehicle doesn’t meet these requirements, you still may qualify for compensation.

We also pursue claims under powerful federal and state warranty laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act, and general breach of warranty protections. These apply when:

• You purchased a new or used vehicle with a manufacturer’s warranty or manufacturer’s extended warranty (including CPO vehicles),
• Your repairs were under the original manufacturer’s warranty but outside the “lemon” window, and
• You’ve had repeated, unresolved issues or many days out of service when in for repair.

What Can You Get If You Qualify Under the Ohio Lemon Law (and Other Warranty Laws)?

If you qualify under the Ohio Lemon Law or these other legal protections, you may be entitled to:

• A full refund of your purchase price,
• A replacement vehicle of comparable value,
• Cash compensation for the loss of use, diminished value, or inconvenience,
• Reimbursement for repair costs, towing, rental cars, and other related expenses,
• Your legal fees are paid by the manufacturer, not by you.

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for consumers across Ohio and the U.S. by leveraging every available law to maximize results—even when their cases didn’t qualify under the Ohio Lemon Law alone.

If you’re having repeated problems with your vehicle, don’t guess. Let us review your case for free—and fight to get you every dollar you’re owed.

What Types of Defects Qualify Under the Lemon Laws?

To qualify for compensation under Ohio’s Lemon Law or federal warranty laws, the issue with your vehicle must be a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and is not fixed within a reasonable number of repair attempts or reasonable amount of time.

Here are examples of the kinds of issues that frequently qualify:

Safety-Related Defects

These are often taken most seriously by manufacturers and courts:

• Brake system failure
• Steering problems or pulling to one side
• Airbag malfunctions
• Unintended acceleration or stalling
• Defective seat belts or sensors
• Electrical issues affecting lights, wipers, or instrument cluster

Mechanical and Drivability Issues

These problems affect the vehicle’s basic function or reliability:

• Engine knocking, misfiring, or stalling
• Transmission slipping, jerking, or failing to shift
• Hard starting or failure to start
• Excessive oil or fluid leaks

Comfort and Use Impairments

While not safety issues, these defects can still qualify under state and federal warranty law:

• Non-functioning air conditioning or heating
• Electrical failures in windows, locks, or infotainment systems
• Water leaks into the cabin or trunk
• Excessive wind noise or rattling
• Back-up camera or navigation system failures

Repeated Repairs of Any Kind

Even if the defect isn’t life-threatening, if you’ve been back to the shop multiple times for the same problem or have experienced lengthy repair delays, you may still qualify—especially under federal laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which are broader than state lemon laws.

Not sure if your issue qualifies? Let us review your repair records for free and give you a straight answer—fast, confidential, and with no obligation.

Don’t Be Misled: Common Lemon Law Myths vs. the Real Facts

When it comes to lemon law and vehicle warranty claims, misinformation is everywhere. Many frustrated car owners don’t pursue their rights simply because they’ve been told—often by dealerships or internet rumors—that they don’t qualify, that it’s too late, or that filing a claim will void their warranty.

The truth? You may have more rights than you think. At Kahn & Associates, we’ve helped thousands of consumers across Ohio get compensation or replacement vehicles by cutting through the confusion and applying both state and federal laws strategically.

Here are some of the most common myths we hear—and the real facts you should know before giving up on your case:

Don’t let myths keep you from getting what you’re owed. If you’re dealing with recurring vehicle issues, get a free case review and find out where you really stand.

Ohio Lemon Law – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does my car have to break down completely to qualify as a lemon?

No. Your vehicle doesn’t have to stop running entirely. If you’re dealing with repeated issues that affect the use, value, or safety of your vehicle—even if it still drives—you may qualify under Ohio’s Lemon Law or broader federal warranty laws.

How long do I have to act under Ohio’s Lemon Law?

Ohio’s Lemon Law applies during the first 12 months or 18,000 miles after the original delivery of your new vehicle—whichever comes first. You then have 5 years from the date of original delivery to file an Ohio Lemon Law claim. Federal laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may still protect you if your repairs fall outside that lemon law window.

What if I bought a used car—am I still covered?

Ohio’s Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. But you may still qualify for relief under federal warranty laws if your used or certified pre-owned vehicle was sold with a manufacturer’s warranty or manufacturer’s extended warranty, and the repairs occurred during the coverage period.

How many times does the dealership have to try to fix the problem before I qualify?

Under Ohio’s Lemon Law, you may qualify if:

• The same issue has been repaired 3 or more times, OR
• The vehicle has been in the shop 8 or more times total, OR
• It’s been out of service for 30 or more calendar days within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles.

Even if you haven’t met those exact criteria, you may still have a strong case under federal warranty laws.

Who pays my legal fees if I have a case?

If we win or settle your case, the manufacturer is required to pay your legal fees and costs. That means you pay nothing out of pocket, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Do I have to go to court to win my case?

Not usually. Most Ohio lemon law and warranty cases are resolved through direct negotiation with the manufacturer, without ever setting foot in a courtroom.

Can I file a claim if I’ve only had two repairs?

Yes, under federal and state warranty laws.   And possibly even under the state Lemon Law – especially if the problem affects safety or your vehicle has been down for an extended period. Don’t assume—ask us. We’ll evaluate your case for free.

How the Ohio Lemon Law & Warranty Claims Process Works (Step-by-Step)

We’ve made the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation (Takes Us Approximately 60 Seconds)

You start by submitting basic info about your vehicle and repair history. It’s fast, confidential, and completely free. If we believe you have a case, we’ll move quickly to get things started—no office visit or upfront cost required.

Step 2: Document Collection

The first thing the manufacturer wants is paperwork. We’ll need:

• A copy of your purchase or lease agreement
• Any repair orders or service records
• Vehicle registration

If you don’t have all the records, don’t worry—we’ll help you request them from the dealership or service center.

Step 3: You Sit Back While We Handle Everything (Legal Work, Negotiation, Follow Up, Etc.)

Once we have the necessary documents, our team:

• Builds your legal claim using state and federal warranty laws
• Contacts the manufacturer or dealer directly
• Negotiates to get you a buyback, new vehicle, or cash compensation

Most cases settle without the need for a lawsuit and without going to court.  If your matter does not settle out-of-court, we will discuss filing a lawsuit on your behalf under a separate engagement letter, at the Firm’s sole and absolute discretion.

Step 4: You Get Paid or Your Vehicle Replaced

If successful, you could receive:

• A full refund and buyback (with your loan paid off)
• A new vehicle
• Cash compensation or your money back (normally thousands of dollars)
• Plus, Attorney’s Fees

There’s No Risk to You
We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if you do. If we don’t win, you owe nothing.

Need Help with Your Ohio Lemon Law Case?  Don’t Wait – Get the Answers You Need Today!

If you’re driving a lemon, don’t wait. Time limits apply, and the sooner you act, the better your chances.

Start With a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If you’re dealing with repeated vehicle problems, take the first step now. Call our FREE “60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™” Hotline at 1-888-LEMONS-1 to speak directly with an experienced lemon law advocate. Once we have the basic information, we’ll evaluate your case in 60 seconds or less.

Prefer online? Fill out our short “60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™” form, and one of our knowledgeable team members will reach out promptly.

No Recovery, No Fee – We Only Succeed When You Succeed!

You’ll never pay out of pocket. And if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

At Kahn & Associates, there’s no cost and no obligation—just clear answers and real help from a firm with decades of success standing up to car manufacturers.

P.S. Even if you don’t hire us, the information we share could save you thousands and help you make informed decisions about your rights.

OH Lemon Law Summary

This is a summary of the Ohio Lemon Law Statute.  The Federal Lemon Law Statute (or Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) can be found here.

Covered Vehicles:

Passenger vehicles and noncommercial motor vehicles, motor homes (except cooking and sleeping facilities), manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles, but excluding vehicles of government entities and vehicles of business or commercial enterprises registering 3 or more motor vehicles.

Repair Attempts or Days out of Service:

3 repair attempts for same defect. 8 total repair attempts, 1 attempt to repair condition likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, or out of service 30 or more calendar days

Coverage Period:

1 year or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Ohio Lemon Law Statute

This is the actual text of the Ohio Lemon Law Statute.  The Federal Lemon Law Statute (or Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) can be found here.

Sections 1345.71 – 1345.77
Nonconforming New Motor Vehicles

1345.71 Definitions.

As used in sections 1345.71 to 1345.77 of the Revised Code:

(A) “Consumer” means the purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a motor vehicle, any person to whom the motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of the express warranty that is applicable to the motor vehicle, and any other person who is entitled by the terms of the warranty to enforce the warranty.
(B) “Manufacturer” and “distributor” have the same meanings as in section 4517.01 of the Revised Code, and manufacturer includes a re-manufacturer as defined in that section.
(C) “Express warranty” and “warranty” mean the written warranty of the manufacturer or distributor of a new motor vehicle concerning the condition and fitness for use of the vehicle, including any terms or conditions precedent to the enforcement of obligations under that warranty.
(D) “Motor vehicle” means any passenger car or noncommercial motor vehicle as defined in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code, or those parts of any motor home, as defined in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code, that are not part of the permanently installed facilities for cold storage, cooking and consuming of food, and for sleeping, but does not mean any mobile home as defined in division (O) of section 4501.01 of the Revised Code, recreational vehicle as defined in division (Q) of that section, or manufactured home as defined in division (C)(4) of section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.
(E) “Nonconformity” means any defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a motor vehicle and does not conform to the express warranty of the manufacturer or distributor.
(F) “Full purchase price” means the contract price for the motor vehicle, including charges for transportation, dealer-installed accessories, dealer services, dealer preparation and delivery and collateral charges; all finance, credit insurance, warranty and service contract charges incurred by the buyer; and all sales tax, license and registration fees, and other government charges.

1345.72 Duty to repair nonconforming new motor vehicles.

Consumer’s options when repairs unsuccessful.

(A) If a new motor vehicle does not conform to any applicable express warranty and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer during the period of one year following the date of original delivery or during the first eighteen thousand miles of operation, whichever is earlier, the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer shall make any repairs as are necessary to conform the vehicle to such express warranty, notwithstanding the fact that the repairs are made after the expiration of the appropriate time period.
(B) If the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer is unable to conform the motor vehicle to any applicable express warranty by repairing or correcting any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, safety, or value of the motor vehicle to the consumer after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the manufacturer shall, at the consumer’s option, and subject to division (D) of this section replace the motor vehicle with a new motor vehicle acceptable to the consumer or accept return of the vehicle from the consumer and refund each of the following:

(1) The full purchase price including, but not limited to, charges for undercoating, transportation, and installed options;
(2) All collateral charges, including but not limited to, sales tax, license and registration fees, and similar government charges;
(3) All finance charges incurred by the consumer;
(4) All incidental damages, including any reasonable fees charged by the lender for making or canceling the loan.

(C) Nothing in this section imposes any liability on a new motor vehicle dealer or creates a cause of action by a buyer against a new motor vehicle dealer.
(D) Sections 1345.71 to 1345.77 of the Revised Code do not affect the obligation of a consumer under a loan or retail installment sales contract or the interest of any secured party, except as follows:

(1) If the consumer elects to take a refund, the manufacturer shall forward the total sum required under division (B) of this section by an instrument jointly payable to the consumer and any lien holder that appears on the face of the certificate of title. Prior to disbursing the funds to the consumer, the lien holder may deduct the balance owing to it, including any reasonable fees charged for canceling the loan and refunded pursuant to division (B) of this section, and shall immediately remit the balance if any, to the consumer and cancel the lien.
(2) If the consumer elects to take a new motor vehicle, the manufacturer shall notify any lien holder noted on the certificate of title under section 4505.13 of the Revised Code. If both the lien holder and the consumer consent to finance the new motor vehicle obtained through the exchange in division (B) of this section, the lien holder shall release the lien on the nonconforming motor vehicle after it has obtained a lien on the new motor vehicle. If the existing lien holder does not finance the new motor vehicle, it has no obligation to discharge the note or cancel the lien on the nonconforming motor vehicle until the original indebtedness is satisfied.

1345.73 Presumption of reasonable number of attempts to repair.

It shall be presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken by the manufacturer, its dealer, or its authorized agent to conform a motor vehicle to any applicable express warranty if, during the period of one year following the date of original delivery or during the first eighteen thousand miles of operation, whichever is earlier, any of the following apply:

(A) Substantially the same nonconformity has been subject to repair three or more times and continues to exist;
(B) The vehicle is out of service by reason of repair for a cumulative total of thirty or more calendar days;
(C) There have been eight or more attempts to repair any nonconformity that substantially impairs the use and value of the motor vehicle to the consumer;
(D) There has been at least one attempt to repair a nonconformity that results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, and the nonconformity continues to exist.

1345.74 Written statements of consumer’s rights and of work performed.

(A) At the time of purchase, the manufacturer, either directly or through its agent or its authorized dealer, shall provide to the consumer a written statement on a separate piece of paper, in ten-point type, all capital letters, in substantially the following form:
IMPORTANT: IF THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED UNDER STATE LAW TO A REPLACEMENT OR TO COMPENSATION.
(B) The manufacturer or authorized dealer shall provide to the consumer, each time the motor vehicle of the consumer is returned from being serviced or repaired, a fully itemized written statement indicating all work performed on the vehicle, including, but not limited to, parts and labor as described in the rules adopted pursuant to section 1345.77 of the Revised Code.

1345.75 Civil action for loss due to noncompliance.

(A) Any purchaser of a new motor vehicle who suffers any loss due to nonconformity of the motor vehicle as a result of failure by the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer to comply with section 1345.72 of the Revised Code, may bring a civil action in a court of common pleas or other court of competent jurisdiction and, in addition to other relief, shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and all court costs.
(B) The remedies in sections 1345.71 to 1345.77 of the Revised Code are in addition to remedies otherwise available to consumers under law.
(C) Any action brought under division (A) of this section shall be commenced within two years of the expiration of the express warranty term. Any period of limitation of actions under any federal or Ohio laws with respect to any consumer shall be tolled for the period that begins on the date that a complaint is filed with an informal dispute resolution mechanism established pursuant to section 1345.77 of the Revised Code and ends on the date of the decision by the informal dispute resolution mechanism.
(D) It is an affirmative defense to any claim under this section that a nonconformity is the result of abuse, neglect, or the unauthorized modification or alteration of a motor vehicle by anyone other than the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer.

1345.76 Conditions for resale of returned vehicle.

(A) If a motor vehicle has been returned under the provisions of sections 1345.71 to 1345.77 of the Revised Code or a similar law of another state, whether as a result of legal action or of an informal dispute settlement proceeding, the vehicle may not be resold in this state unless each of the following applies:

(1) The manufacturer provides the same express warranty that was provided to the original purchaser, except that the term of the warranty shall be only for twelve thousand miles or twelve months after the date of resale, whichever is earlier;
(2) The manufacturer provides to the consumer, either directly or through its agent or its authorized dealer, and prior to obtaining the signature of the consumer on any document, a written statement on a separate piece of paper, in ten-point type, all capital letters, in substantially the following form:
IMPORTANT: THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE IT DID NOT CONFORM TO THE MANUFACTURER’S EXPRESS WARRANTY AND THE NONCONFORMITY WAS NOT CURED WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME AS PROVIDED BY OHIO LAW.

(B) Notwithstanding the provisions of division (A) of this section, if a new motor vehicle has been returned under the provisions of section 1345.72 of the Revised Code or a similar law of another state because of a nonconformity likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, the motor vehicle may not be sold in this state.

1345.77 Rules for informal dispute resolution mechanism.

(A) The attorney general shall adopt rules for the establishment and qualification of an informal dispute resolution mechanism to provide for the resolution of warranty disputes between the consumer and the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer. The mechanism shall be under the supervision of the division of consumer protection of the office of the attorney general and shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements for an informal dispute resolution mechanism as provided by the “Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act,” 88 Stat. 2183, 15 U.S.C. 2301, and regulations adopted there under.
(B) If a qualified informal dispute resolution mechanism exists and the consumer receives timely notification, in writing, of the availability of the mechanism with a description of its operation and effect, the cause of action under section 1345.75 of the Revised Code may not be asserted by the consumer until after the consumer has initially resorted to the informal dispute resolution mechanism. If such a mechanism does not exist, if the consumer is dissatisfied with the decision produced by the mechanism, or if the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer fails to promptly fulfill the terms determined by the mechanism, the consumer may assert a cause of action under section 1345.75 of the Revised Code.
(C) Any violation of a rule adopted pursuant to division (A) of this section is an unfair and deceptive act or practice as defined by section 1345.02 of the Revised Code.
To take the Lemon Test, call our FREE “60 Second Lemon Law Assessment”™ Hotline at 1-888-LEMONS-1 to speak with an experienced lemon law attorney who, once they obtain all the required information, will evaluate your case in 60 seconds or less or fill out our online“60 Second Lemon Law Assessment*”™ review form and one of our experienced lemon law representatives will contact you.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Phil L.

2 weeks

Was getting nowhere on a brand new car issue. Manufacturer was unable to correct problem and local attorneys admitted they were not experienced in Lemon Law cases. Reached out to Kahn from website and got an immediate response. Was concerned at the time they were in Ohio and I was in NC. Those fears went away with the help of Vicky Eck and Daniel Scharville. Always got returned phone calls, questions answered and firm action taken. These are the folks to go to with Lemon Law issues. My wife and I were very satisfied with results.

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