Consumer Vehicle Protection
Lemon Law by State — 2025 Guide
Repair attempt thresholds, coverage windows, and your rights as a vehicle buyer — organized by state, sourced from primary statutes.
Lemon Law Requirements by State
| State | Repair Attempts | Days Out of Service | Coverage Window | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 4 | 30 days | 2 years / 24,000 mi | A.R.S. §§ 44-1261 et seq. |
| California | 2 | 30 days | 18 months / 18,000 mi | Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1793.2 et seq. (Song-Beverly Act) |
| Florida | 3 | 15 days | 2 years / 24,000 mi | Fla. Stat. §§ 681.10 et seq. |
| Georgia | 3 | 30 days | 2 years / 24,000 mi | O.C.G.A. §§ 10-1-780 et seq. |
| Illinois | 4 | 30 days | 1 year / 12,000 mi | 815 ILCS 380/ (New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act) |
| Michigan | 4 | 30 days | 1 year / 12,000 mi | MCL §§ 257.1401–257.1410 |
| New Jersey | 3 | 20 days | 2 years / 24,000 mi | N.J.S.A. §§ 56:12-29 et seq. |
| New York | 4 | 30 days | 2 years / 18,000 mi | N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law §§ 198-a, 198-b |
| Ohio | 1 | 30 days | 1 year / 18,000 mi | Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1345.71–1345.78 |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | 30 days | 1 year / 12,000 mi | 73 P.S. §§ 1951–1963 (Automobile Lemon Law) |
| Texas | 4 | 30 days | 2 years / 24,000 mi | Tex. Occ. Code §§ 2301.601–2301.613 |
| Washington | 4 | 30 days | 2 years / 24,000 mi | RCW §§ 19.118.010 et seq. |
What Makes a Vehicle a "Lemon"?
Lemon law eligibility generally requires three conditions to be met simultaneously:
- A substantial defectcovered by the manufacturer's warranty — meaning it impairs the vehicle's use, safety, or value. Minor cosmetic issues typically do not qualify.
- A reasonable number of repair attempts — the threshold varies by state (2–4 attempts for the same defect, or sometimes more for safety-critical defects). Some states also allow claims based on cumulative days out of service (typically 15–30 days).
- Within the coverage window— the defect must appear and the repair attempts must occur within the state's coverage period (typically 1–2 years or 12,000–24,000 miles from delivery, whichever comes first).
If all three conditions are satisfied, the manufacturer is generally required to offer either a refund (full purchase price including taxes, registration, and finance charges) or a replacement vehicle of equal value.
Think You Have a Lemon?
Lemon law attorneys often work on contingency — no fee unless you win. If you prevail, the manufacturer pays your attorney's fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lemon law?
Lemon laws are state statutes that protect consumers who purchase or lease a new vehicle with a substantial defect that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. If your vehicle qualifies, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement from the manufacturer.
How many repair attempts are needed to invoke lemon law?
The number varies by state. Most states require 3–4 repair attempts for the same defect. California requires only 2 attempts for safety-related defects under the Song-Beverly Act. Some states alternatively allow a claim after 15–30 cumulative days out of service.
Does lemon law cover used cars?
Most state lemon laws cover only new vehicles. However, New York has a separate Used Car Lemon Law (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 198-b), and California's Song-Beverly Act covers certain certified pre-owned vehicles. Check your specific state's law.
Do I need an attorney for a lemon law claim?
You are not required to hire an attorney, but it is highly advisable. Most lemon law attorneys work on contingency — no upfront cost. If you win, the manufacturer typically pays your attorney fees. Given the complexity and the manufacturer's legal resources, professional representation significantly improves outcomes.
Which state has the strongest lemon law?
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is widely considered the strongest lemon law in the country. It covers both new and certain certified pre-owned vehicles, requires only 2 repair attempts for safety defects, and provides for attorney fees, civil penalties for willful violations, and a broad definition of covered vehicles.