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Lemon law questions and answers
The lemon law questions people type most, each answered in two or three sentences with a link to the detail. The state numbers come from each state's own law, and the federal rules from the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the FTC.
What is the lemon law?
A state law that makes a carmaker buy back or replace a new vehicle with a defect it cannot fix in a set number of tries, inside a set time. Every state and DC has one. By state.
Is my car a lemon?
Probably, if the same defect has been repaired 3 or 4 times, a safety defect once or twice, or the car has been in the shop about 30 days, all inside your state's protection period. The free check compares your answers with your state's numbers.
How does the lemon law work?
Keep the repair orders, count the attempts and days, tell the maker in writing, use a dispute program if required, ask for a buyback or replacement, and file before the time limit. The steps.
Does the lemon law apply to used cars?
In 34 states, in some cases, mostly while the maker's original warranty still runs. By state.
Does the lemon law apply to leased cars?
Yes in 39 states. By state.
Is there a federal lemon law?
Not by that name. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal warranty law that works beside the state lemon laws. What it does.
How many repair attempts for the lemon law?
30 states say 4 for the same defect and 21 say 3; fewer for a safety defect in 19 states. By state.
How long do I have to use the lemon law?
The protection period is 12 to 36 months after delivery, depending on the state. Time limits by state.
What do I get from a lemon law buyback?
The price, taxes and fees and costs from the defect, minus a deduction for the miles you drove before the first repair. Estimate yours.
What is a lemon law buyback title?
A title marked to show the maker bought the car back for a defect. What it means.
Who pays the lemon law lawyer?
In most states, and under federal warranty law, an owner who wins can make the maker pay the lawyer. What it costs.
Do I need a lawyer for a lemon law claim?
No, but a lawyer helps most when the maker says no or offers less than the law gives. When it helps.
Is lemon law arbitration binding?
A maker's program under the federal rules does not bind you. Arbitration.
Does a recall make my car a lemon?
Not on its own. A defect that keeps coming back after repairs, recall repairs included, can. Recalls by make.
Does the lemon law cover motorcycles, RVs and boats?
It depends on the state: many lemon laws leave out motorcycles and the living part of a motor home, and few cover boats. Federal warranty law covers any of them sold with a written warranty. Your state guide quotes which vehicles its law covers.
Does a lemon law claim hurt my credit?
Not by itself. Keep paying the loan or lease while the claim runs: missed payments are what hurt your credit.
Sources
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2) (law.cornell.edu)
- FTC Rule 703, 16 C.F.R. § 703.5(d) (law.cornell.edu)
- Each state's lemon law, quoted and linked on its state guide.
Quotes are copied from the page they link to, checked October 26, 2026.
Is your car a lemon? Find out free
Free, about ten taps. You see what your state's law says first. If you want a lawyer, we find a lemon law firm in your state that takes cases like yours, and they contact you.
Your state: Ohio
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Who pays the lawyer? In Ohio, an owner who wins can make the maker pay the lawyer.* * So most lemon law lawyers ask nothing up front. Some charge costs, or a share of a settlement: ask before you sign. You never pay us. More