When you buy a used car that turns out to be defective, your rights and options depend on the state where you made the purchase. Here are some steps to take and examples of used car lemon laws in different states.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Communicate with the Dealership | Contact the dealership about the issues and request repair or compensation. Come prepared with documentation. |
| Review Purchase Agreement | Check for any warranties or service contracts that may cover repairs. |
| Gather Documentation | Keep detailed records of problems, communications with dealer, and repair invoices. |
| Research State Used Car Lemon Laws | Some states have laws that can provide recourse. Others do not. |
| Consult Consumer Attorney | An attorney can advise if you have grounds for a lawsuit, such as if dealer committed fraud. |
| File Complaint | Submit a complaint to agencies like the State Attorney General’s office or the Department of Motor Vehicles. |
Used Car Lemon Laws All 50 States
| State | Lemon Law Summary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No used car lemon law |
| Alaska | Used cars within 30 days or 1,000 miles may qualify |
| Arizona | Other provisions |
| Arkansas | No used car lemon law |
| California | Other provisions |
| Colorado | Used cars within two years or 24,000 miles of purchase |
| Connecticut | Used cars within 2 years or 24,000 miles of purchase |
| Delaware | Used cars under 60,000 miles may qualify |
| Florida | No used car lemon law |
| Georgia | Other provisions |
| Hawaii | No used car lemon law |
| Idaho | Used cars within 90 days or 5,000 miles may qualify |
| Illinois | Used cars within two years and 24,000 miles may qualify |
| Indiana | Used cars within one year or 15,000 miles may be covered |
| Iowa | Used cars within 14 days or 500 miles may be covered |
| Kansas | No used car lemon law |
| Kentucky | Used cars within one year or 15,000 miles of purchase |
| Louisiana | No used car lemon law |
| Maine | Other provisions |
| Maryland | Used cars within 36,000 miles may qualify after repair attempts |
| Massachusetts | Used cars within 1 year or 15,000 miles of purchase |
| Michigan | Other provisions |
| Minnesota | Used cars under 36,000 miles purchased from MN dealer |
| Mississippi | No used car lemon law |
| Missouri | Used cars within one year or 15,000 miles of purchase |
| Montana | Used cars within 30 days or 1,500 miles may be covered |
| Nebraska | No used car lemon law |
| Nevada | Used cars within 30 days may qualify for lemon law protection |
| New Hampshire | Other provisions |
| New Jersey | Used cars under 60,000 miles purchased from dealer may qualify |
| New Mexico | Used cars within 30 days may be eligible under lemon law |
| New York | Used cars under 18,000 miles may qualify if serious defect found |
| North Carolina | No used car lemon law |
| North Dakota | No used car lemon law |
| Ohio | Used cars within three years or 36,000 miles may qualify |
| Oklahoma | Used cars within 30 days may be eligible under lemon law |
| Oregon | Used cars within 90 days or 5,000 miles may qualify |
| Pennsylvania | Used cars within one year or 18,000 miles may qualify for protection |
| Rhode Island | Used cars within one year may qualify under lemon law |
| South Carolina | No used car lemon law |
| South Dakota | No used car lemon law |
| Tennessee | Other provisions |
| Texas | No used car lemon law |
| Utah | Used cars within 30 days or 1,000 miles may be covered |
| Vermont | No used car lemon law |
| Virginia | Used cars within one year may qualify for lemon law protection |
| Washington | Other provisions |
| West Virginia | Used cars within three years or 30,000 miles may be covered |
| Wisconsin | Used cars within one year or 12,000 miles may qualify |
| Wyoming | No used car lemon law |
Know your rights under your state’s lemon laws. With the proper steps, you may be able to get compensation for a defective used car. Consult with an attorney to understand all your legal options.
FAQ
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What qualifies as a “lemon” used car?
There is no single standard definition, but generally, a used car with persistent defects that impair safety or value despite repair attempts.
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Do used car lemon laws cover private party sales?
Typically no, used car lemon laws only apply to dealer sales unless stated otherwise.
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How many repair attempts are required before a used car qualifies as a lemon?
This varies by state, but commonly 3-4 attempts for the same defect.
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Can I still sue a dealer if my state has no used car lemon law?
Yes, you may have grounds to sue for fraud or breach of warranty depending on the circumstances.
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What remedies are available under used car lemon laws?
Possible remedies include replacement, refund, cash compensation, or correction of the defect.
