Oregon Lemon Law Information

The Oregon Lemon Law applies when the repair attempts by the dealer occur within the first year or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), and: 1) the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, or 2)the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more business days. The Oregon Lemon Law is designed to deal with major defects that substantially impair the use and market value of the car. It does not cover problems that are the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the car by the consumer. If the manufacturer participates in a third party arbitration program and notifies you of the procedure, then you are obligated to try to solve your problem through the arbitration program to be eligible for a refund or a replacement vehicle. If you cannot reach a settlement in the arbitration, you may sue the manufacturer in court. The court has the authority to award three times the amount of any damages, not to exceed $50,000, if the court finds the manufacturer acted in bad faith.

Washington Lemon Law Information

The Washington Lemon Law applies when, during the first two (2) years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first), following delivery of a new vehicle: 1) the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem four (4) or more times, with at least the first repair attempt occuring during the 2 years/24,000 mile period, or 2) the dealer has attempted to repair the same "serious safety defect" two (2) or more times, with at least one repair occuring during the 2 years/24,000 mile period, or 3) the vehicle has been out of service for repairs at the dealership for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days, with at least 15 of those days occuring during the 2 years/24,000 miles. A "serious safety defect" is defined as a life-threatening malfunction that impairs the driver’s ability to control or operate the vehicle, or creates a risk of fire or explosion. To qualify for the Washington Lemon Law, the problem must not have been caused by owner abuse or negligence, or by any unauthorized modifications or alterations made to the vehicle. In Washington State, the Lemon Law process is done through an Arbitration Hearing before a board, rather than through the court system. Lemon Law Facts Under the Washington State Motor Vehicle Lemon Law, a vehicle is considered a lemon when it hasn't been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. Washington State has a Motor Vehicle Lemon Law that is designed to protect consumers who have continuing warranty problems with a new or nearly new vehicle. If you feel you own a lemon, under the law you can request an arbitration hearing through the Attorney General's Office. To be accepted for arbitration your vehicle must be covered under the law. With a few exceptions, the law covers passenger cars, small and mid-sized trucks, large motorcycles, and motor homes. To be covered, your vehicle must have been originally purchased or leased in Washington state and also originally registered in Washington. You must submit a request for arbitration within 30 months of the vehicle's original delivery date. You do not have to be the original owner of the vehicle to request arbitration, but your vehicle must meet all the qualifications. You must also apply for arbitration within 30 months of the vehicle's original delivery date to its first owner. Federal Lemon Law

Ohio Lemon Law Information

The Ohio Lemon Law applies when, during the first year or 18,000 miles (whichever occurs first) following delivery of the new vehicle: the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem three (3) or more times, with at least the first repair attempt occuring within the 1-year/18,000 mile period, or the dealer has attempted to repair various problems eight (8) or more times, or the dealer has unsucessfully attempted to repair a problem that could have resulted in death or serious injury at least once, or the vehicle has been out of service due to repair attempts by the dealer for a total of 30 or more days. Most automakers participate in some kind of arbitration program. Some of these have been approved by the Attorney General, but others have not. If a program has been approved by the Attorney General, you must go through arbitration before you have the right to file a lawsuit. Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section to learn which manufacturers have approved arbitration programs. Ohio Lemon Law information from the Attorney General's Office »