State lemon laws help consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles and have repeated problems getting their vehicles properly repaired under the manufacturer’s original warranty.

Lemon laws can help a consumer get the vehicle repurchased, replaced, or repaired through a process that is less complicated and expensive than filing a lawsuit and going to court.

A car is a “lemon” when it is determined that the vehicle is defective beyond repair. Most states have some form of a lemon law to protect car buyers. These laws generally only apply to new cars purchased or leased by consumers and small businesses.

But a used car may also be covered if it is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty (not an extended service contract), or if the defect started and was reported to the dealer while under the manufacturer’s original warranty, and the defect continues to exist.

Lemon laws often do not cover repossessed vehicles, non-travel trailers, boats, or farm equipment.

Lemon laws only cover defects that substantially impair the use or market value of the vehicle—which does not include issues like minor rattles, noises, and car audio imperfections.

Each state has its own requirements, but common factors to qualify as a lemon include:

• The vehicle has a substantial manufacturing defect

• The defect is covered by a manufacturer’s written warranty

• The owner reports the defect to the dealer or manufacturer within the warranty term

• The owner gives the dealer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect or condition

• The owner gives the manufacturer written notice (preferably by certified mail) of the defect and at least one opportunity to fix the defect

• The defect persists and substantially impairs the vehicle’s use or market value or creates a serious safety hazard

Lemon laws are usually located in a state’s statutes and are often administered by the state’s department of motor vehicles or a specified consumer protection agency.

In Connecticut, the lemon law covers new passenger, combination passenger/commercial vehicles, and motorcycles that are purchased or leased in the state. It applies during the first two years from the original delivery date or the first 24,000 miles on the odometer (whichever period ends first). To qualify as a 'lemon,' the vehicle must have a defect that substantially impairs its use, safety, or value, and the defect must occur during the specified time frame. The owner must report the defect within the warranty term and must allow the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle. If the vehicle cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund. Connecticut's lemon law does not cover vehicles that have been substantially altered after their initial sale, commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds, or vehicles purchased or leased by a business as part of a fleet of more than five vehicles. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection administers the lemon law program and provides a process for consumers to seek relief without going to court. However, if a satisfactory resolution is not reached through this process, the consumer may pursue legal action, and it is advisable to consult with an attorney for guidance.