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 Washington State, the Lemon Law is designed to help new vehicle owners who have substantial continuing problems with warranty repairs. The law applies to new vehicles originally purchased or leased in Washington, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, within the first 30 months of ownership. It also covers used vehicles if they are still under the original manufacturer's warranty. To qualify as a 'lemon,' the vehicle must have a significant defect covered by the warranty that was reported to the dealer or manufacturer during the warranty period, and the defect must not be repairable after a reasonable number of attempts. The defect must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. The Washington State Lemon Law does not apply to repossessed vehicles, non-travel trailers, boats, or farm equipment, and it does not cover minor issues that do not affect the vehicle's use or value. If a vehicle is deemed a lemon, the owner may be entitled to a replacement or a refund. The Washington State Attorney General's Office administers the Lemon Law, and consumers can seek remedy through an arbitration process rather than going to court, which is typically faster and less expensive.