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Consumer Protection

Lemon Law

When a new vehicle spends more time in the service bay than in your driveway, the manufacturer may owe you a refund or a replacement. Here is how each state counts repair attempts, how long your coverage window stays open, and what a buyback actually pays out.

4States Covered
Articles

Lemon Law by State

Repair-attempt rules differ, pick yours

New York ›

18,000 Miles or 2 Years

Four repair attempts on the same defect, or 30 days out of service, builds the presumption.

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Connecticut ›

24,000 Miles or 2 Years

Four attempts or 30 days out of service, and only two attempts for a safety defect.

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New Jersey ›

24,000 Miles or 2 Years

Three attempts or 20 cumulative days out of service, plus a certified last chance letter.

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Florida ›

24-Month Rights Period

Three attempts plus a final manufacturer attempt, or 30 days out of service.

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What It Takes to Qualify

Hit either trigger, inside the window
Flag of New York

New York

GBL § 198-a
18,000 mior 2 years, whichever first
4Repair attempts
same defect
OR
30Days out
of service
NoticeWritten notice to the manufacturer
WhereState-run arbitration, or court
PayoutRefund or replacement, less a mileage offset
Used cars get their own statute, GBL § 198-b
Flag of Connecticut

Connecticut

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-179
24,000 mior 2 years, whichever first
4Repair attempts
same defect
OR
30Days out
of service
NoticeCertified mail before the presumption applies
WhereDCP arbitration, $50 filing fee
PayoutRefund or replacement, arbitrator picks
Safety defect? Two repair attempts is enough
Flag of New Jersey

New Jersey

N.J.S.A. 56:12-29
24,000 mior 2 years, whichever first
3Repair attempts
same defect
OR
20Days out
of service
NoticeCertified last chance letter to the manufacturer, not the dealer
WhereDivision of Consumer Affairs, Lemon Law Unit
PayoutRefund or replacement, less a mileage offset
Safety defect? One attempt. The last chance letter counts as the third
Flag of Florida

Florida

Fla. Stat. Chapter 681
24 monthsfrom delivery, no mileage cap
3+ 1 finalRepair attempts
same defect
OR
30Days out
of service
NoticeRegistered or express mail, at the 15-day mark for days out
WhereNew Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, free
PayoutRefund or replacement, less a use offset
File within 60 days after the rights period ends

Latest in Lemon Law

Where Did You Buy or Lease It?
Bought or leased in New YorkNY · 18,000 miles or 2 years to report it Connecticut vehicle with a safety defectCT · Two attempts can be enough Third repair attempt coming up in New JerseyNJ · Send the last chance letter first Approaching 24 months in FloridaFL · The rights period runs on time, not mileage
Lemon Law Checklist
Keep every repair order, even the ones marked no problem found
Record the date in, date out, and mileage for each visit
Describe the same symptom the same way every time
Confirm the defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety
Notify the manufacturer in writing, by certified mail, not the dealer
Calendar your state’s coverage window and arbitration deadline

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Guides for each state are on the way.

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