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New York Lemon Law

New York’s New Car Lemon Law protects people who buy or lease a new vehicle when a covered defect cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, as long as the problem shows up within the first 18,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. If the car qualifies, you can choose a comparable replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price. Here is how it works in New York.

18k
Miles / 2 yrs
4
Repair tries
30
Days in shop

Is your car a lemon in New York?

A new car is presumed a lemon when a covered defect meets this test:

Within the window
18,000
miles
or 2 years · whichever first
AND
The repairs fail
same defect repaired, still broken
OR
30
days out of service, total

Your car is presumed a lemon. New York lets you claim a full refund or a comparable replacement vehicle, and you can use the state arbitration program to get there.

New York Lemon Law Articles

New York at a Glance
StatuteGBL § 198-a
Coverage18,000 mi or 2 yrs
Repair attempts4 or more
Days out of service30 or more
RemedyRefund or replacement
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