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.
Is your car a lemon in New York?
A new car is presumed a lemon when a covered defect meets this test:
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 Mileage Calculator
Mileage OffsetIn a New York lemon law refund calculation, the manufacturer can take a mileage offset, but only for miles over 12,000. Enter your price and odometer reading to see how the statutory formula works.
The purchase price of the vehicle. Leases use a separately defined lease price, which this calculator does not cover.
What the odometer says at the time of the buyback. New York counts total miles, so you do not need to subtract anything.
Try an example
Your price minus the mileage deduction below. The statute also refunds license fees, registration fees, and similar government charges. Sales tax is refunded through the state, and if you have a loan, the lender is paid from the refund. This is the base, not the final amount.
New York does not charge for the first 12,000 miles. For every mile beyond that, the formula multiplies the extra miles by your price, then divides by 100,000.
Miles over 12,000 × price ÷ 100,000
You are at or under 12,000 miles, so the deduction is $0. New York does not charge for the first 12,000 miles.
At this mileage, the deduction equals or exceeds the full price, so the starting point shows $0.
Replacement: Instead of a refund, you can choose a comparable replacement vehicle.
New York Lemon Law Articles
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NY Lemon Law Refund Calculation: How the Buyback Math Works
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New York Lemon Law Attorney Fees: Who Pays the Lawyer?
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New York Lemon Law: The Complete Guide for Car Buyers (2026)
New York Lemon Law: The Complete Guide for Car Buyers You bought what was supposed to be a reliable car.…
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