This section covers most classes of motor vehicles including "demonstrators" which have an original retail purchase or lease in Washington. If your vehicle was purchased or leased prior to July 23, 2007, it must have also bee initially registered in Washington to be covered by the Lemon Law.
Vehicles NOT covered are:
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Motorcycles with engine displacements of less than 750 cubic centimeters;
- Trucks over 19,000 lbs. gross weight rating; and
- Vehicles purchased or leased by a business as part of a fleet of 10 or more.
For Motor Homes purchased or leased new please download the Lemon Law Motor Homes Booklet for additional requirements.
What is a "Lemon?"Your vehicle may qualify as a "lemon" if it has one or more substantial defects that have been subject to a "reasonable number of attempts" to diagnose or repair the problem(s) under the manufacturer’s warranty.
A "reasonable number of attempts" has occurred when:
- Diagnosis or repair of the same "serious safety defect" has been attempted two or more times, and the defect continues to exist. At least one attempt must occur during the "warranty period" (see What is the Warranty Period?).
- A "serious safety defect" is a life-threatening malfunction that impairs the driver’s ability to control or operate the vehicle, or creates a risk of fire or explosion; OR
- Diagnosis or repair of the same "nonconformity" has been attempted four or more times, and the defect continues to exist. At least one attempt must occur during the "warranty period" (see What is the Warranty Period? ).
- A "nonconformity" is a defect that "substantially impairs" the use, value or safety of the motor vehicle so as to make the vehicle unreliable, unsafe or diminished in resale value for comparable vehicles; OR
- A vehicle has been out-of-service for diagnosis or repair of one or more nonconformities or serious safety defects (whether or not repaired) for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days, with at least 15 of those days occurring during the "warranty period."
Note: At the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator will ask you which of the above criteria applies to your vehicle. You can claim one or more of the criteria listed above as long as you can prove to the arbitrator that they apply to the defect(s) in your vehicle.
You Have a "Lemon," – What Should You Do?
Contact the Lemon Law Administration for more information and detailed instructions. Ask for the Lemon Law Booklet and the Request for Arbitration Form. Read through the information listed below about the Arbitration Process.
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Before Requesting Arbitration | Completing the Form | After Requesting Arbitration | Arbitration Process | Arbitration Decision | Replacement or Repurchase? | Contact Us