Lemon Car Map · 50 states + DC
Lemon law
A car that keeps breaking: when it counts as a lemon, the notice to send and what you can get back.
What it is
A lemon law makes the maker refund or replace a new vehicle that it can't fix after a set number of repair attempts or days in the shop, within a set period. Most states require written notice to the manufacturer, and many send you to arbitration or a state process before you can sue.
Who it helps
- Buyers and lessees of new cars with a defect that keeps coming back
- Some used-car buyers, in states whose law covers them
- Owners of motorcycles or motor homes in some states
Go straight to your state's guide
Opens Lemon Car Map, part of RobinClaim. Or see every topic for your state:
Across the country
14states whose lemon law can cover a used car
36 monthslongest lemon law period: Maine
3repair attempts are enough in 21 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas and 18 more (most need 4)
Figures from Lemon Car Map's state data, checked Oct 2026.
Guides and comparison tables
- Lemon laws by state
- Used car lemon laws
- Free notice letter to the manufacturer
- The federal warranty law
All of Lemon Car Map: every state, tools and guides.
Visit Lemon Car Map