Lemon Law

Like most other states, Washington has a Lemon Law designed to protect new car buyers whose vehicles have significant, ongoing mechanical or warranty repair failures.

Washington's Lemon Law allows new vehicle owners in the state to request arbitration from the state's attorney general. There is no charge for the process, through which an arbitrator will determine whether the car buyer's claim qualifies for protection under Washington's Lemon Law.

The arbiter will work with the vehicle's owner and the manufacturer to determine whether the vehicle is in fact a lemon and whether the buyer has made adequate attempts to have the problem repaired. The following count as "adequate attempts:"

• For a serious safety defect, two repair attempts qualifies.

• Four unsuccessful attempts to repair a noncomformity that's covered under the warranty can mean you've got a lemon.

• If the car has been in the shop for repairs for a total of 30 days and the problem still exists, you might be covered.

What happens if the arbiter decides you've got a lemon? The manufacturer will be required to provide you with a replacement car or a prorated refund.

A Washington vehicle owner may request Lemon Law arbitration as long as 30 months after taking delivery of the vehicle. The request may come from a second or subsequent owner of a vehicle, provided it was purchased within two years of the original retail delivery and the vehicle has no more than 24,000 miles on it.

Lemon Law protection is limited to new vehicles in Washington, and some circumstances must be met. The following vehicles are not covered by Washington's Lemon Law:

• Motorcycles smaller than 750cc

• Trucks with more than a 19,000-pound gross weight rating

• Motor home sections used as home, work, or commercial space (but the truck and chassis are covered)

• Autos purchased or leased by a business in a fleet of 10 or more

Further Information

Washington's Office of the Attorney General has compiled a number of informative resources to help consumers understand the Lemon Law and their rights and responsibilities thereunder. Here's some excellent reading to get you started:

• Lemon Law Overview

• Definition of a Lemon

• If You Have a Lemon, What Should You Do?

• Submitting Your Request for Arbitration

• Motor Vehicle Lemon Law Brochure (2 pages)

• Motor Vehicle Lemon Law Booklet (28 pages)

• Lemon Law for Motor Homes

• Motor Home Lemon Law Booklet (32 pages)

Even though the state's arbitrator will negotiate between you and the car's manufacturer, in some cases the automaker won't give up easily. After all, who wants to issue a refund in the tens of thousands of dollars? If your case is anything but a clear winner, you might want to enlist the support and expertise of a Lemon Law attorney.