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.
- A serious safety defect is a lifethreatening 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.
- 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 outofservice for diagnosis or repair of one or more nonconformities or serious safety defects (whether or not repaired) for a cumulative total of 30 calendar days, with at least 15 of those days occurring during the warranty period.

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.

Other Washington Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Lemon Law?
A: The Washington State Motor Vehicle Lemon Law is designed to help new vehicle owners who have substantial continuing problems with warranty repairs. The law allows the … More
Q: What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: The law covers most classes of motor vehicles including demonstrators which have an original retail purchase or lease in Washington and are originally registered in … More
Q: What Vehicles Are Not Covered Under Lemon Law?
A: The law does not cover problems caused by owner abuse or negligence, or any unauthorized modifications or alterations made to the vehicle. Nor does the Lemon Law cover … More
Q: What Is The Warranty Period?
A: To determine whether you have a claim under Lemon Law you will have to determine whether at least one attempt to diagnose or repair each defect occurred under the … More
Q: I Have A Lemon. What Should I Do?
A: Gather all your documents, records, and repair reports and organize them. Evaluate how your vehicle qualifies as a lemon based on your records. Write to the … More
Q: What Information Needs To Be Included On The Request For Arbitration Form?
A: When completing the form, clearly describe each defect, when each attempt to diagnose or repair occurred, the mileage on your vehicle at the time of each attempt, the … More
Q: What Is An Arbitration Hearing?
A: Arbitration hearings are much less complicated than court trialsthere are no formal rules of evidence or court procedures, and the hearings are designed to be as easy … More
Q: Scheduling An Arbitration Hearing
A: On the Request For Arbitration form you are asked to state a preferred time for the hearing. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THIS CAREFULLY. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT (AND … More
Q: Who Will Attend The Arbitration Hearing?
A: Hearings usually will be attended by you and any witnesses, a manufacturer`s representative, any manufacturer witnesses, and the arbitrator. All hearings are open to … More
Q: What Must I Prove At The Arbitration Hearing?
A: At the hearing you must establish that your vehicle is eligible and that the manufacturer received your written request for repurchase or replacement of the vehicle. … More