Lemon law
A state statute that can require repurchase or replacement of a repeatedly defective new vehicle — thresholds and procedures vary by state.
Part of the Documents & law cluster.
What it means
A lemon law is a state statute that can require a manufacturer to repurchase or replace a new vehicle with a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and that persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts or a number of days out of service. The exact thresholds, deadlines, and procedures vary by state.
Why it matters
It is a term you will hear at the dealer and in advertisements for legal services, so it is worth understanding neutrally: it is a state statutory remedy with specific conditions, not a warranty and not an automatic right.
What it is NOT
It is not a warranty, not a federal program, and not something this product evaluates. WarrantyCompass records your service facts and coverage terms; whether any statute applies to your situation is a question for a licensed attorney in your state.
Related terms
Terms in this glossary describe general warranty practice and US norms — they are informational, not legal advice, and not a reading of your specific warranty booklet.