Is Your Leased Vehicle Covered Under Lemon Laws?
Last updated on May 13, 2026
If your leased vehicle is defective and you are unsure if lemon laws apply, it is time to learn more. A lemon law lawyer can help protect your consumer rights so that you do not continue paying for a defective vehicle with serious problems.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys LLP has helped countless clients in Ohio and Texas take action under the leased vehicle lemon law. We are skilled at identifying whether your leased vehicle qualifies and pushing back when manufacturers fall short. Contact us today to see if your vehicle qualifies for protection under state or federal lemon laws.
What Qualifies Your Leased Vehicle As A Lemon?
In Ohio, the state’s lemon law (starting at ORC 1345.71) protects consumers who lease or purchase defective vehicles within the first year or first 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Texas lemon law applies to new vehicles within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of use, whichever occurs first. Both states also provide protections under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which applies to leased vehicles with written warranties and allows consumers to seek remedies when manufacturers fail to honor those warranties.
While not every leased vehicle qualifies, your car may be considered a lemon if:
- The same defect has been repaired three or more times, and still is not fixed.
- It has been out of service for 30-plus days for leased car repairs.
- In Ohio, there have been eight or more repair attempts for any issue.
- There has been at least one failed repair on a defect that risks serious injury or death.
If your vehicle meets any of these thresholds, it may be time to consult our lemon law attorney and begin exploring your legal options.
What Types Of Leased Vehicles Are Covered By The Lemon Law?
Ohio’s lemon law covers new passenger cars, noncommercial motor vehicles and parts of motor homes used for personal, family or household purposes. Texas lemon law protects new cars, light trucks, vans, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and motor homes under 10,000 pounds. Both states exclude commercial vehicles used primarily for business purposes.
Common Signs Your Leased Vehicle Might Be A Lemon
Look for these red flags if you are unsure whether your leased car has become a lemon:
- Multiple trips to the shop for the same issue
- Weeks or months without your car due to repairs
- Safety problems like engine stalling, brake failure or steering issues
- Failing components such as the transmission or electrical system
- Constant dashboard warning lights
- No clear repair timeline from the manufacturer
If you see one or more of these issues, your vehicle could fall under the leased vehicle lemon law. Possible remedies include a replacement vehicle, a refund of lease payments and incidental costs, or negotiations and legal action under state lemon laws or warranty protections.
What You Will Need To File A Lemon Law Claim
To file a lemon law claim in Ohio or Texas, gather all repair orders, invoices, your lease agreement, warranty documents and written communication with the dealership or manufacturer. Document the mileage and dates when defects first appeared. Both states have strict filing deadlines, so acting quickly protects your rights.
How Long Do You Have To File A Lemon Law Complaint?
In Ohio, you must report the defect and allow the manufacturer a reasonable repair opportunity within the first year or 18,000 miles of ownership. Texas requires written notification to the manufacturer within 24 months or 24,000 miles before filing a formal claim. Both states require you to allow a final repair attempt before seeking a replacement or refund. Missing these deadlines can eliminate your ability to pursue a claim.
Possible Outcomes: Repair, Replacement Or Refund
If your problem vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may receive one final repair attempt, a replacement vehicle of comparable value or a full refund of lease payments, down payment, registration fees, and incidental costs. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively to pursue a favorable outcome for your situation.
Do Not Let A Lemon Drain Your Wallet
If you are in Ohio or Texas and dealing with a defective leased vehicle, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys LLP is ready to step in and protect your consumer rights for a leased car. Call us at 888-472-1124 or complete the access form today for a free consultation.