Let Our Attorneys Help You Understand Lemon Laws In Ohio
Purchasing or leasing a new vehicle should be fun and exciting. When you find yourself dealing with repairs in the first year of owning a new car, the experience is anything but fun. At Lemon LawDog, our Ohio lemon law attorneys help consumers throughout Ohio get refunds or replacement vehicles when a new car, truck, motorcycle or RV turns out to be a lemon.
You don’t have to go through the lemon law process alone. Lemon LawDog is here to help. For a free case evaluation, please call us at 888-472-1124 or complete our contact form. Our Ohio lemon law attorneys represent clients statewide.
Consumer Protection For Motor Vehicle Defects: Nonconforming New Motor Vehicle Law
The Ohio Attorney General’s office handles consumer complaints, including lemon law claims, across the state. The lemon law in Ohio is officially called the Nonconforming New Motor Vehicle Law. Under the Ohio Lemon Law:
- Auto manufacturers are required to repair or replace a defective vehicle in a reasonable amount of time.
- Auto manufacturers are required to provide notice to consumers regarding their rights to compensation if a new vehicle is defective.
- Consumers have the right to a refund if the manufacturer does not repair or replace a defective vehicle within a reasonable amount of time.
The Ohio Lemon Law applies to new passenger vehicles, motorcycles and other noncommercial vehicles. It does not apply to used vehicles.
What Is A Lemon Vehicle Under Ohio Law?
The Nonconforming New Motor Vehicle Law further defines a lemon vehicle. In Ohio, a lemon vehicle is:
- A new motor vehicle that has one or more defects or problems
- Those defects or problems are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
- Those defects or problems substantially interfere and impair the vehicle’s use, value or safety
In addition, the defects or problems must arise within 18,000 miles or the first 12 months of ownership of the vehicle, whichever comes first. Also, the vehicle owner must give the dealer or manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem or defect by taking the vehicle back to the dealer or the manufacturer.
Our lemon law attorneys can help you get a refund or replacement vehicle. To learn more about the types of documentation you’ll need to file a claim, please see our overview of the Lemon Law Process.
Ohio Lemon Law: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lemon Law in Ohio?
The Ohio Lemon Law is a consumer protection law that provides recourse for car buyers who purchase new vehicles that turn out to be defective. If a new vehicle has a substantial defect that is covered by a warranty and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase.
What qualifies as a ‘lemon’ under Ohio law?
In Ohio, a vehicle is typically considered a lemon if it has a serious defect that substantially impairs its use, value or safety, and this defect is not repairable after three attempts by an authorized dealer. Additionally, if the vehicle is out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative calendar days during the first year or 18,000 miles, the vehicle may also qualify as a lemon.
How long do I have to file a Lemon Law claim in Ohio?
In Ohio, you must report any issues to the manufacturer or its authorized dealer within the first year of ownership or before the vehicle reaches 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. To pursue a Lemon Law claim, legal action must typically be initiated within five years of the date of original delivery to the consumer.
What should I do if I think I have a lemon?
If you believe you have a lemon, you should report the defect in writing to the manufacturer and keep detailed records of all repairs and communications. You should continue to work with an authorized dealer to attempt to fix the issue. If the problem persists, contact the Ohio lemon law attorneys at Lemon LawDog.
Does the Ohio Lemon Law apply to used cars?
The Ohio Lemon Law generally applies to new vehicles; however, if a used car is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty and meets the criteria for a lemon, the law might still be applicable. Additionally, Ohio has other laws that may help used car buyers, such as the Consumer Sales Practices Act.
Contact Our Ohio Lemon Law Attorneys For A Free Case Evaluation
Our consumer protection attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss your potential claims and answer any of your questions. To schedule your free appointment, please call Lemon LawDog at 888-472-1124 or contact us by email. We represent clients throughout Ohio.