Minnesota’s Lemon Law may help if your new vehicle has a serious problem covered by the warranty. The problem must significantly affect how the vehicle works, how safe it is, or how much it is worth.
Report the problem as soon as possible. Give the manufacturer or an authorized dealer a fair chance to fix it, and keep copies of all repair orders and receipts.
Your claim may be stronger if the dealer has tried to fix the same problem four times or if your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 business days.
You may be able to request arbitration, a replacement vehicle, or a refund. Below are the main deadlines, notice requirements, and possible remedies.
Quick Navigation
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota’s Lemon Law may help if you bought or leased a new vehicle for personal use and a warranty-covered problem seriously affects its use, safety, or value.
- The problem usually must happen within the first two years after delivery or before the vehicle reaches 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- The manufacturer must be given a fair chance to fix the problem. This is often four repair attempts for the same issue or a total of 30 business days in the repair shop.
- If the problem is not fixed, send the manufacturer written notice before the warranty ends. Certified mail is a good way to prove you sent it.
- You may be able to use the Minnesota Attorney General’s arbitration program or ask for a replacement vehicle, a refund, or take legal action.
Is Your Vehicle Covered by Minnesota Lemon Law?
Is Your Vehicle Covered by Minnesota Lemon Law?
Minnesota’s lemon law may cover a new vehicle you bought or leased for personal, family, or household use. This can include cars, pickup trucks, vans, and some motorcycles.
Minnesota’s lemon law may protect new personal-use cars, trucks, vans, and certain motorcycles bought or leased in the state.
Whether your vehicle is covered also depends on when you got it and whether the problem happened during the time period protected by the law. If your vehicle qualifies, you may have a claim against the manufacturer—not just the dealer.
Used vehicles, vehicles used mainly for business, motor homes, and certain other vehicles may not be covered. The law also doesn’t apply if you simply dislike the vehicle’s style, features, price, or purchase terms.
Which Defects Qualify Under Minnesota Lemon Law?
Minnesota’s Lemon Law may apply when a defect substantially affects your vehicle’s use, safety, or value and happens during the warranty period. You must give the manufacturer or authorized dealer a reasonable chance to repair the problem. If they can’t fix it after enough repair attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
Covered Vehicle Defects
Minnesota’s lemon law may protect you if your vehicle has a defect that seriously affects how it works, its safety, or its resale value. The problem must happen during the manufacturer’s written warranty period.
Covered problems can include major mechanical, electrical, or safety defects. Small cosmetic issues—such as minor paint flaws or trim problems—usually are not enough unless they seriously affect the vehicle’s value or use.
Make sure the warranty is for your specific vehicle. A warranty for a different vehicle generally will not support a lemon law claim.
| Type of problem | How it may affect you | Possible coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Brake failure | Makes the vehicle unsafe | Warranty-covered safety defect |
| Engine stalling | Makes the vehicle hard or unsafe to drive | Major operating problem |
| Electrical malfunction | Can affect safety, vehicle operation, or value | Warranty-covered defect |
Minnesota Statutes section 325F.665 may apply when a covered defect materially affects your ownership of the vehicle. Keep records of the problem, repair visits, dates, warranty terms, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
Repair Attempt Requirements
A vehicle defect may qualify under Minnesota Statutes section 325F.665 if the manufacturer or authorized dealer has had a reasonable number of chances to fix it during the warranty period, but the problem still substantially affects your vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
To protect your rights during the repair process:
- Report the same problem promptly and clearly each time it happens.
- Keep all repair orders, invoices, dates, and mileage records.
- Describe the symptoms accurately and make sure they’re listed on the repair order.
Minnesota law generally considers the manufacturer to have had a reasonable number of repair attempts if the same problem has been repaired four times, or if a serious safety defect has been repaired once, within the required time period. You may be able to seek relief if the problem is still not fixed.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
Under Minnesota’s lemon law, you usually must give the manufacturer a reasonable chance to fix a problem that seriously affects your vehicle’s use or value.
In most cases, the law assumes the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of chances if:
- The same problem hasn’t been fixed after four repair attempts; or
- Your vehicle has been in the shop for 30 or more total business days for warranty repairs.
If the defect could cause death or serious injury, the manufacturer may get only one chance to fix it.
These rules generally apply during the warranty period or within two years after delivery, whichever comes first.
What Records Support a Minnesota Lemon Law Claim?
To support a Minnesota Lemon Law claim, save all records related to your vehicle and its repairs. This includes repair orders, invoices, and service records that show the problem, repair dates, mileage, and how long the vehicle was in the shop.
You should also keep your purchase or lease agreement, warranty information, and any emails, letters, or texts exchanged with the dealer or manufacturer. These documents can help show that your vehicle qualifies under Minnesota’s Lemon Law.
Essential Repair Documentation
Your repair records can be very important in a Minnesota Lemon Law claim. They show what was wrong with your vehicle, how many times it was repaired, and how long the vehicle was in the shop.
Ask for complete, dated paperwork every time you take your vehicle in for service. Make sure the dealer doesn’t describe the same ongoing problem as a different or unrelated issue.
Keep copies of:
- Repair orders that clearly describe the problem in your own words
- Technician notes, diagnostic trouble codes, and replaced parts
- Invoices showing the repair dates, vehicle mileage, and how long the vehicle stayed at the dealership
Before you leave, review the repair order. If it doesn’t include your symptoms, or if it says “could not duplicate” when the problem happened, ask the dealer to correct it. Clear and accurate records can help protect your right to seek relief.
Purchase And Warranty Records
Keep records that show your vehicle may be covered by Minnesota’s Lemon Law. Important documents include your purchase contract, financing papers, title, lease agreement, warranty booklet, and any extended warranty from the manufacturer.
These records can show when you received the vehicle, its mileage, what the warranty covers, and whether you’re still within important legal deadlines.
Also save records from every maintenance and repair visit. Keep invoices, receipts, service schedules, and repair orders. These documents can help show that you properly maintained the vehicle and that the problem wasn’t caused by neglect.
Ask the dealer or manufacturer for copies of warranty letters, recall notices, and other communications about your vehicle. Store digital records securely, especially documents that include personal or financial information.
Good records can strengthen your claim for repairs, a replacement vehicle, or a refund.
What Are Minnesota Lemon Law Deadlines?
Minnesota’s lemon law has deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly if your new vehicle has repeated problems.
In general, the law may apply if the defect happens within the first two years after delivery or before the vehicle reaches 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. You may still have a claim after that period if you reported the problem on time and kept good records.
To protect your rights:
- Keep track of the delivery date and the vehicle’s mileage.
- Save repair orders, invoices, emails, and other communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
- Report problems to the dealer or manufacturer before the two-year or 24,000-mile deadline.
- Review your warranty and consider getting legal advice promptly if repairs don’t fix the problem.
When Must You Give Final Repair Notice?
Before seeking relief under Minnesota’s Lemon Law, you may need to send the manufacturer a final written notice. This notice gives the manufacturer one last chance to repair the problem.
Send the notice at the required time and follow the law’s written-notice rules carefully. Doing so helps protect your right to ask for a refund or replacement.
Notice Timing Requirements
You must give the manufacturer written notice and one final chance to repair your vehicle before you can seek relief under Minnesota’s Lemon Law.
Send the notice after your vehicle has met the law’s repair-attempt or time-out-of-service requirements, but before your warranty rights expire. Don’t wait so long that you risk missing a deadline.
Include:
- Your name and contact information.
- The vehicle’s year, make, model, VIN, and current mileage.
- A clear description of the defect or problem.
- The dates and mileage for each repair visit.
- A statement that you’re giving notice under Minnesota’s Lemon Law and requesting a final repair opportunity.
Send the notice using a method that provides proof of delivery, such as certified mail or another trackable service. Keep copies of the notice, repair records, and delivery confirmation.
Focus on how the problem substantially affects the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. Sending prompt, well-documented notice can help protect your rights.
Manufacturer Repair Opportunity
Manufacturer’s Final Repair Opportunity
Once your vehicle meets Minnesota Lemon Law requirements for repair attempts or time out of service, you must notify the manufacturer in writing and give it one final chance to fix the problem before seeking a refund or replacement.
This doesn’t mean you must keep accepting repeated repairs, long delays, or excuses. The manufacturer gets one last opportunity to repair the same warranty-covered defect. If the problem isn’t fixed, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund, depending on the law and your circumstances.
Keep records of the defect, repair visits, and your written notice to the manufacturer. Focus on the ongoing vehicle problem and how it continues to violate the warranty.
Written Notice Procedures
Written Notice Procedures
Under Minnesota law, you must send written notice to the manufacturer after your vehicle meets the required number of repair attempts or days out of service, and before you seek a refund or replacement.
Send the notice by certified mail so you have proof that the manufacturer received it. This also gives the manufacturer one final chance to repair the problem.
Your letter should include:
- Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The date you bought the vehicle
- The current mileage
- A clear description of the defects or problems
- A summary of the repair attempts and dates the vehicle was unavailable
- Copies of repair orders and service records
- The location where you can make the vehicle available for final repairs
Keep copies of your letter, mailing receipt, and all repair records. These documents help protect your rights under Minnesota law.
How Do You File for Lemon Law Arbitration?
To file for Minnesota Lemon Law arbitration, complete a Request for Arbitration form and send it to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Include copies of documents that support your claim, such as:
| Document to include | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Completed request form | Starts the arbitration process |
| Repair orders and invoices | Shows how many times the vehicle was repaired |
| Warranty information | Shows the vehicle may be covered |
| Letters or emails with the manufacturer | Shows you notified the manufacturer about the problem |
Be sure to file by the required deadline and keep copies of everything you send. Organize your records so the arbitrator can easily understand the vehicle’s problems and repair history.
At the hearing, you can explain the defect and show your documents. The manufacturer may also present its side. The arbitrator will review the evidence and make a decision.
What Refund or Replacement Can You Receive?
If your vehicle qualifies under Minnesota’s lemon law, you may be able to choose either a replacement vehicle or a refund from the manufacturer.
Your options may include:
- A new replacement vehicle that’s similar to the one you bought, with the applicable warranties.
- A refund of what you paid, including the purchase price, taxes, fees, finance charges, and certain related costs.
- A deduction for the miles you drove before you first reported the defect.
The manufacturer may subtract an amount for your use of the vehicle before the problem was first reported. Review its calculation carefully and keep your purchase contract, repair orders, receipts, and other records.
Under Minn. Stat. § 325F.665, you generally have the right to choose between a refund and a replacement, subject to the law’s requirements.
What if Arbitration Does Not Resolve Your Claim?
If arbitration doesn’t resolve your lemon law claim, you may still be able to take your case to court. Minnesota’s lemon law doesn’t force you to accept an arbitration decision you believe is wrong.
In court, you can ask for remedies allowed by the law, such as a refund, a replacement vehicle, and certain costs. Keep all important records, including repair orders, arbitration documents, emails or letters, and proof of each problem and repair attempt.
The manufacturer may try to defend its position. But the main issue is whether your vehicle has warranty-covered problems and whether the manufacturer had a reasonable chance to fix them.
When Should You Contact a Lemon Law Attorney?
You should contact a Minnesota lemon law attorney if your vehicle has had repeated warranty repairs, has been out of service for a long time, or still has the same problem after a repair attempt. Minnesota lemon law has deadlines, so getting advice early can help protect your rights.
Bring documents such as:
- Repair orders with dates and mileage
- Your warranty and messages from the manufacturer or dealer
- Records showing how many days the vehicle was unavailable
You may not need to wait for arbitration if the manufacturer is delaying, denying coverage, or offering too little. A lawyer can review your situation and explain whether you may qualify for a replacement vehicle, a refund, or other compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minnesota Lemon Law Cover Leased Vehicles?
Yes. Minnesota’s Lemon Law can cover leased vehicles if they have a defect covered by the warranty and the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of chances to fix it.
Keep copies of repair orders and warranty records, report the problem to the manufacturer, and act quickly to protect your rights.
Can a Used-Car Buyer File a Minnesota Lemon Law Claim?
A used-car buyer may have a Minnesota Lemon Law claim if the car is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. The problem must seriously affect the car’s use, value, or safety, and the dealer or manufacturer must have had a reasonable number of chances to fix it.
Are Motorcycles Covered Under Minnesota Lemon Law?
Motorcycles generally are not covered under Minnesota’s Lemon Law. That means you usually cannot use this law to make a lemon-law claim for a motorcycle.
However, you may still have rights under the manufacturer’s warranty, your lease or purchase contract, or other consumer-protection laws. Review your warranty and contact the dealer or manufacturer as soon as possible if the motorcycle has ongoing problems.
Does the Law Apply to Vehicles Purchased Outside Minnesota?
Yes. You may qualify if you bought the vehicle outside Minnesota, register it in Minnesota, and meet the law’s eligibility requirements. You must also meet deadlines and other requirements involving mileage, repair attempts, and written notice.
Can I Recover Attorney Fees in a Lemon Law Case?
Yes. In many lemon law cases, if you win, the manufacturer may have to pay your attorney’s fees and costs. That means you may not need to pay your lawyer out of pocket.
Fee rules vary by state and case, so ask a lemon law attorney how fees work where you live. Some lawyers also offer free consultations or only collect fees if they recover money for you.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s lemon law may help if your new vehicle has serious problems that the dealer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Depending on your situation, you may be able to seek arbitration, a replacement vehicle, or a refund.
Keep copies of all repair orders, receipts, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. Pay attention to filing deadlines and keep track of any costs or problems caused by the defect. If you are unsure about your rights, consider speaking with a lawyer.
