Utah Lemon Law: How to Qualify & Get a Refund

Utah’s lemon law may help if your new vehicle has a problem that seriously affects how it works, what it is worth, or how safe it is.

You generally must report the problem while the vehicle is still under warranty and within two years or 24,000 miles. The manufacturer must also have a reasonable chance to fix it.

You may qualify for a refund or replacement if:

• The same problem is not fixed after four repair attempts;
• A serious safety problem is not fixed after one repair attempt; or
• The vehicle is in the shop for 30 business days or more because of repairs.

Keep copies of repair orders, receipts, warranty information, and any communications with the dealer or manufacturer.

Key Takeaways

• Utah’s lemon law usually applies to new vehicles bought, leased, or registered in Utah for personal, family, or household use.
• The vehicle must have a problem that seriously affects its use, value, or safety. You generally must report the problem while the warranty is still in effect.
• The problem usually must happen within two years after delivery or before the vehicle reaches 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• The manufacturer generally has a reasonable chance to fix the problem—often four repair attempts, one attempt for a serious safety defect, or a total of 30 business days when the vehicle is out of service for repairs.
• If the problem is not fixed, you may be able to get a refund or replacement vehicle. You may also have options such as arbitration or a lawsuit after giving the required notice.

Vehicles Covered by Utah Lemon Law

Utah’s Lemon Law may protect new vehicles bought, leased, or registered in Utah if they’ve a defect that seriously affects their use, value, or safety.

Covered vehicles can include passenger cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and motor homes. The law is mainly meant for vehicles used for personal transportation, not every type of vehicle or equipment with an engine.

A vehicle must meet the law’s specific definition to qualify. Older, antique, specialty, or unusual vehicles may not be covered just because they’re registered in Utah. Before making a Lemon Law claim, check your vehicle type, purchase or lease documents, and warranty information.

Utah Lemon Law Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under Utah’s lemon law, your vehicle must be covered by the law. You must also have a defect covered by the warranty that seriously affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. In most cases, you must give the manufacturer a reasonable chance to fix the problem within the required time or mileage limits.

Covered Vehicle Criteria

Not every vehicle with ongoing problems is covered by Utah’s Lemon Law. In general, the law applies to new motor vehicles that are purchased, leased, or registered in Utah for personal, family, or household use.

Some business-use vehicles may also qualify, but only if they meet certain legal limits. Covered vehicles often include cars, trucks, vans, and some motorcycles. Vehicles that aren’t meant for normal highway driving are usually excluded.

Used vehicles, heavily modified vehicles, and commercial fleet vehicles may not qualify. Before pursuing a Lemon Law claim, confirm that your vehicle is covered based on its type, purchase or lease status, and Utah registration.

Defect And Repair Requirements

To qualify for Utah Lemon Law relief, your vehicle must have a problem that seriously affects its use, value, or safety. The manufacturer must also have a fair chance to fix it.

You must report the problem while the warranty is still in effect and take the vehicle to an authorized repair facility for repairs. Utah law may presume your vehicle qualifies if the same serious problem isn’t fixed after four repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for repairs for 30 or more business days.

Keep copies of repair orders, service dates, and all communications with the dealer or manufacturer. A recalled vehicle may also qualify if repair efforts don’t fix a serious problem.

A small inconvenience or one failed repair visit usually isn’t enough to support a lemon law claim.

Defects That May Support a Claim

You may have a Utah lemon law claim if your vehicle has a serious safety problem, keeps having the same mechanical issue, or has a warranty-covered defect the manufacturer can’t fix.

The problem must significantly affect your vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Keep all repair records, since they can help show the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the issue.

Serious Safety Defects

Serious safety problems can make a Utah lemon law claim stronger if they significantly affect your vehicle’s safety, use, or value. Examples include brake failure, steering problems, airbag defects, fuel leaks, unintended acceleration, or issues that could cause a crash or fire.

If the manufacturer or authorized dealer has had a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem but can’t repair it, you may have legal remedies. Keep copies of all repair orders, invoices, appointment dates, warning-light photos, inspection reports, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.

A failed safety inspection or emissions test may also help show that your vehicle doesn’t meet required standards. You may be entitled to relief if a covered defect makes your vehicle unsafe or unreliable.

Recurring Mechanical Problems

Recurring mechanical problems—like repeated engine stalling, transmission slipping, electrical issues, overheating, or warning lights that keep coming back—may support a Utah lemon law claim. The problem must seriously affect your vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

You deserve a vehicle you can depend on.

Utah law may protect you when repeated defects significantly reduce your vehicle’s usefulness, value, or safety. Keep records of the dates, mileage, symptoms, and repair visits. Clear documentation can help show that the problem is more than a minor inconvenience.

Unrepaired Warranty Issues

If a warranty-covered problem isn’t fixed after several repair attempts, Utah’s lemon law may help. You may have a claim if the problem seriously affects your vehicle’s safety, use, or value and the manufacturer has had a fair chance to repair it.

Keep copies of repair orders, warranty paperwork, dates, and notes about each visit. Ongoing problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system, brakes, steering, or safety features may support your claim.

Focus on documented warranty problems. If you meet the legal requirements, you may be able to seek a replacement vehicle or a refund.

Documenting Defects and Repair Visits

Your repair records can be important if you need to show that your vehicle qualifies under Utah’s lemon law. Start keeping clear records the first time you report a warranty problem. Good documentation can show that the same issue keeps happening and can confirm what the dealer did during each visit.

1. Write down the problem, the date, the vehicle’s mileage, and the driving conditions when it happened.
2. Keep copies of repair orders, invoices, text messages, emails, and warranty letters.
3. Ask the dealer to put your complaint and its diagnosis in writing.
4. Review every repair order before you leave. Ask the dealer to correct anything that’s missing or inaccurate.
5. Track how long your vehicle is in the shop, along with towing bills, rental-car costs, and missed work.

Keep all of these records in one place. A clear, organized file can help support a claim against the manufacturer.

Utah Lemon Law Repair Attempt Rules

Utah law generally requires you to give the manufacturer a reasonable number of chances to fix a defect covered by the lemon law. Keep records of every repair visit, including dates, invoices, and what the dealer or manufacturer did to try to fix the problem. Repeated unsuccessful repair attempts can help support your claim.

Before you ask for lemon law relief, you may also need to send the manufacturer written notice and give it one final opportunity to repair the defect.

Required Repair Attempts

How many repair attempts does a manufacturer get before your vehicle may qualify as a lemon? Under Utah law, the manufacturer generally must have a reasonable chance to fix the problem during the warranty period. Your vehicle may qualify if a defect seriously affects its use, value, or safety and isn’t fixed.

1. Four repair attempts: The same problem is still there after four repair visits.
2. Serious safety problem: One failed repair attempt may be enough if the defect could cause serious injury or death.
3. Thirty business days out of service: Your vehicle has been in the shop for repairs for at least 30 business days total.
4. Keep your records: Save repair orders, dates, descriptions of the problem, and warranty papers.

Manufacturer Notice Requirements

Before seeking Utah lemon-law remedies, you may need to give the manufacturer written notice of the problem and one last chance to repair it. Check your warranty booklet to see whether it requires notice, where to send it, how to send it, and any deadline.

In your notice, include:

• Your vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN
• A clear description of the defect
• The dates and details of repair visits
• Copies of dealer repair orders and receipts

Send the notice using a method that provides proof of delivery, and keep copies of everything you send. This helps show that the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the problem. If it can’t fix the defect, you may be able to seek remedies such as a buyback, replacement vehicle, arbitration, or a lawsuit.

Utah Lemon Law Coverage Deadlines

Timing matters. Utah’s lemon law generally applies to new vehicles when the defect first appears and is reported to the manufacturer or authorized dealer within either:

• Two years after the vehicle was delivered, or
• 24,000 miles,

whichever comes first.

Keep careful track of dates and mileage. Your rights may depend on proving that the problem started during this coverage period.

1. Save every repair order. Make sure it lists the problem, repair date, and odometer reading.
2. Describe the problem the same way each time it happens so there’s a clear record of a recurring defect.
3. Keep receipts for rental cars, towing, rideshares, or other transportation costs caused by repairs.
4. Confirm that your vehicle qualifies as a “new motor vehicle” under Utah law.

Do not wait until the deadline is close. Reporting and documenting problems early can help protect your rights.

Giving the Manufacturer Final Notice

If your vehicle has a recurring problem during Utah’s coverage period, send the manufacturer a written final notice. This gives the manufacturer one last fair chance to fix the vehicle.

Send the notice using a method that provides proof of delivery, such as certified mail or another trackable service. Include:

Send your final notice by certified mail or another trackable method so you have proof the manufacturer received it.

• Your name and contact information
• The vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN
• A clear description of the defect
• The dates and details of each repair attempt
• The dates the vehicle was out of service
• A request for prompt repair

Keep copies of the notice, repair orders, delivery confirmation, and any response from the manufacturer.

Your notice should focus on the defect and how it affects the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. Clear written notice can help protect your rights and provide important evidence if the problem isn’t fixed after the final repair attempt.

Utah Lemon Law Refund Options

Utah’s lemon law may allow you to get a refund if the manufacturer can’t fix a serious covered problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts, or if your vehicle has been in the shop for repairs for too long.

Your refund may include:

• The vehicle’s purchase price
• Sales tax
• Registration fees
• Other allowed charges

The manufacturer may subtract an amount based on the miles you drove before the first time you brought the vehicle in for the problem.

To protect your claim:

1. Save every repair order, receipt, and written notice.
2. Write down the vehicle’s mileage when you first reported the problem.
3. Ask for all refund amounts you may be entitled to in writing.
4. Read any refund offer or release carefully before you sign it.

Utah Lemon Law Replacement Options

If you want to keep a vehicle instead of getting a refund, Utah’s lemon law may require the manufacturer to give you a comparable new vehicle if it can’t fix a serious covered defect within the legal time limits.

You may be able to request a replacement after the manufacturer has had the required number of repair attempts or your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for the required amount of time.

The replacement vehicle should be similar in value, features, and condition.

Keep copies of repair orders, written notices, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. These records can help show that your vehicle qualifies under the lemon law.

You may also need to complete any required dispute-resolution process before pursuing a replacement.

How Mileage Reduces Your Refund

How Mileage Can Reduce Your Refund

Under Utah’s lemon law, the manufacturer may reduce your refund based on the miles you drove before you first reported the vehicle problem. This is sometimes called a “use deduction.”

The deduction must be reasonable and based on Utah law. Don’t accept a mileage calculation without checking it.

To protect your refund:

1. Write down the odometer reading every time you take the vehicle in for repairs.
2. Keep dated repair orders, invoices, and notes showing when you reported the problem.
3. Compare the manufacturer’s mileage deduction with the vehicle’s purchase price.
4. Question any calculation that includes miles driven after you first reported the defect.

Good records can help you challenge an unfair deduction. You have the right to see a clear, law-based explanation of how the manufacturer calculated the mileage amount.

Utah Lemon Law Arbitration Process

If the manufacturer won’t fix your lemon-law problem, arbitration may be a faster way to ask for a refund, replacement vehicle, or other relief.

In Utah, you may need to use the manufacturer’s dispute program before you can pursue some legal remedies. To start, provide copies of your repair orders, warranty documents, notices you sent to the manufacturer, and a clear explanation of the ongoing problem.

An arbitrator will review whether your vehicle meets Utah’s lemon-law requirements, including the type of defect and the number of repair attempts. The arbitrator will then issue a written decision.

Arbitration doesn’t take away your rights. Keep track of all deadlines, including the program’s filing deadline and the date of the written decision. If you win, the manufacturer must follow the arbitration award or meet its legal obligations.

When to Contact a Utah Lemon Law Attorney

A Utah lemon law attorney can help if your vehicle has a serious problem that the manufacturer or dealer can’t fix. You may want legal advice before arbitration, after an unfavorable decision, or once repeated repair visits show the problem isn’t being resolved.

Utah lemon law claims can involve deadlines, notice requirements, and warranty rules. Don’t wait too long—keep your repair records, dates, and warranty documents.

Contact an attorney if:

1. The dealer has tried several times to fix the same problem without success.
2. Your vehicle has spent a significant amount of time in the repair shop during the warranty period.
3. You’re asked to sign a settlement, release, arbitration form, or other paperwork from the manufacturer.
4. The manufacturer denies your request for a replacement vehicle or refund.
5. You’re unsure whether your vehicle’s defect qualifies under Utah’s lemon law.

The most helpful evidence is usually your repair orders, service records, warranty information, and notes about when the problem occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Utah Lemon Law Cover Leased Vehicles?

Yes. Utah’s Lemon Law can cover leased vehicles if they meet the law’s requirements. If a defect substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, you may have Lemon Law rights.

The manufacturer must usually be given a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem. If the issue is not repaired, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund-related remedy.

Can I Sell My Vehicle During a Lemon Law Claim?

You can sell your vehicle while a Lemon Law claim is pending. However, you should tell the buyer in writing about the vehicle’s problems and the ongoing claim. Selling the car may affect your claim or the buyer’s rights, so keep copies of all disclosures and paperwork.

Are Used Cars Protected Under Utah Lemon Law?

Usually, Utah’s Lemon Law does not cover used cars unless the vehicle is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.

The law generally applies when a vehicle has a serious defect that the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts, and the problem occurs within certain time limits.

If you bought a used car, you may still have options through a remaining warranty, service contract, dealer promises, or fraud/misrepresentation claims.

Does Filing a Claim Affect My Vehicle Warranty?

Filing a claim usually does not void your vehicle warranty. However, you may need to keep repair records, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and report problems on time to protect your rights.

Can Out-Of-State Purchases Qualify in Utah?

Yes. An out-of-state vehicle purchase may still qualify if you register the vehicle in Utah and primarily use it there.

Be sure to check Utah’s specific legal requirements and your warranty terms. In most cases, the manufacturer’s warranty remains valid even if you bought the vehicle in another state.

Conclusion

Utah’s Lemon Law may help if your new vehicle keeps having serious problems that the manufacturer cannot fix. If your vehicle qualifies, you may be able to get a replacement vehicle or a refund, though the refund may be reduced based on the miles you drove before the first repair attempt.

To protect your rights, save all repair orders, receipts, messages, and other records. You may also need to give the manufacturer notice and allow a certain number of repair attempts. If the manufacturer will not resolve the problem, consider speaking with a Utah lemon law attorney.