Washington Lemon Law may help if your new vehicle has a warranty-covered problem that seriously affects how it works, its value, or its safety.
Before you file a claim, you usually must give the manufacturer enough chances to fix the problem:
- Two repair attempts for a serious safety defect
- Four repair attempts for other defects
- Or 30 or more days when the vehicle is unavailable because of repairs
You must generally request arbitration within 30 months of the vehicle’s original delivery date. Save all repair orders, invoices, warranty documents, and messages with the dealer or manufacturer.
If your vehicle qualifies, you may be entitled to a refund or a similar replacement vehicle.
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Key Takeaways
- Washington’s Lemon Law may help if you bought or leased a new vehicle in Washington and it has a serious problem covered by the warranty that affects its use, value, or safety.
- In most cases, the problem must be reported within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the dealer must have had a reasonable chance to fix it.
- You may qualify if the dealer tried twice to fix a life-threatening safety problem, tried four times to fix another serious problem, or had your vehicle in the shop for a total of 30 days or more.
- Save all repair orders, warranty papers, purchase or lease documents, emails or letters, towing receipts, and photos or videos showing the problem.
- You generally must request Lemon Law arbitration within 30 months of the date you first received the vehicle. If you qualify, you may receive a similar replacement vehicle or a refund.
Is Your Vehicle Covered by Washington Lemon Law?
Is Your Vehicle Covered by Washington Lemon Law?
Washington’s Lemon Law may cover a new vehicle bought or leased in Washington if it has a serious defect that isn’t fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
In general, the problem must happen within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. The vehicle usually must be registered in Washington and used mainly for personal, family, or household purposes.
Covered vehicles may include new cars, trucks, motorcycles, and certain recreational vehicles. You may also qualify if the vehicle was given to you as a gift, as long as it meets the law’s requirements.
Save all important paperwork, including your purchase or lease agreement, registration, repair orders, and receipts. These records can help show whether your vehicle qualifies under Washington law.
What Defects May Qualify for a Claim?
What Defects May Qualify for a Claim?
A vehicle defect may qualify if it seriously affects how your car works, its value, or your safety—and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
Washington’s lemon law generally covers serious problems that are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. It doesn’t usually cover small inconveniences, normal wear and tear, or damage caused by the owner.
Examples of potentially qualifying defects include:
- Engine stalling, overheating, or losing power
- Brake, steering, or airbag problems
- Transmission slipping, jerking, or failing
- Electrical issues that affect starting, lights, or vehicle controls
- Ongoing water leaks, smoke, or fuel-system problems
Keep records of the symptoms, repair visits, repair orders, and warranty information. The problem must be serious and related to the manufacturer—not caused by an accident, misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
In Washington, a vehicle usually must be repaired several times for the same problem before you can make a lemon law claim.
| Type of problem | Usually required repair attempts |
|---|---|
| Defect that could cause death or serious injury | 2 unsuccessful repair attempts |
| Other serious defect that substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety | 4 unsuccessful repair attempts |
Your vehicle may also qualify if it has been in the shop for warranty repairs for a total of 30 or more calendar days.
Keep copies of every repair order. Each one should show the problem you reported, what the dealer found, and what repairs were attempted. Clear records can help show that the same defect continued after multiple repair visits.
Washington Lemon Law Filing Deadlines
Washington Lemon Law Filing Deadline
In Washington, you generally must request Lemon Law arbitration within 30 months of the date the vehicle was originally delivered to its first owner or lessee.
In Washington, request Lemon Law arbitration within 30 months of the vehicle’s original delivery date.
Do not wait until the deadline is close. If your vehicle has a serious defect and has been repaired multiple times without success, consider requesting arbitration as soon as it meets the Lemon Law requirements.
- The 30-month period starts on the original delivery date, not the date you financed or paid for the vehicle.
- Your arbitration request must be filed within 30 months.
- Warranty coverage can affect whether your vehicle qualifies.
- Regular maintenance doesn’t excuse a manufacturer defect.
- Roadside assistance or breakdown records may help show an ongoing safety or reliability problem.
A manufacturer may deny responsibility, but you can still request arbitration if you believe your vehicle qualifies. Filing on time is important because missing the deadline may prevent you from pursuing a Lemon Law claim.
Documents to Save for Your Claim
Washington gives you 30 months to file a Lemon Law arbitration claim. Filing on time protects your right to pursue the claim. Good records can also help show that your vehicle qualifies.
Save copies of:
- Your purchase or lease agreement
- The warranty booklet
- Your title or vehicle registration
- Financing documents
- Every repair order and repair invoice
Make sure each repair record lists the problem you reported, the repair dates, the vehicle’s mileage, the dealer’s diagnosis, and the work completed.
Also keep:
- Appointment confirmations
- Towing receipts
- Rental-car receipts
- Emails, letters, and text messages with the dealer or manufacturer
- Notes from phone calls, including the date, who you spoke with, and what was discussed
- Photos or videos of warning lights or recurring problems, when possible
Keep your records in date order and save the originals. Focus on documents that show your warranty coverage, repeated repair attempts, and that the vehicle still has the problem.
How Washington Lemon Law Arbitration Works
If your vehicle may qualify under Washington’s Lemon Law, you can ask the state’s Lemon Law Administration to review your case. You’ll submit a claim form and documents showing the vehicle’s repair history. At the hearing, you can explain what happened, and the manufacturer can give its side. The arbitrator may order the manufacturer to buy back or replace the vehicle, or provide other relief. You can choose whether to accept the decision or challenge it.
Arbitration Eligibility Requirements
Washington’s Lemon Law arbitration process may be available if your new vehicle has a serious problem that the manufacturer hasn’t been able to fix.
To qualify, you generally must meet these requirements:
- Your vehicle must be a covered new motor vehicle under Washington law.
- You must be the owner, lessee, or someone who legally received the vehicle from the original owner.
- The problem must significantly affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
- The manufacturer or its authorized repair shop must have had a reasonable number of chances to repair the problem.
- The problem must have started during the legal warranty period.
Your vehicle may still qualify even if repair attempts helped but didn’t permanently solve the problem.
Some vehicles, problems, and types of damage aren’t covered. For example, coverage may not apply if the issue was caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized changes to the vehicle.
Filing And Hearing Process
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can begin Washington’s Lemon Law arbitration process by filing a request with the state’s Lemon Law Administration. Include copies of repair orders, purchase or lease documents, warranty information, and records showing the defect and the repair attempts.
The Administration reviews your request and, if your claim can move forward, schedules a hearing. You’ll receive notice of the hearing date. At the hearing, you can present testimony, documents, photos, and witnesses. The manufacturer may also respond and present its evidence.
A neutral arbitration board reviews the evidence and makes a decision. You may represent yourself or hire a lawyer.
Arbitration Decision Options
After the hearing, the arbitration board will send you a written decision. The board may grant your claim, deny it, or order another remedy allowed under Washington’s Lemon Law. The decision will explain the facts and evidence the board used. It won’t be based on unrelated issues.
The board may order:
- Repurchase: You return the vehicle, and the manufacturer reimburses you as required by law.
- Replacement: The manufacturer gives you a comparable new vehicle.
- Repair: The manufacturer must fix a covered problem with the vehicle.
- Denial: Your claim is denied, but you may still have other legal options, including going to court.
- Deadline for compliance: The decision will say when the manufacturer must act.
Read the decision carefully and pay close attention to all deadlines. Missing a deadline may affect your rights.
Washington Lemon Law Refund and Replacement Options
If your vehicle qualifies under Washington’s Lemon Law, you may be able to choose between a refund or a similar replacement vehicle.
A refund usually includes the amount you paid for the vehicle and certain related costs, such as taxes and fees. However, the manufacturer may subtract an amount for the time you were able to use the vehicle.
If you win arbitration or reach an agreement with the manufacturer, the manufacturer must complete the refund or replacement process.
Refund Eligibility Requirements
Washington’s Lemon Law may help you get a refund if your new vehicle has a serious problem covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and the manufacturer can’t fix it after being given the required chances.
Whether you qualify depends on the repair records, whether you gave proper notice, and whether the problem seriously affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
To protect your claim:
- Keep all repair orders, invoices, and written communications.
- Report warranty problems as soon as possible.
- Give the manufacturer or dealer the required chances to repair the vehicle.
- Track every day the vehicle is unavailable because of repairs.
- Request arbitration before the applicable deadline.
If your claim succeeds, you may be able to recover the vehicle’s purchase price, taxes, fees, and certain related expenses. The refund may be reduced by a legally allowed amount for the miles driven before the problem was first reported.
A lemon law attorney can review your records, help you meet deadlines, and present your claim clearly.
Replacement Vehicle Options
Replacement Vehicle Options
If your new vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Washington’s Lemon Law, you may be able to choose a replacement vehicle instead of a refund.
The replacement should be similar to the vehicle you bought, including its model, features, options, and value. You shouldn’t have to accept a lower-quality or less-equipped vehicle.
Before you agree to a replacement, you can review the proposed vehicle’s trim level, equipment, and features. The manufacturer may be allowed to subtract an amount for the miles you used on the original vehicle. However, normal depreciation shouldn’t unfairly reduce the remedy you’re entitled to under the law.
You can choose the remedy—replacement or refund—that works best for your situation.
Manufacturer Buyback Process
Once your vehicle qualifies under Washington’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer must give you the remedy you choose after your claim is resolved through a settlement or state arbitration. You can choose either:
- A refund (also called a buyback), or
- A comparable replacement vehicle.
If you choose a buyback:
- You may choose a refund instead of another vehicle.
- The refund usually includes the price you paid for the vehicle, sales tax, registration fees, and certain finance charges.
- The manufacturer may subtract an amount for the miles you drove before the first repair attempt for the problem.
- If you financed the vehicle, the manufacturer will pay off your lender first. Any remaining refund amount goes to you.
- The manufacturer should complete the buyback promptly after the settlement or arbitration decision.
Keep copies of your repair orders, purchase or lease contract, loan documents, and arbitration paperwork. Don’t turn in the vehicle until payment details have been confirmed.
When to Call a Washington Lemon Law Attorney
Call a Washington lemon law attorney if your new vehicle has ongoing problems that affect its safety, value, or ability to work properly, and the dealer or manufacturer hasn’t fixed the issue after several repair visits.
Talk to an attorney before signing a buyback, replacement, or settlement offer. These agreements may limit your rights or include mileage deductions you don’t agree with.
A lawyer can review your repair records, warranty, filing deadlines, and arbitration choices. They can help you understand whether you may qualify for a refund, replacement vehicle, or other remedy.
Keep copies of every repair order and write down when problems happen. Focus on documented vehicle defects, not marketing promises. Getting legal advice early can help you seek a fair outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington Lemon Law Cover Leased Vehicles?
Yes. Washington Lemon Law can cover leased vehicles if they meet the eligibility requirements. The vehicle must be leased mainly for personal use, and you must have qualifying repair attempts documented while the manufacturer’s warranty is still in effect.
Can Used Cars Qualify Under Washington Lemon Law?
Yes. A used car may qualify under Washington’s Lemon Law if it is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty and has a serious defect that the dealer or manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
Keep records of the problem, repair visits, and warranty coverage. You must also act within the legal deadlines.
Is There a Fee to File a Lemon Law Claim?
You usually do not have to pay a filing fee to use the state’s lemon law arbitration program. If you hire a lawyer, you may have legal costs, but the manufacturer may have to pay your reasonable attorney fees if you win your claim.
Does Lemon Law Apply to Motorcycles or RVS?
Lemon laws may cover motorcycles, but the rules vary by state. RV coverage can depend on the type of RV and the specific defect. Keep records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. If they cannot fix a serious problem after a reasonable number of attempts, you may have legal options.
Can I Sell My Vehicle During a Lemon Law Claim?
Yes. You can sell your vehicle while a lemon law claim is pending. However, selling it may affect your eligibility or the type of compensation you can receive.
Before selling, make sure you:
- Tell the buyer about the lemon law claim.
- Keep copies of repair orders, receipts, communications, and other records.
- Check whether you must still own the vehicle to receive a buyback, replacement, or other remedy.
- Speak with a lemon law attorney or review your state’s rules before completing the sale.
Conclusion
Washington Lemon Law may help if your vehicle keeps going back to the repair shop for the same problem. If a defect seriously affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, you may qualify for arbitration, a refund, or a replacement vehicle.
Keep copies of all repair orders and pay attention to important deadlines. If the manufacturer cannot fix the problem, a Washington lemon law attorney may help you understand your options and seek the remedy available to you.
