Home >

Wyoming Lemon Law: How to Qualify & Get a Refund

Wyoming’s Lemon Law may help if your new vehicle has a serious problem covered by the warranty. The problem must substantially affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

You must give the manufacturer or an authorized dealer a fair chance to fix the problem. If your vehicle is out of service for warranty repairs for 30 or more days, that may support your claim.

If the problem is not fixed, you may be able to get a similar replacement vehicle or a refund. Any refund may be reduced based on the miles you drove before the first repair attempt.

Save all repair orders, receipts, and written communications with the dealer or manufacturer.

Wyoming Lemon Law

Key Takeaways

  • Wyoming Lemon Law may protect new vehicles that have warranty-covered problems that seriously affect how the vehicle works, its value, or its safety.
  • The manufacturer or authorized dealer must usually be given a reasonable chance to fix the same serious problem.
  • A vehicle may qualify if it has been in the shop for warranty repairs for 30 or more total calendar days during the first year or first 12,000 miles.
  • Keep all repair orders, invoices, diagnostic reports, warranty papers, emails, letters, and records showing how long the vehicle was unavailable.
  • Possible remedies may include a refund or a similar replacement vehicle. Any refund may be reduced based on the miles driven or use of the vehicle, and deadlines may apply.

Wyoming Lemon Law Coverage at a Glance

Wyoming’s lemon law may protect you if your new vehicle has a serious problem that affects how it works, its value, or its safety—and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

If the problem is covered by the warranty and keeps coming back, you may be able to ask for a replacement vehicle or a refund. The exact remedy depends on the facts of your case and any deductions allowed by law.

Save all repair orders, warranty papers, dates, receipts, and written messages with the dealer or manufacturer. These records can help support your claim. If a serious defect continues, you have the right to seek the remedies available under Wyoming law.

Vehicles Eligible for Wyoming Lemon Law

Before pursuing a Wyoming lemon law claim, make sure your vehicle qualifies. In general, Wyoming’s lemon law covers new vehicles bought or leased mainly for personal, family, or household use that are protected by the manufacturer’s written warranty.

You usually must be the person who bought, leased, or received the vehicle while the warranty was still in effect. In some cases, a later owner may also be covered if the original warranty is still valid.

Check your purchase or lease agreement, title, registration, and warranty paperwork to confirm whether your vehicle qualifies.

Defects That May Qualify as Lemon Problems

A vehicle defect may qualify as a lemon problem if it seriously affects the car’s use, value, or safety and the manufacturer or authorized dealer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the warranty period.

Common examples include repeated brake problems, steering issues, stalling, transmission failures, electrical defects, and ongoing water leaks. The problem must be serious enough to affect how you use or own the vehicle—not just be annoying. Small cosmetic issues or minor inconveniences usually don’t qualify.

Keep records of the problem and repair attempts, including invoices, repair orders, photos or videos, and messages with the dealer or manufacturer. Good documentation can help support your claim and protect your rights.

Required Repair Attempts for a Lemon Claim

If your vehicle has a serious problem covered by the warranty, Wyoming law generally requires you to give the manufacturer or an authorized dealer a reasonable chance to fix it. Keep good records of every repair visit to protect your rights.

  1. Take the vehicle to an authorized dealer or repair facility as soon as possible.
  2. Explain the problem clearly each time, especially if it’s the same issue.
  3. Save all repair orders, invoices, emails, texts, and diagnostic reports.
  4. Make sure the repair records show the date, mileage, and the problem you reported.

If the dealer or manufacturer tries to fix the same serious problem several times without success, that may support a lemon-law claim. The problem must substantially affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Focus on warranty-related repairs. Insurance claims and unrelated repairs usually don’t show whether the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the defect.

The 30-Day Out-of-Service Rule

Under Wyoming’s lemon law, you may have a claim if warranty repairs keep your vehicle in the shop for a total of 30 or more business days.

Count the days the dealer or manufacturer has your vehicle for covered repairs.

Keep copies of every repair order and record the dates you dropped off and picked up your vehicle.

These records can help show how long your vehicle was out of service and support your claim.

Counting Out-of-Service Days

Wyoming’s lemon law may apply if your new vehicle is out of service for warranty repairs for a total of 30 or more calendar days. This must happen within the first year after delivery or before the vehicle reaches 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Count every calendar day the dealer has your vehicle and you can’t use it, including weekends and holidays. The count is based on how long your vehicle is unavailable—not the number of hours a technician works on it.

To protect your rights:

  1. Keep every repair order. Make sure it shows the date you dropped off and picked up the vehicle.
  2. Track each day you couldn’t use your vehicle.
  3. Ask the dealer to fix any incorrect drop-off or pickup dates right away.
  4. Save related records, including texts, emails, loaner-car paperwork, and towing receipts.

Keep clear records so you can show the total number of days your vehicle was unavailable.

Qualifying Repair Timeframes

Your vehicle may qualify under Wyoming’s lemon law if warranty repairs keep it out of service for a total of 30 or more calendar days during the eligibility period. The 30 days don’t have to be in a row.

Each day your vehicle is unavailable because of a covered warranty problem may count toward the 30-day total. This can include delays caused by parts shortages or dealer repair work if those delays prevent you from using your vehicle normally.

The key question is whether warranty-related repairs kept your vehicle out of service long enough to meet Wyoming’s legal standard.

Documenting Vehicle Downtime

Careful records can show when warranty repairs kept your vehicle out of service for 30 or more days. Under Wyoming’s lemon law, you may count all the days the manufacturer or dealer had your vehicle for covered warranty repairs, including weekends and holidays.

Protect your claim with documents, not guesses:

  1. Save every repair order with the date you dropped off and picked up your vehicle.
  2. Count every calendar day your vehicle was in the shop.
  3. Ask for written explanations for delays, unavailable parts, or repeat repairs.
  4. Keep records of towing, rental cars, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.

Only days connected to warranty repair work count. Your records should clearly show that the vehicle was unavailable because of covered repairs and support your request for relief under the law.

Wyoming Lemon Law Filing Deadlines

Act quickly if your vehicle has ongoing defects. Under Wyoming’s lemon law, you generally must seek relief within one year after the express warranty ends or within two years after the vehicle was delivered—whichever deadline comes first.

Do not wait too long while the dealer or manufacturer makes repeated repair attempts. If the manufacturer can’t fix a qualifying defect after a reasonable number of tries, you may be able to seek a replacement vehicle or a refund.

Keep careful records of repair visits, warranty information, and delivery dates. Missing the deadline can prevent you from bringing a claim, even if the defect is serious. If you’re unsure about the deadline, speak with a lawyer promptly.

Documents to Gather for Your Claim

To support your Wyoming lemon law claim, collect your purchase or lease agreement, vehicle title or registration, and VIN records.

Keep copies of every repair order, invoice, service report, and written notice that describes the problem and each repair attempt.

Also save your warranty booklet and any emails, letters, or other communications with the manufacturer or dealer. These records can help protect your legal rights.

Essential Vehicle Records

Good records can make a big difference in a Wyoming lemon law claim. Keep a dated file that shows what vehicle you bought, when you bought it, who sold it to you, and what problems you reported. Store the originals safely and provide copies when needed.

Keep these documents:

  1. Purchase contract showing the price, purchase date, VIN, and seller.
  2. Title, registration, and loan or lien documents showing that you own the vehicle.
  3. Delivery checklist and odometer disclosure showing the vehicle’s condition and mileage when you received it.
  4. Written messages with the dealer or manufacturer, including emails, letters, text messages, and repair-related notes.

These records can help you clearly explain your claim if there’s a dispute.

Repair And Warranty Documents

Repair and warranty records can show that the manufacturer or dealer had a fair chance to fix a covered problem. Keep every repair order, invoice, diagnostic report, warranty booklet, recall notice, and email or letter about your vehicle.

Make sure each repair record includes:

  • Your complaint or description of the problem
  • The vehicle’s mileage
  • The date of the visit
  • What repairs were attempted
  • What the technician found

Under Wyoming’s lemon law, these records may help show that the problem happened while the vehicle was under warranty and seriously affected its use, value, or safety.

Before you sign a repair order, ask the dealer to correct any missing or inaccurate descriptions of your complaint. Keep copies of warranty claims that were denied, as well as receipts for parts and repairs. Don’t let the manufacturer focus on unrelated issues instead of addressing the specific problem you reported.

How to Notify the Vehicle Manufacturer

Under Wyoming’s lemon law, you should notify the vehicle manufacturer in writing if your new vehicle has been repaired several times without fixing the problem or has been out of service for a long time. Written notice helps protect your rights and gives you a record of what happened.

Include the following in your letter:

  1. Your vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN, and purchase date.
  2. A clear description of each problem.
  3. The dates you took the vehicle in for repairs and what repairs were attempted.
  4. The number of days the vehicle was out of service.
  5. A statement that the problem seriously affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Include copies of repair orders, warranty records, and other relevant documents. Send the letter by a trackable method, such as certified mail, and keep copies of everything you send. Ask the manufacturer to confirm in writing that it received your notice.

Keep your letter focused on the vehicle problems and repair history.

Arbitration and Settlement Options

If the manufacturer does not fix your vehicle after you notify them of the problem, you may be able to use arbitration or negotiate a settlement before filing a lawsuit. Under Wyoming’s lemon law, you may have to use an approved manufacturer-sponsored dispute program first, if one is available.

Keep copies of all repair orders, notices, emails, letters, and other communications. In arbitration, you can provide your evidence, respond to the manufacturer’s arguments, and ask for a written decision.

Your rightWhat to do
Fair arbitrationSend in your records on time
Settlement discussionsAsk for all terms in writing
Going to courtDo not miss legal deadlines

Arbitration may be faster than a lawsuit, but do not agree to give up your rights unless the settlement terms protect you. If you negotiate a settlement, make sure it clearly states what the manufacturer must do, when it must do it, and whether you can still enforce your legal claims if it does not follow through.

Refunds and Replacement Vehicle Remedies

If your vehicle qualifies under Wyoming’s lemon law, you may be able to get a refund after the manufacturer has had enough chances to fix a serious problem.

The refund may include what you paid for the vehicle and some related costs, minus a reasonable amount for the time you used it.

Instead of a refund, you may choose a similar replacement vehicle if that works better for you.

Refund Eligibility Requirements

Wyoming’s lemon law may require the manufacturer to give you a refund or replace your vehicle if your new vehicle has a serious defect that affects how it works, its safety, or its value—and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts.

To qualify, you generally must:

  1. Report the problem while the vehicle is still covered by the warranty or within the legal coverage period.
  2. Give the manufacturer or authorized dealer a reasonable chance to repair the problem.
  3. Keep copies of repair orders, service records, dates, mileage, and any written notices.
  4. Show that the problem wasn’t caused by misuse, abuse, neglect, or unauthorized changes to the vehicle.

If you believe you qualify, act quickly. Keep detailed records of every repair visit and every contact with the manufacturer or dealer.

Replacement Vehicle Options

If the manufacturer can’t fix a qualifying defect after a reasonable number of repair attempts, Wyoming law may allow you to choose either a similar replacement vehicle or a refund.

A replacement vehicle should be as close as possible to your vehicle’s make, model, and features. You shouldn’t be charged for time you couldn’t use the vehicle.

If you choose a refund, you may be able to recover the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and other allowed costs. The refund may be reduced based on the miles you drove before the defect was first reported.

Keep all repair orders, notices, and purchase documents. The manufacturer can’t reject your claim based on unrelated issues that don’t affect the documented defect.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If the manufacturer denies your lemon law claim, you may still be able to seek relief under Wyoming law. Ask for a clear explanation, collect your records, and respond in writing.

  1. Ask for the denial in writing. Make sure it explains why the manufacturer denied your claim.
  2. Collect your documents. Gather repair orders, invoices, warranty papers, emails, letters, and notes from phone calls.
  3. Review the lemon law requirements. Compare the manufacturer’s reason for denying the claim with Wyoming’s rules about repair attempts and defects that seriously affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
  4. Respond in writing. If the denial relies on incorrect information or issues unrelated to the defect, explain that clearly and include supporting records.

Keep copies of everything you send and receive. Pay attention to any deadlines. A well-documented response may help protect your ability to request a refund, replacement vehicle, or other remedy.

When to Contact a Wyoming Lemon Law Attorney

If the manufacturer denies your claim, questions your repair records, or refuses to offer a refund or replacement, it may be time to contact a Wyoming lemon law attorney. Don’t wait too long. Deadlines can pass, and repair records may become harder to collect.

A lawyer can review your vehicle’s problems, warranty, and repair history to see whether you may have a claim. They can also help organize your invoices, work orders, emails, and other records. If needed, they can communicate with the manufacturer and seek the refund, replacement, or other remedy available under Wyoming law.

Legal help can also be useful if the manufacturer asks you to use arbitration or offers a settlement. Before agreeing, make sure you understand how it could affect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wyoming Lemon Law Cover Leased Vehicles?

Yes. If you lease a qualifying new vehicle in Wyoming, the state’s lemon law may protect you. If the vehicle has a serious defect and the manufacturer cannot fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be able to get a replacement vehicle or a refund.

Are Used Cars Protected Under Wyoming Lemon Law?

Yes. In Wyoming, a used car may be covered by the lemon law if it is still under the manufacturer’s original warranty. If the dealer or manufacturer cannot fix a serious problem—such as repeated transmission failure—you may have legal options.

However, cars sold “as is” usually are not covered because they do not come with a warranty.

Can Military Personnel File Claims While Stationed Outside Wyoming?

Yes. Military personnel can file a claim while stationed outside Wyoming if the claim is connected to Wyoming. Keep records of the problem, any notices you gave, and repair attempts. You may also have options where you are currently stationed.

Does Wyoming Lemon Law Apply to Motorcycles or RVS?

Wyoming’s Lemon Law generally does not cover motorcycles or RVs. It mainly applies to new passenger vehicles.

If you have problems with a motorcycle or RV, check the manufacturer’s warranty and repair records. You may also have other options, such as a warranty claim or a consumer protection claim.

Can I Recover Attorney’s Fees in a Lemon Law Case?

You may be able to recover reasonable attorney’s fees if you win a lemon law claim in Wyoming. This can help you enforce your warranty rights without having to pay your lawyer’s fees upfront.

Conclusion

Wyoming’s lemon law may help if your new vehicle has serious problems that the dealer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. You may also have a claim if the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more total days.

Save all repair orders, warranty documents, receipts, and messages with the dealer or manufacturer. Good records can make it easier to show how often the vehicle was repaired and how long it was unavailable.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to seek arbitration, a replacement vehicle, or a refund. A lemon law attorney can help you understand your options and enforce your rights.

Rebbeca Jones
About the author
Rebbeca Jones
Rebbeca Jones leads the detailing department at CarsCounsel, bringing 12 years of experience in automotive aesthetics.