New Hampshire’s Lemon Law may help if your new vehicle has a serious warranty-covered problem. The problem must substantially affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
To qualify, you generally must report the problem while the warranty is still in effect and give the manufacturer or an authorized dealer a reasonable chance to fix it.
You may have a claim if the same problem cannot be repaired after several attempts or if the vehicle is out of service for a total of 30 days or more because of repairs.
Save all repair orders, receipts, and written notices. The sections below explain who qualifies, important deadlines, and whether you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
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Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire’s Lemon Law may protect new vehicles bought or leased for personal use if a defect seriously affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
- You must report the problem while the warranty is still active and give the manufacturer or authorized dealer a fair chance to fix it.
- You may have a claim if the same problem has not been fixed after several repair attempts, or if the vehicle has been in the shop for warranty repairs for 30 or more days.
- Save all repair orders, invoices, mileage records, warranty papers, and emails or letters about the problem. These records can help support your claim.
- Possible outcomes may include a refund, a replacement vehicle, or arbitration. You may also have rights under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
New Hampshire Lemon Law Requirements
New Hampshire’s Lemon Law may protect you if you buy or lease a new vehicle with a defect that seriously affects its use, value, or safety.
To use the law, you must report the problem during the legal coverage period and give the manufacturer or an authorized dealer a fair chance to fix it.
Usually, this means the dealer has tried to repair the same problem several times without success, or the vehicle has spent a significant amount of time in the shop.
Keep copies of all repair orders, service records, dates, mileage, and messages with the dealer or manufacturer.
Focus on the documented vehicle problems, even if the dealership gives unrelated or off-topic responses.
If the manufacturer can’t fix the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be able to seek a refund, replacement vehicle, or other remedies allowed by law.
Vehicles Covered by the Law
New Hampshire’s lemon law may protect you if you buy or lease a new vehicle covered by the law. It can apply to passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and some other vehicles mainly used for personal, family, or household purposes.
Whether your vehicle qualifies depends on the type of vehicle, its condition, and whether it meets the law’s requirements for a new vehicle.
New Vehicle Eligibility
If you bought or leased a vehicle in New Hampshire, the state’s lemon law may help if a serious problem affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
To qualify, the problem usually must happen during the warranty period. You must also give the manufacturer a reasonable number of chances to fix it.
Keep copies of all repair orders, including the dates, mileage, and details of the problem. Save any letters, emails, or other messages you send or receive about the repairs.
It doesn’t matter whether you use the vehicle for personal errands, work, or appointments. What matters is the warranty, how serious the problem is, and whether repair attempts have failed. Keeping good records can help protect your claim.
Covered Vehicle Types
New Hampshire’s lemon law generally covers new motor vehicles bought or leased in the state for personal, family, or household use. The vehicle must have a problem that substantially affects its use, value, or safety.
| Usually covered | Usually not covered |
|---|---|
| New cars and light trucks | Used vehicles |
| Vehicles leased for personal use | Vehicles used mainly for business or commercial purposes |
The law applies to qualifying new vehicles purchased or leased by consumers. If your vehicle is covered, you may have the right to ask the manufacturer to make reasonable repair attempts.
If the problem continues, you may be able to seek a refund, replacement vehicle, or other remedy under the law.
Keep copies of your purchase or lease agreement, warranty, repair orders, and all communications about the vehicle’s problems.
Defects That May Qualify
What defects may qualify under New Hampshire’s lemon law? You may have rights if your vehicle has a problem that seriously affects how it works, its value, or its safety, and the problem is covered by the manufacturer’s written warranty.
Examples may include repeated engine or transmission trouble, brake or steering problems, electrical issues, airbag defects, fuel-system problems, or ongoing water leaks.
The vehicle doesn’t have to be impossible to drive, but the issue must be more serious than a small inconvenience or normal wear and tear.
Minor cosmetic issues, regular maintenance, and damage you caused usually don’t qualify. Keep records of the problem and all repair visits, and discuss the issue with the manufacturer.
Repair Attempts Required to Qualify
Even if a defect is serious and covered by the warranty, you usually must give the manufacturer a reasonable chance to fix it before seeking relief under New Hampshire’s lemon law.
Report the same problem promptly to the manufacturer, an authorized dealer, or both while the vehicle is still under warranty. Keep copies of dated repair orders, invoices, emails, and notes. Describe the problem, what you told the dealer or manufacturer, and what repairs were attempted.
New Hampshire law looks at whether the manufacturer had a fair opportunity to fix a major defect—not whether you’re simply unhappy with the vehicle. Your records should show how the problem affects the vehicle’s safety, use, or value.
The 30-Day Out-of-Service Rule
Under New Hampshire’s lemon law, your vehicle may qualify if warranty-covered problems keep it in the repair shop for a total of 30 or more business days during the protection period.
You can add together the business days your vehicle is at the dealer for covered repairs, including days from repeat problems. Keep all repair records and make sure the dates are correct. These records can help support your claim.
| Record | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Repair order | Shows what was wrong and what repairs were attempted | Keep a copy |
| Drop-off date | Helps count the days your vehicle was in the shop | Write it down |
| Pickup date | Confirms when the repair period ended | Check that it is accurate |
| Dealer notes | May support your claim | Ask for copies |
Lemon Law Deadlines in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s lemon law has deadlines for reporting problems, requesting repairs, and filing a claim. To protect your rights, act quickly and keep copies of repair orders, receipts, and any written notices you send to the manufacturer.
New Hampshire Filing Deadlines
Timing matters. In New Hampshire, the lemon law generally applies if you report a vehicle defect within the first 24,000 miles or within two years after delivery, whichever comes first.
Keep dated records to protect your rights. Save repair orders, maintenance invoices, warranty documents, emails, texts, and notes from conversations with the dealer or manufacturer.
| Deadline Item | Time Limit | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Defect report | First 24,000 miles | Keep track of your mileage |
| Defect report | Within two years of delivery | Save your delivery date |
| Warranty claim | While the warranty is active | Keep all repair and warranty records |
| Lawsuit or legal claim | Before the legal deadline expires | Consider speaking with an attorney |
Do not assume that calls or informal conversations with a dealer will protect your claim. Review New Hampshire’s lemon law, RSA 357-D, and act as soon as possible. Waiting may limit your options.
Notice And Repair Timelines
Filing on time is only the first step. You also need to give the manufacturer and dealer a fair chance to fix the problem.
Keep copies of every repair order, invoice, written complaint, and record showing when you dropped off and picked up your vehicle. Under New Hampshire’s lemon law, you may need to show that the problem continued after reasonable repair attempts or that your vehicle was out of service for the required amount of time.
If required, notify the manufacturer in writing. Also follow any final repair procedure listed in your warranty materials. Focus on records related to the defect. Good documentation can help show that the manufacturer had notice, what repair attempts were made, and whether you may qualify for relief.
Document Every Repair Visit
Keep records of every repair visit. Save repair orders, invoices, dates, mileage, your reported problems, and the work the dealer performed.
These documents can help show:
- How many times the vehicle was repaired
- How long the vehicle was out of service
- Whether the same problem continued
Before leaving the dealership, review the repair order. Make sure it accurately describes your complaint and lists the correct mileage. Ask the dealer to correct any missing or inaccurate information.
Also save related records, including texts, emails, towing receipts, and rental car costs. Detailed, dated records can help support your rights and any remedies available under New Hampshire’s lemon law.
Notify the Manufacturer in Writing
Notify the Manufacturer in Writing
If your vehicle still has the same problem after repair attempts, send the manufacturer a written notice. Keep proof that you sent it.
In your letter, include:
- Your vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN
- A clear description of the problem that hasn’t been fixed
- The dates your vehicle was repaired or brought in for repair
- How the problem affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
Send the notice to the manufacturer’s designated address using a trackable delivery method. Keep copies of the letter, repair records, attachments, and delivery confirmation.
New Hampshire’s lemon law may protect you if a covered defect continues after reasonable repair attempts. A written notice helps create a record of your complaint and shows that the manufacturer received it.
Request New Hampshire Lemon Law Arbitration
If the manufacturer doesn’t fix the problem after receiving your written notice, you can ask for New Hampshire Lemon Law arbitration through the state’s dispute process.
File your request as soon as possible and follow the required filing steps and deadlines. Include copies of:
> File promptly, follow all required filing steps and deadlines, and include copies of the documents supporting your request.
- Your written notice to the manufacturer
- Repair orders and service records
- Your warranty documents
- Records showing the vehicle problem and repair attempts
The Lemon Law may give you the right to a remedy if a covered defect continues after reasonable repair attempts. Keep your request focused on the vehicle defect, the repair history, and why your vehicle qualifies under the Lemon Law.
Keep the original documents, confirm that your request was received, and save proof that you filed it.
What Happens at an Arbitration Hearing
At your New Hampshire lemon law arbitration hearing, you can show repair records, emails, letters, and other evidence that the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the problem. You can explain how the defect affects your vehicle’s use, value, or safety and respond to what the manufacturer says.
After the hearing, the arbitrator will issue a written decision and may order the relief allowed by law.
Preparing Your Evidence
A complete evidence file can help show that your vehicle qualifies under New Hampshire’s lemon law and that the manufacturer had a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem. Keep records that show what the defect is, when it occurred, and what repair attempts were made. Under RSA 357-D, these records can support your claim if a qualifying problem continues.
- Gather your purchase or lease agreement, warranty, and vehicle registration.
- Collect all repair orders, invoices, repair descriptions, and technician notes.
- Save emails, letters, text messages, towing receipts, and photos or videos showing the problem.
Make sure the dates and mileage on your records are accurate and consistent. Don’t include documents that are unrelated to the vehicle problem or your eligibility under the law.
Presenting Your Case
At the arbitration hearing, show your records, explain the problem with the vehicle, and explain why the manufacturer did not fix it after having enough chances under RSA 357-D.
You may testify, answer questions, and respond to what the manufacturer says. Stay focused on:
- Each repair visit
- The dates and mileage for each visit
- What the problem was
- Whether the problem affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- Whether the manufacturer had enough chances to fix it
Avoid getting distracted by issues that do not relate to your lemon law claim.
| Bring | Be Ready to Explain |
|---|---|
| Repair orders and service records | How many times you brought the vehicle in and whether the problem was fixed |
| Warranty documents | What the warranty covers and when the problem began |
| Photos, videos, messages, or receipts, if available | How the problem affects your use of the vehicle, its value, or its safety |
If the manufacturer’s information is incomplete or incorrect, explain why and point to your records. Clearly explain that the manufacturer had the required chances to repair the vehicle but did not fix the problem. Keep your explanation organized and connect your facts to the requirements of RSA 357-D.
Receiving The Decision
After the arbitration hearing, the board reviews the testimony and documents and sends you a written decision under RSA 357-D. The decision will explain whether your vehicle qualifies under the law and what remedy, if any, you can receive.
- If you win, the manufacturer may be required to provide a refund, replace the vehicle, or make repairs.
- Read the decision carefully. Pay close attention to any deadlines, required steps, and compliance terms. Keep copies of all notices and records.
- If you disagree with the decision, you may have the right to reject it or take your case to court. Time limits may apply.
Taking part in arbitration doesn’t take away your consumer rights. Act quickly to protect them.
Replacement Vehicle Remedies
If a defect seriously affects your vehicle’s use, value, or safety, New Hampshire’s lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace your vehicle if repair attempts have failed.
The replacement should be the same model or a vehicle with similar features, options, and value. Before the manufacturer must provide a replacement, you usually need to follow the law’s notice requirements and give the manufacturer a reasonable chance to repair the problem.
Review any proposed replacement closely. Check that it has the equipment and options you expect, that the warranty coverage is correct, and that the vehicle is available within a reasonable time.
Keep copies of repair orders, written notices, emails, and any decisions about your claim. These records can help protect your right to a replacement vehicle.
Lemon Law Refunds
If your vehicle is a lemon, New Hampshire law may allow you to get a refund instead of another vehicle. This can apply when the manufacturer can’t fix a serious problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts or within the time allowed by law.
To support a refund claim:
- Save all repair orders, invoices, receipts, and written complaints.
- Keep a record of every repair visit, the problem reported, and how long the vehicle was in the shop.
- Follow the notice and claim steps required by New Hampshire law.
You don’t have to keep taking your vehicle in for the same unresolved problem. If your vehicle meets the legal requirements, you may be able to seek a refund and protect your consumer rights.
Refund Deductions and Consumer Costs
A New Hampshire lemon-law refund may include the vehicle’s purchase price and certain related costs. The manufacturer may subtract a reasonable amount for the miles you drove before the first repair attempt for the defect.
Do not agree to deductions that are greater than the amount allowed by law. Keep records of your down payment, loan or finance charges, registration fees, taxes, and all repair visits. These documents can help support your claim.
The manufacturer generally can’t reduce your refund for unrelated problems or normal wear and tear unless the law allows it. Focus on your documented financial losses and any costs the law specifically says you can recover.
Federal Warranty Rights Beyond State Law
Federal law may give you warranty rights in addition to New Hampshire’s lemon law. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may help when a manufacturer or dealer doesn’t follow the terms of a written warranty.
Under federal law:
- You may be able to require the manufacturer or dealer to follow clear written warranty promises.
- You may be able to challenge unfair warranty terms or improper denials of repairs.
- You may be able to seek relief when a consumer product is covered by a warranty and the warranty is breached.
Federal law also separates warranties into “full” and “limited” warranties. Your warranty paperwork, purchase agreement, repair orders, and service records can help show what was promised and whether the company met its obligations.
When to Contact a Lemon Law Attorney
Consider contacting a New Hampshire lemon law attorney if your vehicle has needed repeated repairs, has been out of service for a long time, or has a serious problem that hasn’t been fixed. You don’t need to wait for the manufacturer to deny your claim or for the warranty to expire.
An attorney can review your repair records, mileage, purchase paperwork, and any notice requirements under New Hampshire law. Depending on the problem, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle, a refund, or another remedy if the defect seriously affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
Keep copies of all repair orders and related records. Getting legal advice early can help you meet deadlines, preserve evidence, and protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Law Apply to Leased Vehicles?
Yes. Leased vehicles may qualify for lemon-law protection if they meet the law’s defect and repair requirements. You can make a lemon-law claim during your lease, and you do not need to transfer the warranty to bring a claim for the vehicle you originally leased.
Can I Transfer Lemon Law Rights to a New Owner?
Lemon law rights usually stay with the vehicle when it is sold or transferred. The new owner may be able to make a claim if the vehicle still meets the law’s requirements.
Keep all repair records, warranty documents, and notices. Deadlines and other legal requirements may still apply, so check your state’s lemon law.
Are Motorcycles Covered Under New Hampshire Lemon Law?
No. New Hampshire’s Lemon Law generally does not cover motorcycles.
If your motorcycle has repeated problems, check the warranty, keep records of repairs and communications, and ask the dealer or manufacturer to fix the issue. You may still have rights under the warranty or other consumer-protection laws, even though the Lemon Law may not apply.
Does Bankruptcy Affect My Lemon Law Claim?
Bankruptcy does not automatically end your lemon law claim. However, you must list the claim in your bankruptcy paperwork. Depending on your case, the bankruptcy trustee may control the claim or need to approve any settlement or money you receive.
Can I Pursue a Claim After Moving Out of State?
Yes. Moving to another state does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim. If your vehicle and its defects meet the legal requirements, you may still have a case.
However, you must act before any filing deadlines expire and keep records such as repair orders, warranty documents, and proof of purchase.
Conclusion
New Hampshire’s lemon law may help if your new vehicle has serious problems that the dealer cannot fix after several repair attempts. You may also qualify if your vehicle is out of service for repairs for 30 days or more.
You could be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund. Save all repair orders, warranty papers, receipts, and notes about your vehicle’s problems. A lemon law attorney can explain your options and help protect your rights.
