Lemon Law in Ohio: Are You Eligible for a Refund or Replacement?

The Shocking Number of Lemon Vehicles

Every year, thousands of car buyers find themselves stuck with a defective vehicle. In the U.S., an estimated 150,000 cars are classified as “lemons” annually, leaving frustrated owners searching for solutions. Ohio recognizes this issue and has put legal protections in place through Ohio’s Lemon Law (Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78) to help consumers get a refund or replacement for persistently defective vehicles.

However, not every faulty car qualifies under this law. Many owners assume they are protected, only to find out too late that their vehicle doesn’t meet the legal criteria. This article will help you determine if your vehicle is covered and what steps to take next.

Ohio’s Lemon Law: Overview

Ohio’s Lemon Law, outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78, is a consumer protection law designed to help buyers who unknowingly purchase defective vehicles. If a new car develops a serious defect within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles and the manufacturer cannot fix it after multiple repair attempts, the owner may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or compensation.

However, not all vehicles qualify. Ohio’s Lemon Law applies only to new vehicles used for personal, family, or household purposes. Strict guidelines determine which defects are covered and how many repair attempts are considered reasonable. Understanding these criteria is crucial for car owners seeking legal relief.

Does Your Vehicle Qualify? Key Requirements

Not every defective car qualifies as a lemon under Ohio law. To be eligible for relief under Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78, a vehicle must meet three key requirements:

1. Time & Mileage Limits: The defect must occur within 12 months or 18,000 miles from the date of delivery—whichever comes first. If the issue appears outside this window, the vehicle no longer qualifies under Ohio’s Lemon Law, though other legal options may be available.

2. Defect Severity: The problem must substantially affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Minor inconveniences like a broken radio or loose trim typically don’t qualify. However, serious defects such as:

• Engine failure that causes stalling or loss of power
• Transmission issues like rough shifting or sudden acceleration
• Braking system malfunctions that reduce stopping ability
• Electrical failures leading to complete shutdowns

These defects not only reduce the vehicle’s resale value but also make it unsafe to drive.

3. Repair Attempts: The law defines a reasonable number of repair attempts as:

• At least three (3) repair attempts for the same issue
• One (1) attempt if the defect is life-threatening, such as brake or steering failure
• Eight (8) total repair attempts for multiple unrelated issues
• 30+ cumulative days out of service due to repairs

If your vehicle meets these conditions, you may have a strong Lemon Law claim.

What Vehicles Are Covered Under Ohio’s Lemon Law?

Not all vehicles qualify for protection under Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78. The law is specifically designed to cover new vehicles that meet certain conditions. Here’s what qualifies:

1. New Vehicles for Personal Use: Ohio’s Lemon Law applies to passenger vehicles, SUVs, and trucks that are purchased new and used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. If the car is used strictly for commercial purposes, it will not qualify.

2. Leased Vehicles: Leased cars are covered only if they were new at the time of the lease and meet all other Lemon Law criteria. If the vehicle was previously leased by someone else, the new lessee may not qualify for protection.

3. Demonstrator or Dealer-Driven Vehicles: Vehicles used as dealer demonstrators or test-drive vehicles may be eligible as long as they are still covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty.

4. Non-Commercial Vehicles Under 26,000 lbs GVW: The law applies to non-commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26,000 pounds or less. This includes most personal cars, SUVs, and light trucks.

Vehicles That Do NOT Qualify

Ohio’s Lemon Law provides strong protections, but not every vehicle is covered. If your car falls into one of the following categories, it does not qualify for relief under Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78:

1. Used Cars: Vehicles purchased as used do not qualify, even if the defect appears soon after purchase. The law applies only to new vehicles. However, used car buyers may have options under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or state breach of warranty laws.

2. Motorcycles and Off-Road Vehicles: These are not classified as “motor vehicles” under the statute.

3. RVs, Campers, and Mobile Homes: Since these vehicles are often custom-built and used for housing, they do not fall under Ohio’s Lemon Law protections.

4. Commercial or Fleet Vehicles: If a business owns the vehicle, Lemon Law protections do not apply. The law is intended for personal-use consumers.

If your vehicle is not covered under Ohio’s Lemon Law, you may still have legal options. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides protections for defective vehicles, including used cars, as long as they are under a manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, a breach of warranty claim could be pursued in some cases.

What Counts as a “Reasonable Number” of Repairs?

Ohio’s Lemon Law requires that a manufacturer be given enough opportunities to fix a defective vehicle before it qualifies as a lemon. But how many attempts are considered “reasonable”? Under Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78, a vehicle meets this threshold if:

• The same issue has been repaired at least three (3) times and still exists.
• A single repair attempt has failed for a serious safety defect—such as faulty brakes, steering failure, or airbag malfunctions.
• The vehicle has been in the shop for repairs a total of 30 or more days (not necessarily consecutive).
• There have been at least eight (8) repair attempts for different issues.

Real-World Examples

Imagine you purchased a new car, and the transmission repeatedly slips. You bring it to the dealership three times, but the issue continues. Since it’s the same problem and has had three unsuccessful repairs, the car could qualify as a lemon.

Now consider a vehicle with multiple unrelated defects—radio malfunctions, power window failures, alignment issues, and air conditioning breakdowns. If at least eight separate repair attempts have been made for these different defects, the vehicle may also qualify under Ohio’s Lemon Law.

Why Documentation Matters

Detailed service records are crucial when proving a Lemon Law claim. Keep copies of repair orders, invoices, and written communications with the dealer or manufacturer. If the manufacturer disputes your claim, these records provide the evidence needed to show your car meets Ohio’s legal standard for a lemon.

What If Your Vehicle Doesn’t Meet the Lemon Law Criteria?

Not every defective vehicle qualifies under Ohio’s Lemon Law. If your car doesn’t meet the strict requirements, don’t lose hope—there are still options available to seek compensation or repairs.

Manufacturer’s Warranty: First, check whether your vehicle is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Many factory warranties last beyond the Lemon Law’s 18,000-mile limit, meaning you might still be eligible for free repairs.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: If your car is used or outside Ohio’s Lemon Law coverage, you may have protections under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This federal law allows consumers to take legal action if a manufacturer fails to honor a written warranty, even for used cars with extended coverage.

Breach of Warranty Lawsuit: In some cases, a breach of warranty lawsuit may be the best course of action if the manufacturer refuses to fix a persistent issue. An experienced attorney can assess your situation and help determine the most effective legal strategy to hold the manufacturer accountable.

How to Strengthen Your Lemon Law Claim

A strong lemon law claim starts with solid documentation. The more evidence you have, the easier it is to prove your case and get the resolution you deserve.

Keep Repair Records: First, keep every repair record, invoice, and service log from the dealership or repair shop. These documents show a clear history of your vehicle’s defects and repair attempts. Always request a written repair order whenever your car is serviced—this ensures there’s an official record of each visit.

Document Recurring Issues: In addition, document recurring issues with photos, videos, and personal notes. If the defect causes unusual noises, warning lights, or erratic behavior, capturing it on video can be powerful evidence.

Maintain Written Communication: Finally, communicate in writing with the manufacturer and dealership. Emails, letters, or even text messages create a paper trail that proves when and how you reported the problem. A well-documented case often leads to faster claim approval and better outcomes.

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

While you can file a lemon law claim on your own, having a lawyer significantly improves your chances of success. Manufacturers have legal teams working to minimize payouts, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney advocating for you.

Ohio’s Lemon Law requires manufacturers to pay your attorney fees if you win, meaning you can get expert legal help at no cost to you. A lawyer ensures your claim is properly filed, guides you through arbitration if required, and negotiates for the best possible outcome—whether that’s a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.

Additional Details:
Ohio Lemon Law Information Hub