Do you own a lemon?

Under Ohio’s Lemon Law, a vehicle may be considered a lemon if:

• The same defect is repaired three or more times without success.

• A serious safety defect (such as brake or steering failure) remains unfixed after one attempt.

• The vehicle is out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more days.

• There are eight or more repairs for different issues within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles.

No, Ohio’s Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use. Used cars are not covered unless they are still within the original manufacturer's warranty. However, owners of defective used cars may have other legal options under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or Ohio’s consumer protection laws if the dealer misrepresented the vehicle’s condition.

The law applies to new passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and light trucks under 26,000 pounds that are purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use. Demonstrator or dealer-driven vehicles with a manufacturer’s warranty are also covered. Commercial vehicles, RVs, off-road vehicles, and used cars do not qualify under Ohio’s Lemon Law but may be covered under other consumer protection laws.

If your vehicle meets Ohio’s Lemon Law criteria, you must first notify the manufacturer in writing and give them a final chance to repair it. Send a certified letter with return receipt explaining the defect, repair history, and request for a refund or replacement. If the manufacturer refuses or fails to fix the problem, you may need to go through arbitration (if the manufacturer offers a Qualified Informal Dispute Resolution Mechanism). If arbitration fails or is not required, you can file a Lemon Law lawsuit in Ohio state court.

Read: Ohio’s Lemon Law: The Step-by-Step Guide Every Car Owner Needs

Yes, if the manufacturer has a Qualified Informal Dispute Resolution Mechanism, you must go through arbitration before filing a lawsuit. Arbitration is a process where a neutral third party reviews the case and decides whether you qualify for a refund or replacement.

However, arbitration decisions are not always favorable to consumers, and you still have the right to take legal action if the result is unsatisfactory. Having a Lemon Law attorney can help strengthen your case and avoid unfair manufacturer tactics.

Ohio Lemon Law claims must be filed within five years from the date of delivery of the vehicle (Ohio Revised Code § 1345.75). However, it's best to act as soon as possible since waiting too long could weaken your claim. If your vehicle no longer qualifies under Ohio’s Lemon Law, you may still have legal options under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) or Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which has a four-year statute of limitations for breach of warranty claims.

Yes. If your vehicle qualifies under Ohio’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer must offer you one of three remedies:

• A full refund (minus a mileage deduction based on usage).

• A replacement vehicle of similar make and model.

• Cash compensation to cover repair costs or diminished value. The refund includes the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and other related costs. However, manufacturers sometimes delay payments or offer low settlements, which is why legal representation is recommended.

Ohio consumers can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which enforces consumer protection laws, including the Lemon Law. While the office does not handle lawsuits, it may assist with manufacturer disputes. To file a complaint or seek assistance, contact:

Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section

• Website: www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov

• Phone: (800) 282-0515

• Mailing Address: 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

For federal-level claims related to vehicle warranties, consumers may also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov.