The Ultimate Guide to Ohio Lemon Law: Your Rights Explained

Do You Have a Lemon?

Have you purchased a vehicle that spends more time in the repair shop than on the road? Are you frustrated with recurring car problems and wondering what legal options are available? Ohio’s Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles, ensuring that you don’t get stuck with a faulty car.

This article will explain what qualifies as a “lemon” in Ohio, what your rights are, and how to file a claim if your vehicle meets the criteria. If your new car has a major defect that the manufacturer can’t fix after multiple attempts, you may be eligible for a refund or a replacement. Understanding Ohio’s Lemon Law can help you make informed decisions and protect your investment.

What Is Ohio’s Lemon Law?

Ohio’s Lemon Law is a consumer protection law designed to help vehicle owners who unknowingly purchase a defective car. Officially codified under Ohio Revised Code §§ 1345.71 – 1345.78, this law requires manufacturers to repair, replace, or refund vehicles with serious defects that impair their use, safety, or value—as long as the issues occur within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles from the original delivery date.

The primary purpose of Ohio’s Lemon Law is to prevent consumers from being stuck with a defective vehicle that a manufacturer cannot or will not properly fix. If a car has substantial defects that persist despite multiple repair attempts, or if it spends too much time out of service for repairs, the law ensures that the owner has legal options for relief.

This law applies to new passenger vehicles purchased or leased in Ohio, including cars, light trucks, and SUVs. However, it does not cover used cars, motorcycles, RVs, or commercial vehicles. By enforcing strict guidelines, Ohio’s Lemon Law holds automakers accountable and gives consumers legal grounds to demand a resolution when they receive a faulty vehicle.

What Vehicles Are Covered Under Ohio’s Lemon Law?

Ohio’s Lemon Law applies primarily to new vehicles that are purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use. This includes passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26,000 pounds or less. The law also extends to demonstrator vehicles, which are typically used by dealerships for test drives but are still considered new when sold to consumers.

Leased vehicles are covered as long as they were new at the time of the lease and meet the eligibility criteria. However, Ohio’s Lemon Law does not apply to used cars, motorcycles, RVs, or vehicles used primarily for business or commercial purposes.

If a covered vehicle experiences repeated defects within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles, the owner may be entitled to a refund or replacement under the law.

What Vehicles Are Not Covered?

Ohio’s Lemon Law does not apply to used cars, even if they are still under warranty. Once a vehicle has been previously titled, it is no longer eligible for protection under this law. Motorcycles are also excluded, regardless of whether they are new or used.

Additionally, recreational vehicles (RVs) and mobile homes are not covered, even though they may have motorized components. The law specifically applies to passenger vehicles under 26,000 pounds GVW, which excludes large motorhomes.

Commercial vehicles, including those used primarily for business, fleet operations, or leased for business purposes, are also not protected under Ohio’s Lemon Law. However, business owners may have other legal options, such as pursuing claims under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) or warranties provided by the manufacturer. If a vehicle does not qualify under the Lemon Law, owners should consult with an attorney to explore alternative legal remedies.

What Makes a Car a “Lemon” in Ohio?

A car is legally considered a “lemon” in Ohio if it has a significant defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer is unable to fix the issue within a reasonable timeframe. The defect must occur within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s original delivery—whichever comes first.

To qualify under Ohio’s Lemon Law, the owner must allow the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the defect. The law defines this as:

• At least three repair attempts for the same issue without success.
• One attempt if the defect is serious enough to cause death or serious injury.
• Thirty or more cumulative days out of service due to repairs.
• Eight (8) or more repair attempts for various unrelated defects.

If the issue persists despite these repair attempts, the car may be classified as a lemon, and the owner may be entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. It’s important to document all repair visits, including dates, descriptions of the defect, and any communication with the dealer or manufacturer. Proper records can strengthen a Lemon Law claim and improve the chances of a successful resolution.

What Is Considered a “Reasonable Number” of Repair Attempts?

Under Ohio’s Lemon Law, a vehicle must undergo a reasonable number of repair attempts before it qualifies as a lemon. The law sets specific thresholds for what is considered reasonable:

• At least three (3) repair attempts for the same defect, without a successful fix. If the problem continues after multiple trips to the dealership, the vehicle may qualify for Lemon Law protection.
• One (1) repair attempt if the defect poses a serious safety risk, such as brake failure, steering issues, or other conditions that could cause severe injury or death. If the issue is not fully resolved after a single attempt, the vehicle may be considered a lemon.
• Thirty (30) or more cumulative days out of service due to repairs. If a vehicle has been in the shop for a total of 30 days or more—whether consecutive or not—within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles, it may qualify for a Lemon Law claim.
• Eight (8) or more repair attempts for various unrelated defects. If a new vehicle has been taken to the dealer for repairs eight or more times for different issues, even if they are not the same defect, it may be classified as a lemon.

These legal thresholds ensure that consumers do not have to endure endless repairs for a defective vehicle. If a car meets any of these conditions, the owner may be eligible for a refund or replacement from the manufacturer.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Ohio

If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Ohio’s Lemon Law (Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78), there are specific steps you must follow to seek relief. Proper documentation and adherence to legal procedures can significantly strengthen your claim.

1. Document Everything

Keeping thorough records is crucial for proving your case. Save copies of:

• Repair orders and service records showing the defect and repair attempts.
• Receipts and invoices from the dealership or manufacturer’s authorized service center.
• Written communication with the dealer and manufacturer about the defect and repair attempts.

A well-documented history of issues will make it easier to establish that your vehicle meets the Lemon Law criteria.

2. Notify the Manufacturer

Before filing a claim, you must provide the manufacturer with a final opportunity to fix the defect. This is typically done by sending a written notice via certified mail, explaining the problem and requesting a last repair attempt. Do not omit this step, this is a requirement under Ohio Lemon Law.

Manufacturers are constrained to respond and attempt repairs within a reasonable timeframe.

3. Request Arbitration Through a Qualified Informal Dispute Resolution Mechanism

If the manufacturer provides a Qualified Informal Dispute Resolution Mechanism, such as an arbitration program, you are required to go through this process before filing a lawsuit. Arbitration may result in a resolution, but it is not always in the consumer’s best interest, as manufacturers may have an advantage in these proceedings.

4. File a Lemon Law Claim

If arbitration does not resolve the issue—or if the manufacturer does not offer an arbitration program—you may file a lawsuit against the manufacturer to seek a refund or replacement. Under Ohio law, if you win your case, the manufacturer is responsible for covering your attorney’s fees.

Acting quickly and following these steps can help you successfully assert your rights under Ohio’s Lemon Law.

What Are Your Possible Remedies Under Ohio Lemon Law?

If your vehicle is determined to be a lemon under Ohio’s Lemon Law (Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78), you are entitled to compensation from the manufacturer. The law provides several possible remedies, depending on your situation and preference.

1. Full Refund

You may receive a full refund of the purchase price, including taxes, registration fees, and other related costs. However, Ohio law allows the manufacturer to deduct a reasonable “allowance for use,” which is based on the miles driven before the defect was first reported. This deduction is calculated using the formula outlined in the statute.

2. Replacement Vehicle

If you prefer, the manufacturer may offer a replacement vehicle of similar value and features. This option is only available if both parties agree and a suitable replacement is in stock.

3. Cash Compensation

In some cases, manufacturers may offer a cash settlement instead of a full refund or replacement. This could be a negotiated amount based on the severity of the defect, loss of vehicle value, and repair history.

Regardless of the outcome, Ohio law ensures that consumers are compensated for defective vehicles, helping them move forward without the burden of a lemon.

Should You Hire an Attorney for Your Ohio Lemon Law Claim?

While Ohio’s Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers, dealing with a manufacturer can be challenging—especially when they have legal teams working to minimize payouts. To level the playing field, it’s highly recommended that you hire an experienced Ohio Lemon Law attorney to handle your claim.

1. The Manufacturer Will Have Legal Representation

Automakers rarely admit fault and often fight Lemon Law claims aggressively. Without legal representation, you may struggle to prove your case or negotiate a fair settlement. An attorney ensures that your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

2. Attorney Fees Are Covered by the Manufacturer

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a lawyer is that Ohio’s Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees if you win your case. This means you can pursue your claim without paying out of pocket for legal services.

3. A Lawyer Strengthens Your Case

An experienced Lemon Law attorney will:

• Ensure all required documentation is properly gathered and submitted.
• Advocate for the best possible remedy, whether it’s a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.
• Handle arbitration or litigation to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Having professional legal guidance significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome under Ohio’s Lemon Law.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Claim?

Under Ohio’s Lemon Law (Ohio Revised Code § 1345.71 – § 1345.78), consumers have up to six (6) years from the date they took delivery of the vehicle to file a claim. This is one of the longest Lemon Law filing deadlines in the country, giving car owners a significant window to take legal action.

However, if you pursue other legal claims, such as a breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), different deadlines may apply—sometimes as short as four years. Because of these variations, it’s important to act as soon as possible if you suspect your vehicle is a lemon.

Waiting too long to file a claim can hurt your chances of receiving compensation. If you think your vehicle qualifies, consult with a Lemon Law attorney immediately to avoid missing the deadline.

Additional Details:
Ohio Lemon Law Information Hub