New York Lemon Law
New York lemon law protections for defective vehicles — how many repair attempts qualify, the coverage period, and what refund or replacement you can demand.
Standard state lemon law protection.
New York has a Used Car Lemon Law that covers used vehicles sold with a warranty by a licensed dealer. The coverage period depends on the mileage at purchase.
Lemon Law Thresholds in New York
Available Remedies
- ✓Full refund (purchase price, collateral costs, incidental expenses)
- ✓Replacement vehicle
- ✓Attorney fees paid by manufacturer
- ✓Used car lemon law: refund of purchase price if applicable
New York is one of only a few states with a meaningful Used Car Lemon Law in addition to the standard new vehicle law. Dealers who sell used vehicles with warranties must honor those warranties, and buyers have legal recourse if the dealer cannot repair the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many repair attempts qualify as a lemon in New York?
4 attempts. Four or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, OR 2 attempts for a defect that creates a risk of death or serious injury.
Does New York lemon law cover used vehicles?
Yes. New York has a Used Car Lemon Law that covers used vehicles sold with a warranty by a licensed dealer. The coverage period depends on the mileage at purchase.
How long is the New York lemon law protection period?
24 months or 18,000 miles (new) / 90 days or 4,000 miles (used). New vehicle: protection within first 24 months or 18,000 miles. Used vehicle: 90 days or 4,000 miles depending on dealer warranty terms.
What remedies can I get under the New York lemon law?
Full refund (purchase price, collateral costs, incidental expenses); Replacement vehicle; Attorney fees paid by manufacturer; Used car lemon law: refund of purchase price if applicable.
What counts as "out of service" under New York lemon law?
30 days. 30 or more cumulative days out of service for warranty repairs.
How do I file a lemon law claim in New York?
Start by documenting all repair attempts with written records from the dealer. Send a certified letter to the manufacturer notifying them of the defect and your lemon law claim. If the manufacturer does not resolve it, you can file with New York Attorney General — Lemon Law or proceed to arbitration or court.