Texas Lemon Law Guide
Buyer rights, coverage thresholds, and how to file a claim in Texas.
2 yr
Coverage Period
24,000
Miles
4
Repair Attempts
30
Days Out of Service
What Texas Lemon Law Covers
New motor vehicles sold or leased in Texas with a manufacturer's express warranty. Used vehicles may qualify if the defect was first reported while the vehicle was under the original manufacturer's warranty and the defect persists, or if the vehicle remains within the original warranty period at the time of the lemon law complaint.. The law protects buyers when a vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.
Used Car Coverage in Texas
Conditional. Used vehicles are covered if the defect was first reported to a dealer while the vehicle was under the manufacturer's original express warranty and the defect continues to exist, or if the vehicle is still within the original warranty period. Private party used car sales carry no lemon law protection.
Qualifying Criteria
To qualify under Texas lemon law, a vehicle must meet at least one of the following thresholds within the coverage window:
| Criterion | Texas Threshold |
|---|---|
| Same defect repair attempts | 4 attempts |
| Out-of-service days (cumulative) | 30 days |
| Coverage window — time | 2 years from original delivery |
| Coverage window — mileage | 24,000 miles |
Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Texas does not require arbitration before filing a lawsuit, but it can be faster and cheaper.
Texas does not require exhaustion of a manufacturer-run arbitration program before filing with TxDMV. The complaint goes directly to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Lemon Law Section.
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Texas
- 1
Document every repair attempt
Keep all repair orders with dates, mileage, and defect descriptions. You need written proof the same issue was reported and repaired multiple times.
- 2
Track out-of-service days
Record every day the vehicle was at the dealer for repairs. A cumulative total of 30 or more days can independently qualify the vehicle.
- 3
Send written notice to the manufacturer
Mail a certified letter to the manufacturer (not the dealer) describing the unresolved defect and requesting a final repair opportunity.
- 4
Use the dispute resolution program
Texas does not require exhaustion of a manufacturer-run arbitration program before filing with TxDMV. The complaint goes directly to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Lemon Law Section.
- 5
File with the state agency or court
Contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles — Lemon Law Section or file in Texas civil court. Bring all repair orders, purchase documents, and correspondence.
- 6
Collect your remedy
A successful claim results in a full refund or replacement vehicle. The manufacturer pays attorney fees in most states.
Lemon Law and Bill of Sale
If your vehicle was repurchased under lemon law, the title will carry a "Lemon Law Buyback" brand in most states. When selling this vehicle, you must disclose the lemon history on the bill of sale and title. Hiding this information is fraud.
Buyers seeing a "Lemon Law Buyback" brand on a title should expect a significant price reduction and obtain a full mechanical inspection before purchasing.
Texas Lemon Law — FAQ
- Does Texas lemon law cover used cars?
- Conditional. Used vehicles are covered if the defect was first reported to a dealer while the vehicle was under the manufacturer's original express warranty and the defect continues to exist, or if the vehicle is still within the original warranty period. Private party used car sales carry no lemon law protection.
- How many repair attempts qualify in Texas?
- 4 repair attempts for the same defect, or the vehicle being out of service for 30+ cumulative days within the coverage period.
- Does private party sale trigger lemon law?
- No. Lemon laws in virtually all states apply only to purchases from dealers or manufacturers. Private party sales are buyer beware.
- What remedy can I get?
- A full refund (purchase price minus mileage offset) or a replacement vehicle. The manufacturer must also cover incidental costs and attorney fees in most states.