Generally, lemon laws require that a manufacturer provide a refund or replacement for a defective new vehicle that is not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. Most such laws provide for refund or replacement when a substantial defect cannot be fixed in 4 tries, a safety defect within 2 tries or the auto is out of service for 30 days, within the first 12-18,000 miles/12-24 months.

The Washington State Motor Vehicle “Lemon Law” was enacted to help new vehicle owners who have substantial continuing problems with warranty repairs.

The law allows the owner to request an arbitration hearing through the Lemon Law Administration of Attorney General’s Office. An owner can request arbitration at any time within 30 months of the vehicle’s original retail delivery date.

There is no charge for the arbitration process. After an arbitration hearing, an arbitrator will decide whether a consumer’s claim meets the requirements under the law.

 

 
I had my car repaired but the repairs did not fix the problem. What should I do?

 

The Washington Attorney General’s Office has detailed information about auto repair in Washington, including a concise list of violations of Washington's auto repair law.

The has information on:

• Dealing with an auto repair shop

• Customer rights, including legal requirements for estimates and invoices

• The auto repair business's right to a possessory lien for money owed

• How to resolve disputes

• Warranties