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New York Consumer Protection

Lemon Law New York Guide

Protect your rights when buying new or used vehicles in New York State

Lemon Law New York provides comprehensive protection for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. The state offers some of the strongest consumer protections in the nation, covering both new and used vehicles with separate laws and remedies for each category.

Whether you've bought a new car with recurring problems or a used vehicle that breaks down immediately, New York's lemon laws can help you get a refund, replacement, or repairs at no cost.

New York New Car Lemon Law

The Lemon Law New York for new vehicles applies during the first 2 years or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. Your vehicle qualifies as a lemon if:

Qualification Criteria:

  • 4 or more repair attempts for the same substantial defect
  • OR vehicle out of service for 30+ cumulative days
  • OR 2 attempts to repair a serious safety defect
New York presumes a vehicle is a lemon if these criteria are met, shifting the burden to the manufacturer to prove otherwise.
New York Used Car Lemon Law

Lemon Law New York uniquely protects used car buyers through mandatory warranties based on mileage:

18,001 - 36,000 miles:

90 days or 4,000 miles warranty

36,001 - 79,999 miles:

60 days or 3,000 miles warranty

80,000 - 100,000 miles:

30 days or 1,000 miles warranty

Dealers must provide these warranties at no extra cost for vehicles over $1,500 or lease value over $1,500.
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Vehicles Covered Under NY Lemon Law

Covered

  • ✓ Passenger cars
  • ✓ SUVs and vans
  • ✓ Light trucks
  • ✓ Motorcycles (new)
  • ✓ Motor homes
  • ✓ Leased vehicles

Not Covered

  • ✗ Vehicles over 10,000 lbs
  • ✗ Off-road vehicles
  • ✗ Classic cars
  • ✗ Used motorcycles
  • ✗ Business fleet vehicles
  • ✗ Modified vehicles
New York Lemon Law Arbitration Process

New York offers free arbitration through the Attorney General's office:

  1. 1
    File Request

    Submit arbitration request to NY AG's office

  2. 2
    Hearing Scheduled

    Hearing within 45 days of filing

  3. 3
    Decision Issued

    Decision within 30 days of hearing

  4. 4
    Remedy Provided

    Refund or replacement if you win

Your Rights Under Lemon Law New York

If Your Vehicle Qualifies:

  • Full refund of purchase price minus reasonable use
  • Replacement with comparable new vehicle
  • Attorney fees if you prevail in court
  • All incidental costs and damages
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Frequently Asked Questions

Assert Your Rights Under NY Lemon Law

Don't let defective vehicles cost you thousands. Take action today with professional documentation and demand letters tailored to New York Lemon Law requirements.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Lemon Law New York?

New York Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease new cars with substantial defects. If a vehicle cannot be repaired after 4 attempts or is out of service for 30+ days within 2 years or 18,000 miles, consumers can get a refund or replacement.

Does New York Lemon Law cover used cars?

Yes, New York has a Used Car Lemon Law covering vehicles purchased from dealers for more than $1,500 with less than 100,000 miles. Coverage varies by mileage: 90 days/4,000 miles for cars with 18,001-36,000 miles; 60 days/3,000 miles for 36,001-80,000 miles; 30 days/1,000 miles for 80,001-100,000 miles.

How do I file a Lemon Law claim in New York?

First, notify the manufacturer in writing about defects. Keep all repair records. If repairs fail, you can file for free arbitration through the New York Attorney General's office or pursue legal action. Most cases resolve through the arbitration program within 45-60 days.