Lemon Law Calculator

A vehicle typically qualifies as a lemon if it has a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer has been unable to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts (usually 3-4 attempts) or the vehicle has been out of service for an extended period (typically 30+ days).

The usage offset is calculated based on the miles driven at the first repair attempt divided by the expected vehicle life (typically 120,000 miles), multiplied by the purchase price. This represents the value you received from using the vehicle before problems began.

You can typically recover incidental costs including sales tax, registration fees, finance charges, towing and rental car expenses, out-of-pocket repair costs, and other related expenses you incurred due to the defective vehicle.

Yes, lemon law claims must typically be filed within a specific timeframe, usually within the first 18-24 months or 18,000-24,000 miles of purchase, though this varies by state. Some states also require the defect to manifest within the warranty period.

Lemon law remedies typically include either a full refund (minus usage offset) or a replacement vehicle of comparable value. The choice between refund and replacement may depend on your preference and what the manufacturer offers.

Lemon law coverage for used vehicles varies by state. Some states cover certified pre-owned vehicles or used cars still under manufacturer warranty, while others only cover new vehicles. Check your state's specific lemon law provisions.

If the manufacturer disputes your claim, most states offer free arbitration programs to resolve lemon law disputes. You may also have the right to pursue the matter in court, potentially recovering attorney fees if you prevail.

This calculator provides estimates based on common lemon law formulas, but actual awards may vary depending on your state's specific laws, the arbitrator's decision, and individual case circumstances. Consult with a lemon law attorney for precise calculations.