
Hawaii Lemon Law offers protection to consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that have persistent defects which remain unresolved under warranty.
If the manufacturer cannot fix the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you have the right to a replacement vehicle, refund, or cash compensation. In some cases, Hawaii law provides for civil penalties up to three times the original amount. Your Rights Under Hawaii Lemon Law
If you’ve purchased or leased a vehicle in Hawaii with a defect that affects its safety, value, or use, and it cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, Hawaii Lemon Law guarantees you the right to:
- Replacement: Receive a new vehicle of the same make and model.
- Repurchase: Get a full refund, including taxes and fees, minus a mileage deduction.
- Cash Settlement: Receive compensation for the defect’s impact on the vehicle’s value, plus potential civil penalties.
Hawaii lemon law also requires manufacturers to cover attorney fees, so you won’t incur any additional legal costs while pursuing your claim.
What Vehicles Are Covered by Hawaii Lemon Law?
Under Hawaii Lemon Law, you’re protected if you own or lease:
- New and certified pre-owned vehicles still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Used vehicles with a remaining factory warranty.
- Vehicles including cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, and certain business vehicles (under 10,000 lbs).
Exclusions may apply for minor defects, damages caused by misuse, or modifications not authorized by the manufacturer.
How to Qualify for Hawaii Lemon Law?
To qualify for Hawaii Lemon Law, the defect must:
- Be reported during Hawaii’s “lemon law rights period” — the warranty term, or 2 years / 24,000 miles from original delivery, whichever expires first (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 481I-2).
- Survive a reasonable number of repair attempts. Hawaii presumes that standard is met when the same defect has been repaired 3 or more times, or the vehicle has been out of service 30 or more cumulative business days — both within the rights period. A defect likely to cause death or serious injury needs only 1 repair attempt (§ 481I-3(d)).
- A lawsuit must be filed within 1 year after the lemon law rights period expires (§ 481I-3).
Types of Defects Covered by Hawaii Lemon Law
Hawaii Lemon Law covers defects that affect the vehicle’s safety, operation, or value, including:
- Engine failure
- Brake system issues
- Electrical system problems
- Airbag defects
- Faulty transmission
- Steering or suspension defects
These defects must persist after reasonable repair attempts and should be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Lemon Law for Used Cars in Hawaii
If you purchase a used vehicle that is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, Hawaii Lemon Law may apply:
- The defect must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect must affect the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
- The defect must remain unresolved after reasonable repair attempts.
If your used vehicle qualifies, we’ll help you secure compensation.
Why Choose Us for Your Lemon Law Case in Hawaii?
Why Hawaii Drivers Choose Our Firm
- Decades of Experience: Over 10 years of handling Lemon Law cases successfully.
- Risk-Free Representation: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Available 24/7: We are here to help and answer your questions anytime.
- End-to-End Support: From filing the claim to securing your compensation, we manage it all.
- Fighting for Maximum Compensation: We work to ensure you get the maximum compensation, including civil penalties where applicable.
No upfront fees.
Your legal fees are covered by the manufacturer. Your agreement explains any costs.