
New York's lemon law protects consumers who buy or lease vehicles with significant defects that are not resolved under the manufacturer’s warranty.
If the manufacturer cannot fix the defect, they must replace, repurchase, or provide cash compensation, potentially including civil penalties up to three times the original amount. Your Rights Under New York Lemon Law
If you’ve made repeated trips to the dealership and your vehicle still isn’t fixed, New York Lemon Law may give you the right to:
- Repurchase: Get a full refund including taxes, fees, and financing costs
- Replacement: Receive a new vehicle of similar value and features
- Settlement: Get compensated for inconvenience and loss of value
- Legal Fees: Have your attorney’s fees paid by the manufacturer
You have a right to safe, reliable transportation — and legal protection if you didn’t get what you paid for.
What Vehicles Are Covered?
To qualify for New York Lemon Law, the defect must:
- Be substantial, affecting the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
- Be reported within the first 18,000 miles or two years from delivery, whichever comes first (Gen. Bus. Law § 198-a(b)).
- Remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts. New York presumes that standard is met if the same defect was subject to repair four or more times, or the vehicle was out of service for a cumulative 30 or more calendar days.
- A lawsuit must be commenced within four years of the vehicle’s original delivery date.
How to Qualify for a New York Lemon Law Claim
You may be eligible under New York’s Lemon Law Claim if:
- Your vehicle has a defect that affects its use, value, or safety
- The same issue persists after 2 or more repair attempts, or
- The vehicle was out of service for 30 or more cumulative days
- The defect was reported within the coverage period (new or used)
A quick case review can confirm whether your situation qualifies under state law.
Types of Defects Covered by New York's Lemon Law
These common issues may meet the requirements of New York Lemon Law if they remain unresolved:
- Engine failure or stalling
- Transmission slipping or hesitation
- Steering or suspension issues
- Brake system defects
- Persistent dashboard warning lights
- Repeated electrical or HVAC malfunctions
- Safety system failures (airbags, seat belts, etc.)
- And more…
If your dealership hasn’t fixed the problem after multiple attempts, your vehicle may be considered a lemon.
Lemon Law for Used Cars in New York
Unlike most states, New York’s Lemon Law does cover certain used cars. You may qualify if:
- The vehicle had under 100,000 miles at the time of purchase
- It was purchased from a licensed dealer, not a private party
- Filing deadlines are set by state law and are often much shorter than people expect — some states require action within months, not years. Ask us for a free review of the deadline that applies to your vehicle.
- Report the defect while the vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty or within your state’s lemon-law rights period — these periods vary by state and can be as short as one year.
- The issue reduces the car’s safety or reliability
We’ll evaluate your situation and advise whether you’re covered under New York’s Lemon Law or other consumer protection laws.
Why Choose Us?
- Proven Expertise: Over 10 years of success with thousands of cases.
- No Upfront Fees: In most cases the manufacturer pays our fees; your agreement explains any costs.
- 24/7 Availability: We’re here whenever you need us.
- Comprehensive Support: From start to finish, we handle every detail.
- Civil Penalties: We fight for up to triple the compensation you’re owed.
No upfront fees.
We get paid by the manufacturer. Your agreement explains any costs.