What to Know About Ohio’s Lemon Law

Driving off the lot in a new vehicle should be a moment of joy, however in certain circumstances some Ohio residents can find their vehicle experiences persistent issues that leave them with more time at the repair shop than on the road. While most vehicles perform as promised, it’s crucial to be prepared if you find yourself with a potential “lemon” on your hands. 

Ohio’s Lemon Law protects consumers’ new vehicle investments against manufacturing defects that won’t go away. This law empowers consumers with rights and options when their vehicles spend more time in the repair shop than on the road. 

In this article, we’ll break down the key aspects of Ohio’s Lemon Law, guiding you through;

• What qualifies as a lemon in Ohio 
• Your rights as a consumer
• The steps you can take if you suspect your new car isn’t living up to its promises.

Before getting into the specifics of Ohio’s Lemon Law, understanding the basics can be helpful. For an in-depth look at lemon laws, check out our Lemon Law 101 article. 

What is the Ohio Lemon Law?

In Ohio, you’re protected if you buy or lease a new vehicle and discover it has serious problems. The law covers warranty issues that substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety as long as those problems occur and are reported within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first (the protection period).

If your vehicle has a significant unresolved issue, the manufacturer must repair it, replace it, or refund your money.

What does the Ohio Lemon Law cover?

The law applies to:

• Passenger cars designed to carry not more than nine persons, or 15 persons, in a ridesharing arrangement
• Motorcycles and other noncommercial motor vehicles, such as farm/pickup trucks designed to carry no more than a one-ton load
• Motor homes (except cooking and sleeping facilities)

Both purchased and leased vehicles are covered. Cars that are more than one year old or have been driven more than 18,000 miles are not covered.

Who is covered under Ohio’s Lemon Law?

The Ohio lemon law covers you if:

• You purchased the motor vehicle in Ohio unless for resale purposes
• You are leasing the vehicle in Ohio for 30 days or more
• You acquired the vehicle during the warranty period as a subsequent transferee

How do I know if my car is considered a lemon in Ohio?

Determining if your vehicle is a lemon involves checking if it meets the criteria set by Ohio law, including:

• Your vehicle is still within the protection period (12 months or 18,000 miles)
• The defects substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety
• The manufacturer has made a reasonable number of repair attempts without successfully fixing the defect

What is considered a “reasonable” number of repair attempts?

Under Ohio law, a 'reasonable number of attempts' to fix a vehicle is generally interpreted to mean:

• The same nonconformity has been subject to repair three or more times and continues to exist
• The vehicle is out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days
• There have been eight or more attempts to repair any nonconformity
• There has been at least one attempt to repair a nonconformity that could cause death or serious bodily injury

What are my options if my car is considered a lemon in Ohio?

If your vehicle is deemed a lemon in Ohio, you have the right to choose between two options from the manufacturer: they must either offer to repurchase the vehicle or replace it. Unlike most states, Ohio law gives you the power to select your preferred solution.

How can BBB AUTO LINE help me?

If you have an unresolved dispute involving a defect covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty, BBB AUTO LINE may be able to assist you. BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court mediation and arbitration dispute resolution process in which many automobile manufacturers participate.

Ready to open a claim?