Waiting could cost you thousands. Learn the real deadlines behind Lemon Law claims and how to act before it’s too late.
You probably didn’t expect your “new” car to spend more time in the shop than on the road. If the same problem keeps coming back, you might already qualify for Lemon Law protection—but time isn’t on your side.
Every day you wait could push you closer to a missed deadline.
This article explains how long you have to act—and what to do before it’s too late.
1. Why Lemon Law Deadlines Can Make or Break Your Claim
A “statute of limitations” is the legal deadline to file a claim and Lemon Laws have these deadlines, too. If you miss them, you may lose your chance to get a refund, replacement, or cash—even if your case is strong.
Many people don’t realize how quickly time passes after buying a defective car. They wait, hoping the vehicle’s problem goes away. But waiting can hurt your case.
Lemon Law deadlines vary by state, but they all share one thing: you must act on time.
The clock usually starts when the defect appears or when the car is first delivered to you—not when you decide to take action.
This article will walk you through how long you may have, what can delay or speed up your deadline, and what steps you need to take right now. If your car keeps breaking, don’t wait. Every repair and every day can affect your legal options.
2. How Long Do I Have to File a Lemon Law Claim?
Most states give you between 1 to 4 years to file a Lemon Law claim. That’s your legal window. But the clock doesn’t start when you feel ready to act—it starts much earlier.
In many states, the countdown begins when:
- The defect first shows up
- Or when the car is delivered to you
Let’s look at a few examples:
- Texas: You must file within six months of whichever comes first—your warranty ending, 24 months from the purchase date, or 24,000 miles. But you still need to act before 30 months from the purchase date to stay eligible.
- California: You usually have 4 years from the day you noticed the problem. But a new 2025 rule (AB 1755) may shorten this if the carmaker opts in. In that case, the deadline could be 1 year after the warranty ends or 6 years from the delivery date, whichever comes first.
- Florida: Your window is short. You must act within the Lemon Law Rights Period, which lasts 24 months from when the car was delivered to you.
Some states also allow extra time under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)—a general law covering warranties. That gives you 4 years to file a claim for breach of warranty, even if you miss the Lemon Law deadline.
Laws vary, so always check your state’s rules. And don’t assume you’re covered just because the warranty is still active. Warranty periods and Lemon Law time limits are not the same.
3. What Should I Do If I Think My Car Is a Lemon?
Start right away if you suspect your car is a lemon. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse or happen again.
Take the defective car back to the dealership and report the issue. Ask them to write a repair order, even if they say the problem isn’t happening now. Get the issue diagnosed and let them try to fix it.
Save every record. That includes receipts, work orders, emails, and any notes you take. These documents show what happened, when it happened, and what the dealer did—or didn’t do.
You don’t need to know if your car qualifies as a lemon yet. Just follow the steps that protect your rights. Acting early builds your case, even if you don’t file a claim right away.
If the same issue keeps coming back, those repair visits will matter. They prove the defect is serious and ongoing. And that’s the kind of record Lemon Law attorneys use to win claims.
4. What Repairs Are Required Before I Can File a Lemon Law Claim?
Most Lemon Laws require that you let the dealer do a certain number of repairs to try and fix the problem before you can file a claim. In most states, you need to meet one of these conditions:
- 2 repair attempts if the problem affects safety, like brakes or steering
- 3 to 4 repair attempts for the same issue if it’s not life-threatening but still serious
- Or the car is out of service for 30 days total, even across multiple visits
The problem must be serious—it should affect how safe your car is, how it drives, or how much it’s worth.
Repairs must happen at an authorized dealership, not an independent mechanic. If you skip this, your Lemon Law rights could be affected.
Following this rule is important. If you don’t, the law may not protect you—even if the car keeps failing.
5. What Documents Do I Need to Prove My Lemon Law Case?
To win a Lemon Law claim, you need the right paperwork. Save everything related to your car and repairs.
Key documents include:
- Repair orders from each visit
- Your warranty
- Purchase agreement or lease contract
- Service history
- Any emails or messages with the dealer or car company
Check that your repair orders include the dates, the exact problem, and how many days your car was in the shop.
If the dealer leaves something out or won’t write down your complaint, write it down yourself with the date and what they said.
You don’t have to keep these papers perfectly organized—just don’t lose them. Put everything in a folder or take pictures with your phone.
Your attorney will review all of this. Good documentation makes your case stronger and easier to prove.
6. When Should I Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney?
Don’t wait too long. As soon as you realize the dealer can’t fix the problem after multiple visits, talk to a Lemon Law attorney.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. An attorney will look at your documents and repair history, check the timeline, and let you know if you qualify. This first review is free.
Most Lemon Law attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay anything out of pocket. If you win, the manufacturer pays your attorney’s fees.
Attorneys also know the legal deadlines. If your time is running out, they can act fast. They’ll assist in drafting a final notice to the manufacturer and make sure your claim gets filed before it’s too late.
They also handle the paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations with the manufacturer—so you don’t have to deal with it yourself.
The earlier you get legal help, the better your chances. Attorneys can spot weak areas in your case and fix them before it’s too late.
7. What If I Missed the Lemon Law Deadline?
Missing the deadline might stop your Lemon Law claim—but not always.
You could still qualify under other legal alternatives, like the Magnuson-Moss Law and breach of warranty or consumer fraud protections.
That’s why you should still talk to a Lemon Law attorney, even if you’re not sure about your timeline.
Different types of claims follow different time limits, so don’t guess. An attorney can look at your situation and tell you if you still have a valid case. The sooner you ask for help, the better your chances of finding a solution that works.
8. Don’t Let Time Run Out—Take the First Step Today
Waiting can cost you money, time, and legal protection.
If your car keeps having the same problem, don’t wait for another repair that won’t fix it.
Start by collecting your repair records.
Then, take our free 2-minute eligibility quiz or download the Lemon Law Survival Guide to get next steps.
You may be closer to a refund, a new car, or a cash payout than you think. But you must act before the deadline passes.