Idaho Lemon Laws

When you buy a new car or truck, you expect it to work as advertised for the first year or so before regular wear and tear takes its toll. But if a newly purchased vehicle has one or more major defects (called "nonconformities" in legal speak) that affect its value or render it inoperable, we call it a lemon. State lemon laws provide assurances for consumers by requiring manufacturers to either provide a refund or replace a lemon with an equal (or lesser-valued) vehicle if it cannot be fixed to warranty standards within a statutory period of time (typically one year).

Idaho Lemon Law at a Glance

While Idaho's lemon law does not explicitly state that it covers used vehicles, those that are sold to another party before the warranty has expired may still be covered. State law covers vehicles for up to two years following the delivery of the vehicle or 24,000, whichever comes first.

Additional details of Idaho lemon law are listed below. See FindLaw's Lemon Law section for additional articles.

Code Section	48-901, et seq.
Title of Act	Not specified
Definition of Defects	Nonconformity to applicable express warranties which significantly impairs use, value, or safety of vehicle
Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair	2 year period following date of original delivery of vehicle to buyer or first 24,000 miles or period of express warranty, whichever is earlier. However, the dealer/manufacturer has three years in which to make a "reasonable number of repair attempts" relating to a nonconformity discovered within the first two years (or 24,000 miles).
"Reasonable Number of Attempts" Defined	The same nonconformity has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer, its agents or authorized dealers; the manufacturer had at least one opportunity to attempt to repair the vehicle; and the nonconformity continues to exist; The motor vehicle is out of service by reason of repair for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days; or A nonconformity results in a complete failure of the braking or steering system and is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven; the nonconformity has been subject to repair at least once by the manufacturer, its agents or authorized dealers; the manufacturer had at least one opportunity to attempt to repair the vehicle; and the nonconformity continues to exist.
Remedies	Consumer's option: replace with comparable new vehicle or accept return and refund full purchase price including all collateral charges, less a reasonable allowance for buyer's use of vehicle

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the enactment of newly signed legislation or voter-approved ballot initiatives, higher court decisions, or other means. Be sure to contact an Idaho lemon law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Research the Law

Idaho Law
Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.

Idaho Lemon Law: Related Resources

Idaho Consumer Protection Laws
How the New Car Lemon Law Can Help You
Getting an Attorney's Help: Lemon Laws and Car Buyer Protections
Car Repairs and the Law
Find a Lemon Law Attorney