When a new car has recurring problems that the dealership is unable to remedy, we refer to that automobile as a "lemon." Therefore, lemon laws are intended to protect consumers from being stuck with an inoperable or otherwise problematic new vehicle. Ohio's lemon laws are codified in the state's Nonconforming New Motor Vehicles Law, which allows a refund or replacement if a new vehicle fails to meet certain operability standards after one year or 18,000 miles.
Ohio law requires car dealers to comply with lemon law requirements if a new automobile has a "nonconformity," defined by Ohio code as:
"...any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a motor vehicle to the consumer and does not conform to the express warranty of the manufacturer or distributor."
So if a defect that is covered under the warranty cannot be fixed by the dealership after a reasonable number of attempts -- within the miles or time limit -- it is declared a lemon. This may be a recurring problem that has been addressed more than three times or a new car that has been out of service for more than 30 days.
The main provisions of Ohio lemon laws are listed below. See FindLaw's extensive Lemon Law section for additional resources, including Car Repairs and the Law and Getting an Attorney's Help: Lemon Laws and Car Buyer Protections.
| Code Section | 1345.71, et seq. |
| Title of Act | Nonconforming New Motor Vehicles Law |
| Definition of Defects | Nonconformity to express warranty of the manufacturer or distributor which substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a motor vehicle |
| Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair | 1 year following date of original delivery or during first 18,000 miles, whichever is earlier |
| Remedies | Consumer's option: replace with new vehicle acceptable to consumer or accept return of vehicle from consumer and refund full purchase price, all collateral charges, all finance charges, and all incidental damages |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an Ohio lemon law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
Ohio Lemon Laws: Related Resources
