Lemon Law for the Consumer
Connecticut was the first state to put a “Lemon Law” in place to help owners of defective vehicles at or under 2 years old or with a mileage of 24,000 or less. The Lemon Law program has returned more than $60 million in refunds and replacement vehicles to Connecticut consumers.
The “Lemon Law” is a nickname for Connecticut General Statute Chapter 743b, “Automobile Warranties.” The law put into place an informal arbitration process to resolve disputes between passenger vehicle owners and manufacturers.
The Lemon Law covers vehicles that are registered as “passenger,” “combination” or “motorcycle” that are bought or leased new in Connecticut.
Program Requirements
The Lemon Law covers vehicles that are registered as “passenger,” “combination” or “motorcycle” that are bought or leased new in Connecticut.
Program Requirements
The law covers those vehicles that do not conform to the manufacturer’s express warranty, and have substantial manufacturer's defects affecting the use, safety or value of the vehicle.
The defects must have shown up within the first two years after the original owner took delivery or within the first 24,000 miles on the odometer (whichever comes first). Repairs must have been attempted during a certain time period, but these defects could not be repaired, even after “a reasonable number of attempts."
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For more details, please read our booklet, “Back in the Driver’s seat".
Application Process
A note on attorneys: The Lemon Law Program is designed to be accessible to all Connecticut consumers, and while you are not prohibited from using at attorney, most people do not and you are not required to. If you choose to use an attorney, be sure you know if the attorney will require any part of your potential refund, as that potential refund is intended to be for the cost of your vehicle.
Before applying to the Lemon Law program, you should report the vehicle’s ongoing problems to the manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual/warranty booklet for the address and telephone number of the office designated to receive your complaint. Your manual will also tell you if the manufacturer requires written notice when you file a claim requesting a refund or replacement vehicle. If that notice is required, you must write and inform the manufacturer. Maintain a copy of the letter for potential inclusion with the arbitration hearing.
If you lease your vehicle, you must write and tell the leasing company that you are applying for Lemon Law arbitration. Inform them that if they wish to be a party to the proceedings, they must notify the Department of their intent within ten (10) days of receiving your letter. You must send the letter to the leasing company by certified or registered mail. Maintain a copy of the letter and postal receipt for potential inclusion with the arbitration hearing.
To apply for arbitration first determine if your vehicle is likely eligible for the arbitration process.
We will review your application. If information is missing, we will return your application and filing fee to you, with a list of the information or documents that are missing.
- If your application is complete, we will determine whether your case meets the eligibility criteria.
- If we find that your case is not eligible, we will return your filing fee to you with an explanation as to why your case did not qualify.
- If your case is eligible, we will contact you and the manufacturer for the next steps.