indiana Lemon Law FAQ

Does Indiana have a Lemon Law?

YES! Indiana has one of the most consumer-friendly lemon laws in the country.

What does the Indiana Lemon Law cover?

The law covers vehicle defects arising under a manufacturer’s warranty that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Manufacturers that fail to fix such defects after a reasonable number of attempts must issue a refund or replacement for the lemon at the consumer’s option.

To qualify for protection under the Indiana Lemon Law, the vehicle must meet the following criteria:

● Purchased in the State of Indiana
● Weighs less than 10,000 pounds
● Primarily intended for use on public highways

What is a “reasonable number” of repair attempts under the Indiana Lemon Law or Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?

While every circumstance is different, under the Indiana Lemon Law, you may need to provide the dealer with as many as four (4) repair attempts before your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Alternatively, a single (1) repair visit may be considered a reasonable number of attempts under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which also protects consumers in Indiana.

Regardless of the number of repair attempts, vehicles may also qualify as lemons if they’ve been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 business days or more. If the defect is still present after 4 attempts or 30 days, the vehicle is a lemon. Contact an experienced Lemon Law attorney to learn about your rights.

Is a vehicle a lemon if the dealer does not have parts to repair it?

Under most circumstances, if your vehicle is sitting at the dealer waiting on parts and more than thirty (30) days passes, your vehicle is a lemon.

Is there a Lemon Law for used cars in Indiana?

YES! The Indiana Lemon Law does not distinguish between new and used cars. Instead, the law simply requires the vehicle’s defect be reported within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s life, whichever comes first. So whether you’re the first or the fifth owner of your car, you can still qualify for compensation under the Indiana Lemon Law.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the federal Lemon Law, also covers used vehicles in Indiana. Plus, under this law, defects only need to be reported during the warranty period. So, even if you purchase a used car that has more than 18,000 miles on it, it may still qualify as a lemon. But the sooner you act, the higher your chances of making a successful claim.

Does the Indiana Lemon Law apply to private party sales?

YES, under the Indiana Lemon Law, used cars and private party sales are protected as long as the defects are reported to the manufacturer within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s original purchase date, whichever comes first.

The federal Lemon Law protects private party vehicle sales in Indiana, as well. Importantly, federal law only requires defects be reported during the warranty period. So, if you’re planning to buy a car from a private party in Indiana, there are several laws that will protect your purchase.

How do I know if my vehicle is a “lemon” in the State of Indiana?

To determine whether or not your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, ask yourself these questions:

● Does my vehicle have a defect the manufacturer has failed to repair?
● Is the defect covered by the warranty OR does it substantially impact the vehicle’s use, safety, or value?
● Did I give the manufacturer four (4) chances to fix the defect OR has the manufacturer kept the vehicle in service for more than 30 days?
● Was the defect first reported within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s life?

If you answered “Yes” to each of these questions, your vehicle is a lemon under the Indiana Lemon Law. If you answered “No” to any of the questions, you may still have a lemon under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which may classify a vehicle as a lemon after just one (1) repair attempt under certain circumstances. Further, federal law does not require the vehicle’s defects to substantially impair its use, value, or safety.

The most effective way to determine whether or not your vehicle qualifies as a lemon is to speak with a qualified Indiana Lemon Law attorney. At Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center®, we provide free case reviews to all potential clients. Thus, you have nothing to lose by taking a few moments to reach out for help. Touch base with us today so we can help you collect the compensation you deserve!

Why should I hire a Lemon Law attorney in Indiana?

Hiring a Lemon Law attorney in Indiana improves your chance of collecting what you’re owed and it doesn’t cost you anything to do so. Rather than trying to fight a legal battle alone against a gigantic corporation, get help from a professional! Hiring an experienced Lemon Law attorney gives you the best chance of securing the maximum recovery.

Is there a 30 day Lemon Law in Indiana?

YES! Vehicles that are out of service for repairs because of a warrantied defect for a total of thirty (30) days or more qualify as lemons if the defect remains after the repair attempt(s).

Does the Indiana Lemon Law include a “cool-off” period?

No, although Indiana law does provide a 3-day cancellation period for some contracts, all vehicle sales are final. If you purchase a lemon, you are entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle if it meets the criteria of the Indiana Lemon Law. Just know that you’ll need to take legal action to hold the manufacturer responsible in most cases.

Do window or door leaks qualify under Indiana Lemon Law?

YES! Leaking windows or doors could substantially impair the use, value, and safety of a vehicle. Thus, such defects will render a vehicle a lemon if the manufacturer fails to repair them after a reasonable number of attempts.

Are RVs covered by the Indiana Lemon Law?

No, RV and motorhome purchases are not protected under the Indiana Lemon Law. However, these vehicles are covered by the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which offers similar consumer-protections for defective vehicles.