Ohio Lemon Law: Your Complete Legal Guide

What Vehicles Are Covered

Ohio's Lemon Law covers specific types of vehicles purchased in the state.

Covered Vehicle Types

• New passenger cars: Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and similar vehicles
• Noncommercial motor vehicles: Vehicles not used primarily for business purposes
• Pickup trucks: Light-duty trucks for personal use
• Vans and SUVs: Including minivans and sport utility vehicles
• Motorhome chassis and drivetrain: Parts designed for transporting passengers
• Portions of motorhomes: Passenger-related portions but not living quarters

Vehicles Not Covered

• Used vehicles (except for remaining manufacturer warranty claims)
• Commercial vehicles used primarily for business purposes
• Off-road vehicles not designed for highway use
• Living quarters portion of motorhomes
• Motorcycles (limited or no coverage)
• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds

Ohio's Lemon Law Presumption

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 1345.73, a rebuttable presumption exists that the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts if certain conditions are met within the first year of delivery or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The Lemon Law Presumption Applies When:

Condition	Requirement	Details
Repair Attempts (Same Problem)	3 or more attempts	Same nonconformity substantially impairing use, value, or safety
Life-Threatening Defect	1 or more attempts	For defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
Days Out of Service	30 or more cumulative calendar days	Vehicle unavailable for repair of any nonconformities
Coverage Period	1 year or 18,000 miles	Whichever comes first from date of original delivery

Important: Ohio's 1-year/18,000-mile presumption period is shorter than many states. Consumers must act quickly to document and report defects within this timeframe.

What Qualifies as a Nonconformity?

A nonconformity is a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and is covered by the manufacturer's express warranty. Examples include:

• Engine or transmission failures
• Brake system malfunctions
• Steering defects affecting vehicle control
• Electrical system failures
• Airbag or safety system defects
• Persistent stalling or hesitation
• Significant fluid leaks
• Defective heating or cooling systems

Minor issues like squeaks, rattles, or cosmetic defects generally do not qualify unless they significantly affect the vehicle's value or safety.

Consumer Remedies: Refund vs. Replacement

When a vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Ohio law, the consumer may choose between two remedies.

Option 1: Full Refund (Buyback)

The manufacturer must refund:

• Full purchase price: Including taxes and fees
• License and registration fees: All DMV-related costs
• Finance charges: Interest paid on the loan
• Collateral costs: Reasonable expenses caused by the nonconformity

Usage Offset: The manufacturer may deduct a reasonable allowance for the consumer's use of the vehicle. Ohio uses this calculation:

Usage Offset = (Purchase Price x Miles Driven) / 100,000

The mileage used is typically the miles driven before the first repair attempt for the nonconformity.

Option 2: Replacement Vehicle

The consumer may request a comparable replacement vehicle. The replacement must be:

• Substantially similar to the original vehicle
• Acceptable to the consumer
• Covered by the manufacturer's full warranty

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Ohio

Filing a successful lemon law claim in Ohio requires proper documentation and adherence to specific procedures.

Step 1: Document All Repairs

• Keep copies of all repair orders and invoices
• Record the dates your vehicle was brought in for service
• Document the specific problems reported
• Track the number of days the vehicle was out of service
• Save all written correspondence with the dealer and manufacturer

Step 2: Notify the Manufacturer in Writing

Send written notice to the manufacturer describing the defect and your repair history. Use certified mail with return receipt requested.

Step 3: Use the Manufacturer's Arbitration Program

If the manufacturer has an informal dispute resolution program that complies with federal FTC regulations (16 CFR Part 703), you must generally use this program before filing a lawsuit.

Step 4: Attend the Arbitration Hearing

Present your case to the arbitrator, including all documentation of the defect and repair attempts.

Step 5: Accept or Reject the Decision

If you win, you can accept the decision, which is binding on the manufacturer. If you lose or are unsatisfied, you may reject the decision and pursue court action.

Arbitration Requirements

Ohio law places significant emphasis on manufacturer-sponsored arbitration programs.

Mandatory Arbitration

If a manufacturer has established an informal dispute settlement procedure that complies with FTC regulations, consumers must generally use this procedure before filing a lawsuit. The manufacturer must clearly disclose this requirement in the warranty documents.

Arbitration Program Requirements

To be valid, the arbitration program must:

• Comply with 16 CFR Part 703 (FTC regulations)
• Be free to consumers
• Render decisions within 40 days of filing
• Include neutral arbitrators
• Allow for oral presentations

Effect of Arbitration Decision

• If consumer wins: Decision is binding on manufacturer if consumer accepts
• If consumer loses: Consumer may still pursue court action
• Consumer choice: Consumer can always reject the arbitration result and sue

Manufacturer Defenses

Manufacturers may raise several defenses to avoid lemon law liability in Ohio.

Common Manufacturer Defenses

Defense	Manufacturer's Argument	Consumer's Counter
Consumer abuse or neglect	Defect caused by owner misuse	Provide maintenance records showing proper care
Unauthorized modifications	Aftermarket parts caused the problem	Show defect existed before modifications
Defect not substantial	Problem does not substantially impair use, value, or safety	Document specific impacts on vehicle
Outside coverage period	Defect reported after 1 year or 18,000 miles	Show first report was within coverage period
Consumer did not use arbitration	Consumer bypassed required dispute resolution	Show arbitration was not properly disclosed or available

Used Vehicle Protections

Ohio's Lemon Law applies only to new vehicles. However, used vehicle buyers have some protections.

Protections for Used Vehicle Buyers

• Remaining manufacturer warranty: If the original warranty is still in effect
• Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act: Prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices
• Dealer warranties: Written warranties provided by dealers
• Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal warranty protections

Ohio Used Car Disclosure Requirements

Ohio law requires dealers to disclose certain information about used vehicles, including:

• Known defects or damage
• Salvage or rebuilt titles
• Flood damage
• Odometer discrepancies

Statute of Limitations

Understanding deadlines is critical for Ohio lemon law claims.

Key Deadlines

• Presumption period: 1 year or 18,000 miles from original delivery
• Report defect: First report should be within the warranty period
• Arbitration filing: File promptly after defect qualifies
• Lawsuit filing: Generally within 2-4 years (varies by claim type)

Tip: Ohio's short 1-year/18,000-mile presumption window means you must act quickly. Document and report defects immediately.

More Ohio Laws

• Ohio Hit and Run Laws
• Ohio Statute of Limitations
• Ohio Child Support Laws
• Ohio Dog Bite Laws
• Ohio Whistleblower Laws
• Ohio Recording Laws
• Ohio Sexting Laws
• Ohio Car Seat Laws