Last verified: February 2026
Key Points
- Primary Law: Connecticut New Automobile Warranties Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-179 to 42-190)
- Coverage: New motor vehicles purchased or leased in Connecticut
- Presumption: 4+ repair attempts OR 30+ days out of service within 2 years/24,000 miles
- Remedies: Refund or replacement vehicle at consumer’s choice
- Arbitration: State-certified arbitration program available through Department of Consumer Protection
- Attorney Fees: Court may award attorney fees to prevailing consumer
Quick Penalties Overview
| Violation Type | Consumer Remedy | Additional Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to repair after reasonable attempts | Refund or replacement | Court costs and attorney fees |
| Resale of lemon vehicle without disclosure | Civil penalty | Up to $1,000 fine per violation |
| Willful violation of lemon law | Actual damages | Punitive damages may apply |
Table of Contents
📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)
- Connecticut Lemon Law Overview
- What Vehicles Are Covered
- The Lemon Law Presumption
- Consumer Remedies: Refund vs. Replacement
- How to File a Lemon Law Claim
- Connecticut Arbitration Program
- Manufacturer Defenses
- Leased Vehicle Protections
- Electric Vehicle Considerations
- Statute of Limitations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources and Legal Help
Connecticut Lemon Law Overview
Connecticut’s lemon law, officially known as the New Automobile Warranties Act (Connecticut General Statutes §§ 42-179 through 42-190), provides strong consumer protections for buyers and lessees of defective new vehicles in the Constitution State. First enacted in 1982 and subsequently strengthened through various amendments, this law ensures that Connecticut consumers who purchase vehicles with persistent defects can obtain meaningful relief.
The Connecticut lemon law requires manufacturers to repurchase or replace vehicles that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. What distinguishes Connecticut’s law from many other states is its comprehensive state-run arbitration program administered by the Department of Consumer Protection, which provides consumers with a free, accessible dispute resolution mechanism.
Connecticut’s lemon law applies exclusively to new motor vehicles. Unlike some states that extend lemon law protections to used vehicles under certain circumstances, Connecticut’s statute focuses on new vehicles still within the manufacturer’s express warranty period. This makes it essential for Connecticut consumers to act promptly when experiencing vehicle defects.
What Vehicles Are Covered
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-179, Connecticut’s lemon law covers specific types of vehicles that meet certain criteria. Understanding which vehicles qualify is crucial before pursuing a claim.
Covered Vehicle Types
- New passenger automobiles: Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and similar vehicles
- New trucks: Pickup trucks designed primarily for personal use
- New SUVs and crossovers: Sport utility vehicles and similar vehicles
- New vans and minivans: Passenger vans for personal, family, or household use
- Leased vehicles: New vehicles acquired through lease agreements
- Demonstrator vehicles: Demo vehicles sold with remaining manufacturer warranty
Vehicles Not Covered
- Used vehicles, even if still under manufacturer warranty
- Motorcycles
- Motorhomes and recreational vehicles (living facilities portion)
- Commercial vehicles used primarily for business purposes
- Off-road vehicles not designed for highway use
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds
The Lemon Law Presumption
Connecticut’s lemon law creates a “presumption” that assists consumers in proving their case. Under § 42-179(d), when certain conditions are met within the first two years of ownership or 24,000 miles on the odometer (whichever occurs first), the law presumes that the manufacturer has had a reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle and has failed to do so.
The Lemon Law Presumption Applies When:
| Condition | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Repair Attempts (Same Problem) | 4 or more attempts | Same nonconformity must substantially impair use, value, or safety |
| Days Out of Service | 30 or more cumulative days | Vehicle unavailable due to repair attempts for covered defects |
| Timeframe | Within 2 years or 24,000 miles | Whichever comes first from date of original delivery |
Important: Before the presumption applies, you must provide written notice to the manufacturer and give them one final opportunity to cure the defect. The manufacturer typically has 10 days to respond and schedule a repair attempt.
What Qualifies as a “Nonconformity”?
A nonconformity under Connecticut law is a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, safety, or value of the vehicle. Examples of qualifying defects include:
- Engine or transmission problems that affect vehicle operation
- Brake system malfunctions creating safety hazards
- Steering problems that make the vehicle difficult to control
- Electrical system failures affecting critical components
- Airbag or safety restraint system defects
- Persistent warning lights indicating serious mechanical issues
- Fuel system problems causing leaks or performance issues
Minor cosmetic defects, squeaks, rattles, or issues that do not substantially affect the vehicle’s operation, safety, or value typically do not qualify for lemon law relief.
Consumer Remedies: Refund vs. Replacement
When a vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Connecticut law, the consumer has the right to choose between two remedies: a full refund or a replacement vehicle.
Option 1: Vehicle Refund (Buyback)
Under Connecticut’s lemon law, if you choose a refund, the manufacturer must provide:
- Full purchase price: The total amount paid for the vehicle
- Collateral charges: Sales tax, registration fees, title fees, and similar charges
- Finance charges: Interest and loan fees paid through the date of refund
- Incidental costs: Reasonable expenses for towing, rental vehicles, and repairs paid out of pocket
Reasonable Allowance for Use: The manufacturer may deduct a reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use of the vehicle prior to the first report of the nonconformity. Connecticut’s formula for calculating this deduction is:
Allowance = (Purchase Price × Miles at First Repair) ÷ 100,000
Option 2: Replacement Vehicle
Instead of a refund, you may elect to receive a replacement vehicle. The replacement must be:
- A comparable new motor vehicle acceptable to the consumer
- Of similar value to the original vehicle
- Accompanied by all applicable manufacturer warranties
The manufacturer cannot charge additional fees beyond the reasonable use allowance when providing a replacement vehicle.
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Connecticut
Filing a successful lemon law claim in Connecticut requires careful documentation and adherence to proper procedures.
Step 1: Document Everything
- Keep all repair orders, work orders, and invoices
- Record the dates your vehicle was left at the dealership for repairs
- Document the specific symptoms and problems you experienced
- Save all correspondence with the dealer and manufacturer
- Take photographs or videos of defects when possible
- Keep a written log of problems as they occur
Step 2: Report Problems Promptly
Report each defect to an authorized dealer or the manufacturer as soon as it occurs. Connecticut law requires that problems be reported within the warranty period or within 2 years/24,000 miles, whichever is earlier.
Step 3: Allow Repair Attempts
Give the manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect. For most problems, this means at least four repair attempts for the same issue.
Step 4: Send Written Notice to Manufacturer
Before the lemon law presumption applies, you must send written notice to the manufacturer by certified mail. This notice should include:
- Your contact information
- Vehicle identification (year, make, model, VIN)
- Description of the nonconformity
- History of repair attempts
- Request for the manufacturer to correct the problem
Step 5: Choose Your Dispute Resolution Path
After providing written notice, you have several options:
- State arbitration: File with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Lemon Law Arbitration Program
- Manufacturer arbitration: Some manufacturers offer their own certified arbitration programs
- Court action: File a lawsuit in Connecticut Superior Court
Connecticut Arbitration Program
Connecticut offers a state-certified arbitration program administered by the Department of Consumer Protection. This program provides a free, relatively quick alternative to litigation.
Arbitration Program Features
- No cost to consumers: The arbitration program is free for eligible consumers
- Faster resolution: Cases are typically decided within 45 days of filing
- Binding decision: The arbitration decision is binding on the manufacturer if the consumer accepts it
- Consumer choice: Consumers may reject the decision and pursue court action instead
How to File for Arbitration
- Obtain an application from the Department of Consumer Protection
- Complete the application with all required documentation
- Submit copies of repair orders, correspondence, and other evidence
- Attend the scheduled arbitration hearing
- Receive the arbitrator’s decision within the statutory timeframe
Manufacturer Arbitration Programs
Some manufacturers operate their own arbitration programs certified by the state. If your manufacturer has such a program and you choose to use it, you must first exhaust that process before accessing the state program. However, Connecticut law requires these programs to meet certain standards, and consumers retain the right to reject arbitration decisions and pursue court action.
Manufacturer Defenses
Manufacturers may raise various defenses to avoid lemon law liability. Understanding these defenses can help you build a stronger case.
Common Manufacturer Defenses
| Defense | Manufacturer’s Argument | Consumer’s Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer abuse or neglect | Defect caused by consumer misuse | Provide maintenance records showing proper care |
| Unauthorized modifications | Aftermarket parts caused the problem | Show defect existed before modifications or is unrelated |
| Defect not substantial | Problem is minor or cosmetic | Document how defect affects safety, use, or value |
| Insufficient repair attempts | Consumer did not allow enough attempts | Show repair history meets presumption requirements |
| Outside coverage period | Claim filed after 2 years/24,000 miles | Verify first report was within coverage period |
Leased Vehicle Protections
Connecticut’s lemon law extends full protection to consumers who lease rather than purchase new vehicles. Under § 42-179, lessees have the same rights as purchasers when their leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon.
Lessee Remedies
- Lease termination: The lease is cancelled with no further obligations
- Refund of payments: All lease payments made are refunded to the lessee
- Security deposit return: Any security deposit is returned in full
- No early termination penalties: Lessees cannot be charged fees for early lease termination under lemon law claims
Both the lessor (leasing company) and the manufacturer have responsibilities in lemon law cases involving leased vehicles. The refund is typically divided between the lessee and the lessor according to their respective interests.
Electric Vehicle Considerations
Electric vehicles (EVs) present unique considerations under Connecticut’s lemon law due to their specialized components and technology.
Common EV Defects That May Qualify
- Battery degradation significantly exceeding normal parameters
- Charging system failures preventing normal vehicle operation
- Range substantially below manufacturer specifications
- Software malfunctions affecting vehicle operation or safety
- Electric motor problems causing performance issues
- Thermal management system failures
- Regenerative braking system malfunctions
EV-Specific Challenges
EV owners may face unique challenges when pursuing lemon law claims:
- Software updates: Manufacturers may argue that over-the-air updates have resolved software issues
- Battery warranties: Separate battery warranties may complicate the coverage analysis
- Dealer expertise: Some dealers may lack EV-specific training, potentially affecting repair quality
- Documentation: Software and electronic issues may be more difficult to document than mechanical problems
Statute of Limitations
Understanding the time limits for filing a Connecticut lemon law claim is critical to preserving your rights.
Key Deadlines
- Coverage period: Problems must first be reported within 2 years of delivery or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first
- Arbitration filing: Claims should be filed promptly after the presumption conditions are met
- Court action: Lawsuits must generally be filed within the applicable statute of limitations for contract or warranty claims (typically 6 years in Connecticut)
Important: Even if the repairs extend beyond the 2-year/24,000-mile coverage period, you may still have a valid claim if the problem was first reported within that period. The manufacturer must continue to repair covered defects until the issue is resolved or lemon law relief is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many repair attempts are required before my vehicle qualifies as a lemon in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut law, the lemon presumption applies after four or more repair attempts for the same substantial defect, or if the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for repairs. These conditions must occur within the first 2 years of ownership or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. You must also provide written notice to the manufacturer before the presumption takes effect.
Does Connecticut’s lemon law cover used vehicles?
No, Connecticut’s lemon law applies only to new motor vehicles. Used vehicles, even those still under the original manufacturer’s warranty, are not covered by the state lemon law. However, used vehicle buyers may have other remedies under Connecticut’s general consumer protection laws or the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Connecticut lemon law claim?
You do not need a lawyer to file a claim with Connecticut’s state arbitration program, which is designed to be accessible to consumers without legal representation. However, if you choose to file a lawsuit or if your case is complex, consulting with a lemon law attorney may be beneficial. If you prevail in court, the judge may award attorney fees.
What is the usage deduction in a Connecticut lemon law refund?
The usage deduction is an amount the manufacturer may subtract from your refund to account for the miles you drove before first reporting the defect. It is calculated by multiplying the purchase price by the miles driven at the time of the first repair attempt, then dividing by 100,000. For example, if you paid $35,000 and drove 3,000 miles before reporting the problem, the deduction would be approximately $1,050.
Can I get a refund for a leased vehicle under Connecticut’s lemon law?
Yes, leased vehicles are fully covered under Connecticut’s lemon law. If your leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you are entitled to termination of the lease, a refund of all lease payments made, return of your security deposit, and you will not be charged any early termination penalties.
What happens if the manufacturer does not respond to my lemon law claim?
If the manufacturer fails to respond to your written notice or does not adequately address your claim, you may proceed with arbitration through the state program or file a lawsuit. The manufacturer’s failure to respond in good faith can be used as evidence in your case.
How long does the Connecticut lemon law arbitration process take?
The state arbitration program typically issues decisions within 45 days of receiving a complete application. However, the actual timeline may vary depending on scheduling, the complexity of the case, and whether additional documentation is needed.
Resources and Legal Help
Official Resources
- Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 743b: New Automobile Warranties
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- Connecticut Lemon Law Arbitration Program
- Connecticut Attorney General’s Office