Last verified: February 2026
Key Points
- Primary Law: Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (Idaho Code § 48-901 to § 48-913)
- Coverage: New motor vehicles under 12,000 pounds gross weight
- Presumption: 4+ repair attempts OR 30+ business days out of service within 2 years/24,000 miles
- Safety Defect: 1 repair attempt for braking or steering system failures
- Remedies: Refund (up to 105% of MSRP) or replacement vehicle at consumer’s choice
- Arbitration: Manufacturer must offer certified arbitration program
- Attorney Fees: Treble damages available for bad faith appeals
Quick Penalties Overview
| Violation Type | Consumer Remedy | Additional Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to repair after reasonable attempts | Refund or replacement | Towing and rental expenses |
| Bad faith appeal of arbitration decision | Original award amount | Treble damages (3x award) |
| Failure to provide written disclosure | Claim may proceed | Loss of notice defense |
| Resale of returned lemon without disclosure | Vehicle cannot be resold in Idaho | Statutory penalties |
Table of Contents
📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)
- Idaho Motor Vehicle Warranties Act Overview
- What Vehicles Are Covered
- Idaho’s Lemon Law Presumption
- Consumer Remedies: Refund vs. Replacement
- How to File a Lemon Law Claim
- Arbitration Process
- Manufacturer Defenses
- Used Vehicle Protections
- Leased Vehicle Rights
- Statute of Limitations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources and Legal Help
Idaho Motor Vehicle Warranties Act Overview
Idaho’s lemon law, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (Idaho Code §§ 48-901 through 48-913), provides important consumer protections for buyers and lessees of new motor vehicles in the state. First enacted in 1998, this law requires manufacturers to either repair, replace, or refund vehicles that cannot be brought into conformity with the manufacturer’s express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
The Idaho lemon law creates a structured process for consumers to seek relief when they purchase a defective vehicle. Unlike some states with weaker consumer protections, Idaho law provides clear presumption standards that help consumers prove their case and offers strong remedies including treble damages for manufacturers who act in bad faith.
One notable feature of Idaho’s law is the requirement that manufacturers cap refunds at 105% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, which includes dealer-installed options within 30 days of delivery. This provision helps protect consumers who may have paid above MSRP while also setting reasonable limits on manufacturer liability.
What Vehicles Are Covered
Under Idaho Code § 48-901, the lemon law applies to specific types of motor vehicles purchased or leased in the state. Understanding which vehicles qualify is essential before pursuing a claim.
Covered Vehicle Types
- New passenger cars: Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and similar vehicles
- Trucks and SUVs: Pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles under 12,000 pounds gross weight
- Vans and minivans: Including passenger and cargo configurations under weight limits
- Leased vehicles: Consumer leases exceeding four months
- Transferred vehicles: Vehicles transferred during the warranty period
Vehicles Not Covered
- Motorcycles: Explicitly excluded under Idaho Code § 49-107
- Farm tractors: Excluded under Idaho Code § 49-114
- Trailers: Excluded under Idaho Code § 49-121
- Vehicles over 12,000 pounds: Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles
- Used vehicles: Vehicles not covered by manufacturer warranty
- Vehicles purchased for resale: Commercial dealer inventory
Consumer Definition
Idaho law defines a “consumer” as the purchaser or lessee of a new motor vehicle used for personal business, personal, family, or household purposes. This also includes any person to whom the vehicle is transferred during the warranty period, as long as the transfer is not for resale or sublease purposes.
Idaho’s Lemon Law Presumption
Under Idaho Code § 48-903, the law creates a presumption that a vehicle is a lemon if certain conditions are met. When this presumption applies, the burden shifts to the manufacturer to prove the vehicle does not qualify for relief.
The Lemon Law Presumption Applies When:
| Condition | Requirement | Time/Mileage Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Repair Attempts (Same Problem) | 4 or more attempts | Within warranty, 2 years, or 24,000 miles (earliest) |
| Safety Defect (Brakes/Steering) | 1 or more attempts | Within warranty, 2 years, or 24,000 miles (earliest) |
| Days Out of Service | 30 or more business days | Within warranty, 2 years, or 24,000 miles (earliest) |
Extended Protection Period
Idaho law provides an important extension: even if the presumption period expires, consumers can still receive a refund or replacement if a reasonable number of repair attempts occur within three years of delivery, provided the nonconformity was first reported during the express warranty term.
What Qualifies as a Covered Defect?
The defect or condition must “impair the use or market value” of the vehicle. Examples include:
- Engine or transmission failures
- Brake system malfunctions
- Steering system problems
- Electrical system failures affecting operation
- Air conditioning or heating system defects
- Persistent warning lights indicating serious issues
- Water leaks causing interior damage
Notice Requirements
Before the presumption can apply against a manufacturer, the consumer must have provided prior written notification to the manufacturer, its agent, or authorized dealer about the defect. If notice is given to the dealer, the dealer must forward it to the manufacturer by certified mail with return receipt requested.
Consumer Remedies: Refund vs. Replacement
When a vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Idaho law, the consumer has the right to choose between two primary remedies: a full refund or a replacement vehicle.
Option 1: Vehicle Refund (Buyback)
Under Idaho Code § 48-903, if the consumer chooses a refund, the manufacturer must pay:
- Full purchase price: Up to 105% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price
- Trade-in value: The value of any vehicle traded in at purchase
- Manufacturer-installed options: Cost of all factory options
- Dealer-installed options: Options installed within 30 days of delivery (up to 105% cap)
- Sales or excise tax: Tax refund calculated proportionally
- License and registration fees: All DMV costs
- Towing expenses: Costs incurred due to warranty repairs
- Rental vehicle expenses: Costs while vehicle was out of service
Usage Deduction: The manufacturer may deduct a reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use of the vehicle. This is calculated as:
Usage Deduction = (Purchase Price × Miles at Arbitration Hearing) ÷ 120,000
Option 2: Replacement Vehicle
If the manufacturer offers a replacement vehicle, the consumer has the option to reject it and require a refund instead. If the consumer accepts a replacement:
- The replacement must be a comparable motor vehicle
- The replacement must be covered by warranty
- All incidental costs must be reimbursed
Refund Distribution
Refunds must be made to the consumer and any lienholder (such as a bank or finance company) as their interests appear on the records of the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles.
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Idaho
Successfully pursuing a lemon law claim in Idaho requires careful documentation and adherence to proper procedures.
Step 1: Document Everything
- Keep all repair orders and invoices
- Record dates your vehicle was in the shop
- Document symptoms you experienced
- Save all correspondence with dealer and manufacturer
- Take photos or videos of defects when possible
- Keep a log of conversations about the defect
Step 2: Provide Written Notice
Idaho law requires written notification to the manufacturer before the presumption applies. Your notice should include:
- Your name and contact information
- Vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN)
- Description of the nonconformity
- Repair history summary
- Your requested remedy
Step 3: Allow Repair Opportunity
Give the manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to repair the problem. The manufacturer must have at least one opportunity to attempt repair before the presumption applies.
Step 4: Use Arbitration Program
Idaho law requires consumers to first use any informal dispute settlement mechanism established by the manufacturer before pursuing litigation, provided the program is properly certified.
Step 5: File Legal Action if Necessary
If arbitration does not resolve your claim satisfactorily, you may file a civil lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Arbitration Process
Under Idaho Code § 48-906, manufacturers must provide an informal dispute settlement mechanism for Idaho consumers. Understanding this process is crucial for pursuing your claim.
Arbitration Requirements
- The program must comply with applicable regulations
- Decisions must be issued in a timely manner
- Consumers may present evidence and testimony
- Written decisions must be provided
Effect of Arbitration Decisions
Under Idaho Code § 48-907, decisions from informal dispute settlement mechanisms are admissible as evidence in any subsequent legal proceeding. The consumer is not bound by an unfavorable arbitration decision and may still pursue legal action.
Bad Faith Appeals
Idaho Code § 48-908 provides powerful protection against manufacturers who appeal arbitration decisions in bad faith. If a court finds that a manufacturer’s appeal was brought without good cause, the consumer may be awarded treble damages (three times the original award amount).
Manufacturer Defenses
Manufacturers may raise several affirmative defenses to avoid lemon law liability under Idaho Code § 48-903.
Common Manufacturer Defenses
| Defense | Manufacturer’s Argument | Consumer’s Counter |
|---|---|---|
| No substantial impairment | Defect does not impair use or market value | Document how defect affects daily use and resale value |
| Consumer abuse or neglect | Defect caused by misuse | Provide maintenance records showing proper care |
| Unauthorized modifications | Aftermarket parts caused the problem | Show defect existed before modifications or is unrelated |
| No written notice provided | Consumer did not properly notify manufacturer | Provide copies of certified mail receipts and correspondence |
| Insufficient repair attempts | Manufacturer not given reasonable opportunity | Show complete repair history with dates and outcomes |
Used Vehicle Protections
Idaho’s lemon law is specifically designed for new vehicles. However, used vehicle buyers may have other protections available.
Remaining Manufacturer Warranty
If you purchase a used vehicle that is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty, you may be able to pursue a lemon law claim for defects that occur during that warranty period. The key is that the vehicle must have been transferred to you during the warranty term.
Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may provide additional protections for used vehicle buyers with warranty coverage. This federal law applies to any consumer product with a written warranty.
Idaho Consumer Protection Act
Used vehicle buyers may also have remedies under Idaho’s general consumer protection laws for fraudulent or deceptive sales practices.
Leased Vehicle Rights
Idaho Code § 48-904 specifically addresses the rights of consumers who lease rather than purchase their vehicles.
Leased Vehicle Refund
If a leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer must refund:
- All lease payments made by the consumer
- Any deposit paid at lease signing
- Sales tax and registration fees
- Early termination costs owed to the lessor
- Towing and rental expenses
Usage Deduction for Leases
A reasonable allowance for use will be deducted from the refund, calculated in the same manner as for purchased vehicles based on miles driven.
Lessor Rights
The motor vehicle lessor (the company that owns the leased vehicle) is also entitled to receive any amounts owed under the lease agreement that have not been paid by the consumer.
Statute of Limitations
Understanding the deadlines for filing a lemon law claim is critical under Idaho Code § 48-910.
Filing Deadlines
- Primary period: Within the warranty term, 2 years from delivery, or 24,000 miles (whichever is earliest)
- Extended period: Up to 3 years from delivery if the defect was first reported during the warranty term
- Tolling provisions: Deadlines are extended during war, invasion, strike, fire, flood, or natural disasters when repair services are unavailable
Frequently Asked Questions
How many repair attempts does Idaho require before a vehicle is considered a lemon?
Under Idaho’s lemon law presumption, a vehicle may qualify as a lemon after four or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity. For safety defects involving a complete failure of the braking or steering system likely to cause death or serious injury, only one repair attempt is required. Alternatively, if the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days for repairs, it may also qualify. These conditions must occur within the warranty period, two years from delivery, or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Do I need a lawyer to file an Idaho lemon law claim?
While you can pursue a claim without an attorney, having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of success. Idaho’s lemon law includes provisions for attorney fees in civil actions, and many lemon law attorneys offer free consultations. If you win a bad faith appeal, you may be entitled to treble damages.
Does Idaho’s lemon law cover used cars?
Idaho’s Motor Vehicle Warranties Act specifically covers new vehicles. However, if you purchase a used car that is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty, you may have protection under the lemon law for defects occurring during that warranty period. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may also provide remedies.
What is the maximum refund I can receive under Idaho’s lemon law?
The maximum refund is capped at 105% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including all manufacturer-installed options. Dealer-installed options added within 30 days of delivery are also included. This cap helps protect consumers who paid above MSRP while setting reasonable limits.
Can the manufacturer deduct money from my refund for the miles I drove?
Yes, Idaho law allows a reasonable allowance for use to be deducted from the refund. This is calculated by multiplying the purchase price by the number of miles driven at the time of arbitration, then dividing by 120,000. For example, if your purchase price was $40,000 and you drove 8,000 miles, the deduction would be approximately $2,667.
What happens if the manufacturer ignores my lemon law claim?
If the manufacturer fails to provide a required arbitration program or does not comply with an arbitration decision, you may file a civil lawsuit. Under Idaho Code § 48-908, if the manufacturer appeals an arbitration decision in bad faith, you may be entitled to treble damages (three times the original award).
Are motorcycles covered under Idaho’s lemon law?
No, motorcycles are explicitly excluded from coverage under Idaho Code § 48-901. The law specifically exempts motorcycles as defined in Idaho Code § 49-107.
Resources and Legal Help
Official Resources
- Idaho Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (Full Text)
- Idaho Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
- Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles