Iowa Lemon Law: Complete Guide for 2026

Last verified: February 2026

Key Points

Primary Law: Defective Motor Vehicles Act (Iowa Code Chapter 322G)
Coverage: New motor vehicles under 15,000 pounds for personal use
Presumption: 3+ repair attempts for same problem OR 1 attempt for serious safety defect OR 20+ days out of service
Time Limit: Within 2 years or 24,000 miles from delivery
Remedies: Full refund or replacement vehicle
Arbitration: Certified manufacturer dispute resolution programs available
Attorney Fees: Reasonable attorney fees available to prevailing consumers

Quick Penalties Overview

Violation Type	Consumer Remedy	Additional Damages
Failure to repair after reasonable attempts	Refund or replacement	Collateral and incidental costs
Failure to provide required repair documents	Claim may proceed	Documentation presumed in consumer’s favor
Violation of consumer rights	Actual damages	Attorney fees available
Resale of returned lemon without disclosure	Rescission available	Title branding requirements

📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)

Iowa Defective Motor Vehicles Act Overview
What Vehicles Are Covered
Iowa’s Lemon Law Presumption
Consumer Remedies: Refund vs. Replacement
How to File a Lemon Law Claim
Dispute Resolution Programs
Manufacturer Defenses
Used Vehicle Protections
Leased Vehicle Rights
Statute of Limitations
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources and Legal Help

Iowa Defective Motor Vehicles Act Overview

Iowa’s lemon law, officially known as the Defective Motor Vehicles Act (Iowa Code Chapter 322G), provides comprehensive consumer protections for buyers and lessees of new motor vehicles in the state. The law’s stated intent is to provide procedures for consumers to receive a replacement vehicle or full refund when a motor vehicle cannot be brought into conformity with the warranty.

Iowa’s lemon law is notable for its relatively consumer-friendly presumption standards. The law requires only three repair attempts for the same problem (compared to four in many states) and only 20 days out of service (compared to 30 in many states). For serious safety defects, just one repair attempt may be sufficient.

The Iowa Attorney General’s office provides helpful resources for consumers pursuing lemon law claims, including standardized notification forms and information about manufacturer dispute resolution programs.

What Vehicles Are Covered

Under Iowa Code § 322G.2, the lemon law applies to specific types of motor vehicles. Understanding which vehicles qualify is essential before pursuing a claim.

Covered Vehicle Types

Passenger vehicles: Cars, sedans, coupes, and similar vehicles
Trucks: Pickup trucks and light trucks under 15,000 pounds
SUVs and vans: Sport utility vehicles and passenger vans
Leased vehicles: Consumer leases for personal use
Transferred vehicles: Vehicles transferred during warranty period

Vehicles Not Covered

Motorcycles: Two-wheeled motor vehicles
Mopeds: Low-speed motor vehicles
Motor tricycles: Three-wheeled vehicles
Recreational vehicles: Motor homes and RVs
Vehicles over 15,000 pounds: Heavy commercial vehicles
Used vehicles: Unless within lemon law rights period

Consumer Definition

A “consumer” under Iowa law is the purchaser or lessee (other than for resale or sublease) of a new motor vehicle primarily used for personal, family, or household purposes. This includes any person to whom the vehicle is transferred during the warranty period who uses it for the same purposes.

Iowa’s Lemon Law Presumption

Iowa law creates a “lemon law rights period” and establishes when a vehicle is presumed to be defective. The rights period is the shortest of:

The term of the manufacturer’s written warranty
Two years after original delivery
The first 24,000 miles of operation

The Lemon Law Presumption Applies When:

Condition	Requirement	Time/Mileage Limit
Repair Attempts (Same Problem)	3 or more attempts	Within rights period
Serious Safety Defect	1 or more attempts	Defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
Days Out of Service	20 or more days (cumulative)	Within rights period
Nonconformity Type	Substantially impairs use, value, or safety	Or significantly diminishes value

What Qualifies as a Nonconformity?

A “nonconformity” under Iowa law is a defect, malfunction, or condition that fails to conform to the manufacturer’s express warranty and:

Substantially impairs the use or market value of the motor vehicle, or
Renders the vehicle unfit, unreliable, or unsafe for ordinary use

Examples of Covered Defects

Engine or transmission failures
Brake system malfunctions
Steering problems
Electrical system failures
Fuel system defects
Air conditioning/heating failures
Safety equipment malfunctions
Persistent warning lights for major systems

Consumer Remedies: Refund vs. Replacement

When a vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Iowa law, the consumer can receive either a full refund or a replacement vehicle.

Option 1: Vehicle Refund (Buyback)

If the consumer receives a refund, the manufacturer must pay:

Purchase price: Full cash price paid for the vehicle
Trade-in value: Allowance given for any trade-in vehicle
Collateral costs: Sales tax, license fees, registration fees, and similar charges
Finance charges: Interest and finance fees paid
Incidental costs: Towing and rental expenses incurred due to the defect

Usage Deduction: The manufacturer may deduct a reasonable allowance for the consumer’s use of the vehicle, calculated based on miles driven.

Option 2: Replacement Vehicle

The consumer may receive a replacement vehicle that is:

Comparable to the original vehicle
Acceptable to the consumer
Covered by manufacturer’s warranty

Refund Distribution

Refunds must be made to the consumer and any lienholder (such as a financing company) as their interests appear.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Iowa

The Iowa Attorney General’s office provides guidance on the lemon law claim process.

Step 1: Verify Your Vehicle Qualifies

Before filing, confirm your vehicle meets the basic requirements:

Under two years old OR under 24,000 miles
Weighs less than 15,000 pounds
Has a substantial defect affecting use, value, or safety
Has been subject to required repair attempts or out of service days

Step 2: Document Everything

Keep all repair orders (required for warranty repairs)
Record dates vehicle was in the shop
Note odometer readings at each repair
Document symptoms experienced
Save all correspondence
Keep receipts for towing and rental costs

Step 3: Send Written Notice

Notify both the manufacturer and the corresponding Dispute Resolution Program. The Iowa Attorney General provides a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification form for this purpose. Send notices via certified mail and keep copies.

Step 4: Request Arbitration

You may elect to have an arbitration hearing, either in person or remotely. Prepare a well-organized presentation of facts and documents.

Step 5: Pursue Additional Remedies if Needed

If unsatisfied with the arbitration decision, you may appeal or pursue other legal remedies, including hiring a private attorney.

Required Documentation for Repairs

For warranty repairs, repair facilities must provide a fully itemized, legible statement including:

Any diagnosis made
All work performed
General description of the problem reported
Date and odometer reading when submitted for repair
Date when repair was completed

Dispute Resolution Programs

Iowa law requires manufacturers to participate in certified dispute resolution programs.

Certified Programs

The following arbitration programs handle Iowa lemon law claims:

Arbitration Process

Consumer submits claim to manufacturer and arbitration program
Manufacturer may have final opportunity to repair
Hearing scheduled (in person or remote)
Arbitrator reviews evidence and issues decision
Timeline and procedures provided after claim submission

After the Decision

If unsatisfied with the arbitration decision, you may:

Appeal the decision
Pursue other legal remedies
Consult with a private attorney

Manufacturer Defenses

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

Common Manufacturer Defenses

Defense	Manufacturer’s Argument	Consumer’s Counter
No substantial impairment	Defect does not substantially impair use or value	Document how defect affects daily use and vehicle value
Consumer abuse	Defect caused by owner abuse	Provide maintenance records showing proper care
Neglect	Defect resulted from consumer neglect	Show regular maintenance was performed
Unauthorized modifications	Defect caused by unauthorized changes	Demonstrate defect existed before modifications
Outside rights period	Problem reported after 2 years/24,000 miles	Show initial report was within rights period

Used Vehicle Protections

Iowa’s lemon law is primarily designed for new vehicles. However, some protections exist for used vehicle buyers.

Remaining Lemon Law Rights Period

If you purchase a used vehicle that is still within the original lemon law rights period (2 years/24,000 miles from first delivery), you may have lemon law protection as a transferee.

Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides protections for used vehicle buyers with active warranty coverage.

Iowa Consumer Fraud Act

Used vehicle buyers may have remedies under Iowa’s Consumer Fraud Act for fraudulent or deceptive sales practices.

Leased Vehicle Rights

Iowa’s lemon law applies to leased vehicles as well as purchased vehicles.

Leased Vehicle Remedies

If a leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon:

All lease payments made may be refunded
Security deposits returned
Collateral costs reimbursed
Or a comparable replacement vehicle provided

Usage Deduction for Leases

A reasonable allowance for use may be deducted from amounts returned to the lessee.

Lease Termination

When a leased vehicle is returned under the lemon law, the lease agreement terminates without further obligation to the consumer beyond any usage deduction.

Statute of Limitations

Understanding the deadlines for filing a lemon law claim is critical for Iowa consumers.

Lemon Law Rights Period

The rights period is the earliest of:

The term of the manufacturer’s written warranty
Two years after original delivery
24,000 miles of operation

Filing Deadlines

Reporting: Nonconformity must be reported within the rights period
Arbitration: Claims should be filed as soon as presumption is met
Legal action: Consult with attorney regarding applicable statute of limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many repair attempts does Iowa require before a vehicle is considered a lemon?

Iowa’s lemon law requires three or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity. For serious safety defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, only one repair attempt may be sufficient. Alternatively, if the vehicle is out of service for 20 or more cumulative days for any problems, it may qualify. These conditions must occur within the lemon law rights period.

Do I need a lawyer to file an Iowa lemon law claim?

No, Iowa’s lemon law is designed to allow consumers to pursue claims independently. The Iowa Attorney General’s office provides forms and guidance. However, if your claim is complex or you are unsatisfied with arbitration results, consulting a private attorney may be beneficial. Prevailing consumers may recover attorney fees.

Does Iowa’s lemon law cover used cars?

Iowa’s lemon law primarily covers new vehicles. However, if you purchase a used vehicle still within the original lemon law rights period (2 years or 24,000 miles from original delivery), you may have protection. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may also provide remedies for used vehicles with active warranties.

What is the “lemon law rights period” in Iowa?

The rights period is the shortest of: the manufacturer’s warranty term, two years from original delivery, or 24,000 miles of operation. Your claim must be based on nonconformities reported within this period.

Are motorcycles covered under Iowa’s lemon law?

No, motorcycles, mopeds, and motor tricycles are explicitly excluded from coverage under Iowa’s lemon law. Motorcycle buyers may have other remedies under warranty law or consumer protection statutes.

What should I bring to an arbitration hearing?

Prepare copies of: all repair orders, purchase/lease agreement, timeline of problems and repairs, documentation of days out of service, proof of financial burden (time off work, etc.), towing and rental receipts, testimonials or correspondence, and photographs of defects.

What if my vehicle doesn’t qualify under Iowa’s lemon law?

You may have other legal recourse against the manufacturer even if your vehicle doesn’t meet lemon law requirements. Contact a private attorney for advice. The Iowa Bar Association’s Find-A-Lawyer service at IowaFindALawyer.com can help locate licensed attorneys.