Last verified: February 2026
Key Points
- Primary Law: Ohio Lemon Law (Ohio Revised Code Sections 1345.71 to 1345.77)
- Coverage: New passenger cars, noncommercial motor vehicles, and parts of motorhomes designed for passengers
- Presumption: 3+ repair attempts for same defect OR 1+ attempts for life-threatening defect OR 30+ days out of service within 1 year/18,000 miles
- Remedies: Full refund or replacement vehicle at consumer’s choice
- Notice Requirement: Written notice to manufacturer required
- Arbitration: Consumer must use manufacturer’s arbitration program if one exists
Quick Penalties Overview
| Violation Type | Consumer Remedy | Additional Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to repair after reasonable attempts | Refund or replacement vehicle | Attorney fees and costs if consumer prevails |
| Manufacturer fails to comply with arbitration decision | Court enforcement | Additional penalties for non-compliance |
| Failure to provide required disclosure | Rescission of sale possible | Consumer Sales Practices Act remedies |
Table of Contents
📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)
Ohio Lemon Law Overview
Ohio’s Lemon Law is codified in Ohio Revised Code Sections 1345.71 through 1345.77. The law provides significant consumer protections for buyers of new vehicles that have substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.
Ohio’s Lemon Law is notable for its relatively short presumption period of one year or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first. However, it requires only three repair attempts for the same defect (or just one attempt for a life-threatening defect) before the presumption applies, making it somewhat more consumer-friendly in that regard.
The law requires manufacturers to maintain informal dispute resolution programs that comply with federal FTC regulations. Consumers generally must use these programs before filing a lawsuit, although the arbitration decision is binding on the manufacturer if the consumer accepts it, while the consumer retains the right to reject it and pursue court action.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many repair attempts are required under Ohio’s Lemon Law?
Ohio requires 3 or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, or just 1 attempt if the defect is life-threatening. Alternatively, if the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for any repairs, it may qualify as a lemon. These conditions must occur within 1 year or 18,000 miles.
Do I have to use the manufacturer’s arbitration program?
Generally, yes. If the manufacturer has an informal dispute resolution procedure that complies with FTC regulations, Ohio law requires you to use it before filing a lawsuit. However, the arbitration decision is only binding on the manufacturer if you choose to accept it.
What is Ohio’s lemon law presumption period?
Ohio’s presumption period is 1 year or 18,000 miles from the date of original delivery, whichever comes first. This is shorter than many states, so consumers must document and report defects quickly.
Does Ohio’s Lemon Law cover leased vehicles?
Yes, leased vehicles used for noncommercial purposes are covered under Ohio’s Lemon Law if they meet all other requirements.
Can I recover attorney fees under Ohio’s Lemon Law?
Yes, if you prevail in a lemon law case, you may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.
What if the defect is life-threatening?
For defects that are likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, Ohio only requires 1 repair attempt before the presumption applies, making it easier to qualify for a refund or replacement.
Resources and Legal Help
Official Resources
- Ohio Revised Code Section 1345.71-77 (Full Text)
- Ohio Attorney General: Consumer Protection
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles