Washington Lemon Law (2026): How to Qualify & Get a Refund

Washington's Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (RCW 19.118) covers new passenger cars, trucks under 19,000 lbs GVW, and motorcycles displacing 750cc or more. A vehicle qualifies as a lemon after four repair attempts for a nonconformity, two attempts for a serious safety defect, or 30 cumulative days out of service (60 days for motor homes), all within the two-year or 24,000-mile eligibility period. The consumer chooses between a full repurchase or a replacement vehicle.

Overview of Washington's Lemon Law

Washington's Motor Vehicle Warranties Act, codified in RCW 19.118, protects consumers who purchase or lease new motor vehicles that turn out to have recurring, substantial defects. If a manufacturer cannot fix a qualifying defect after a reasonable number of attempts, the law requires the manufacturer to either repurchase or replace the vehicle.

The Washington Attorney General's Office administers the lemon law program and provides free arbitration hearings for consumers who qualify. Washington's program is one of the most consumer-friendly in the country because it charges no filing fees and does not require consumers to hire an attorney.

What Vehicles Are Covered

Washington's lemon law covers a broad range of new motor vehicles with some specific exclusions.

Covered Vehicle Types

• Passenger cars: Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, SUVs
• Trucks: Under 19,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
• Motorcycles: With engine displacement of at least 750 cubic centimeters
• Motor homes: Self-propelled vehicle and chassis (not living quarters)
• Electric vehicles: Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with manufacturer warranties
• Demonstrators: With manufacturer warranty
• Lease-purchase vehicles: With manufacturer warranty

Vehicles Not Covered

• Motorcycles with engine displacement under 750cc
• Trucks with 19,000 pounds or more gross vehicle weight rating
• Fleet vehicles (10+ purchased under a single agreement)
• Living quarters portion of motor homes (only chassis and drivetrain are covered)

Electric Vehicle Considerations

Washington's lemon law applies to electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids the same way it applies to gasoline-powered vehicles. Common EV-specific defects that may qualify include battery degradation beyond warranty specifications, charging system malfunctions, software errors that affect drivability, and electric motor failures. The same repair attempt thresholds and eligibility periods apply regardless of powertrain type.

Special Armed Forces Provision

Washington's lemon law includes special coverage for members of the armed forces. If you are stationed or residing in Washington, a new vehicle brought from another state is covered if:

• It was purchased or leased with a manufacturer warranty within the last 30 months
• The vehicle otherwise meets the definition of a new motor vehicle under RCW 19.118.021

Who Qualifies as a Consumer

Under RCW 19.118.021, a "consumer" includes any person who entered into an agreement for the transfer, lease, or purchase of a new motor vehicle, other than for resale or sublease, during the eligibility period. This means the original buyer, lessee, or a subsequent transferee may all qualify.

Subsequent Transferees

Later owners may request arbitration if:

• The vehicle was acquired within 2 years of original delivery and within the first 24,000 miles
• The vehicle meets other eligibility requirements
• The arbitration request is received within 30 months of original retail delivery

Washington's Claim Categories and Requirements

Washington uses four distinct claim categories. Each has specific requirements that must be met for a successful lemon law claim.

Claim Category 1: Unrepaired Nonconformity

Claim Category 2: Unrepaired Serious Safety Defect

Claim Category 3: Multiple Serious Safety Defects

Note: For this category, it does not matter whether the defects were repaired. Two different serious safety defects in a 12-month period qualifies.

Claim Category 4: Days Out of Service

Key Definitions

• Nonconformity: A defect that substantially impairs use, value, or safety, making the vehicle unreliable, unsafe, or diminished in resale value
• Serious safety defect: A life-threatening malfunction that impedes the driver's ability to control the vehicle or creates a risk of fire or explosion
• Eligibility period: 2 years or 24,000 miles from original delivery, whichever comes first

Consumer Remedies: Repurchase vs. Replacement

When a vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Washington law, the manufacturer must repurchase or replace the vehicle. The consumer chooses which remedy to pursue. Under RCW 19.118.041, the manufacturer must act within 40 calendar days of the consumer's written request.

Option 1: Repurchase (Buyback)

Under RCW 19.118.041, the manufacturer must refund:

• Purchase price: Cash price appearing in the sales agreement
• All collateral charges: Sales tax, use tax, arbitration fees, unused license/registration/title fees, finance charges, prepayment penalties, credit insurance costs, transportation charges, dealer prep, service contracts, undercoating, and rustproofing
• Incidental costs: Towing charges and costs of alternative transportation

For lease vehicles, the manufacturer must refund all payments made under the lease, including the trade-in value or inception payment, security deposit, all collateral charges, and incidental costs.

Option 2: Replacement Vehicle

The manufacturer must provide:

• A new motor vehicle identical or reasonably equivalent to the original
• The vehicle as it existed at time of purchase or lease
• All service contracts, undercoating, rustproofing, and factory or dealer installed options
• Payment of sales tax, license, and registration fees on the replacement
• Refund of any incidental costs awarded by the arbitrator

Reasonable Offset for Use

The manufacturer may deduct a reasonable offset for use. Under RCW 19.118.041, this is calculated as:

Standard vehicles (cars, trucks, SUVs): Offset = (Miles at First Repair x Purchase Price) / 120,000

Motor homes: Offset = (Miles at First Repair x Purchase Price) / 90,000

Motorcycles: Offset = (Miles at First Repair x Purchase Price) / 25,000

For example, if you paid $40,000 for a car and drove 3,000 miles before the first repair attempt, the offset would be $1,000. If you choose a replacement instead of a repurchase, you pay the offset to the manufacturer.

For Subsequent Transferees

• If selecting repurchase, "purchase price" means the subsequent purchase price
• If selecting replacement, "purchase price" means the original purchase price

Attorney Fees and Costs

Under RCW 19.118.090, if the arbitration board awards remedies to the consumer and the manufacturer was directly represented by legal counsel during the process, the board must also award reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred by the consumer. This applies when the manufacturer used an attorney in responding to repurchase/replacement requests, settlement negotiations, or at the arbitration hearing.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Washington

Washington provides a free arbitration process through the Attorney General's Office. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Document Everything

Thorough documentation is the foundation of a strong lemon law claim. Keep these records organized:

• All repair orders with dates, mileage, and descriptions of problems
• A log of every day the vehicle was out of service for repairs
• Specific symptoms, warning lights, and error codes
• All correspondence with the dealer and manufacturer
• Photos or videos of defects as they occur
• Copies of purchase or lease agreements

Step 2: Send Written Request to Manufacturer

Before filing for arbitration, you must send a written request to the manufacturer asking for repurchase or replacement. Send this by certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Include your vehicle identification number (VIN), a summary of the defects, and copies of repair records.

Step 3: Allow the 40-Day Resolution Period

The manufacturer has 40 calendar days from receipt of your written request to respond and attempt to resolve the matter. If they fail to respond, refuse to act, or cannot fix the problem within this period, you may proceed to arbitration.

Step 4: Request Arbitration

File a Request for Arbitration with the Attorney General's Lemon Law Administration:

• Must be received within 30 months of original retail delivery date
• No charge for the arbitration process
• Include all supporting documentation (repair orders, correspondence, photos)
• You may represent yourself or hire an attorney

Step 5: Arbitration Hearing

The hearing must be held within 45 days of the arbitration board receiving your request. At least 10 days before the hearing, you will receive notice of the date, time, and location.

At the hearing, be prepared to:

• Identify which claim category applies to your situation
• Present evidence of defects and all repair attempts
• Explain how the defect substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety
• Present all applicable claim categories (you may qualify under more than one)

State Arbitration Process and Timelines

Washington's arbitration process is administered by the Attorney General's Office and follows specific timelines established in the statute.

Key Arbitration Timelines

Possible Outcomes

• Repurchase ordered: Manufacturer must buy back the vehicle at full price minus offset for use
• Replacement ordered: Manufacturer must provide a comparable new vehicle
• Claim denied: Consumer may reject the decision and appeal to superior court

After the Decision

If the arbitration board rules in your favor, you have 60 days to accept or reject the decision. If you accept, the manufacturer must comply within 40 calendar days or file an appeal in superior court within 30 days.

If you reject a favorable decision or receive an unfavorable one, you have 120 calendar days to file a petition of appeal in superior court under RCW 19.118.090(8).

Compliance and Penalties

Under RCW 19.118.095:

• The manufacturer must comply with an accepted arbitration decision
• Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to $1,000 per day until compliance, capped at $100,000
• The consumer may recover costs and attorney fees for manufacturer non-compliance
• Failure to make your vehicle available within 60 days of the manufacturer's tender of compliance counts as a rejection of the decision

Manufacturer Defenses

Manufacturers may assert various defenses to avoid lemon law liability. Understanding these defenses helps you prepare a stronger claim.

Common Manufacturer Defenses

Used Vehicle Protections

Washington's lemon law provides some protections for subsequent owners and requires disclosure of buyback vehicles.

Subsequent Transferee Coverage

A "subsequent transferee" (later owner) may request arbitration if:

• The vehicle was acquired within 2 years of original delivery and within the first 24,000 miles
• The vehicle had an applicable manufacturer warranty at original sale
• The vehicle otherwise meets the new motor vehicle definition
• The arbitration request is filed within 30 months of original retail delivery

Buyback Vehicle Disclosure

Under RCW 19.118.061, vehicles repurchased under the lemon law:

• Must have the title branded to indicate buyback status
• Cannot be resold without full disclosure to the buyer
• Intervening transferors must also disclose the buyback history

Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) serves as a national backstop for vehicle warranty disputes. If a manufacturer breaches an express or implied warranty, you may sue in federal court regardless of whether your vehicle qualifies under the state lemon law. This is important for used vehicle buyers who no longer qualify under Washington's two-year or 24,000-mile eligibility window but still have an unexpired manufacturer warranty. Magnuson-Moss also allows consumers to recover attorney fees if they prevail, making it a viable route even for lower-value claims.

Other Protections for Used Vehicle Buyers

• Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86): Prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices
• Common law claims: Breach of warranty, fraud, or misrepresentation

Motor Home Coverage

Washington's lemon law has specific provisions for motor homes that differ from standard vehicle coverage.

What Is Covered

• The self-propelled vehicle
• The chassis
• Components directly warranted by the manufacturer

What Is Not Covered

• Portions designated, used, or maintained primarily as mobile dwelling
• Office space
• Commercial space

Motor Home Manufacturers

The law defines "motor home manufacturer" to include:

• First stage manufacturer: Manufactures chassis, chassis cabs, or vans
• Component manufacturer: Manufactures components used in the motor home
• Final stage manufacturer: Assembles the completed motor home

When multiple manufacturers are involved, liability may be allocated among them based on which components are defective. Each manufacturer is responsible for defects in its own components.

Days-Out-of-Service Threshold for Motor Homes

Motor homes have a higher days-out-of-service threshold than standard vehicles. A motor home qualifies under the days-out-of-service category after 60 or more cumulative calendar days out of service (compared to 30 days for cars, trucks, and motorcycles). Under RCW 19.118.041, a motor home manufacturer also has 15 days from receipt of a written demand to respond and identify a repair facility for a final repair attempt. If the manufacturer fails to respond within 15 days, it forfeits its right to that final repair opportunity.

Additional Requirements

Motor home claims may involve multiple manufacturers, which can complicate the arbitration process. The Motor Home Lemon Law Booklet from the Attorney General's Office provides detailed guidance for motor home owners.

Tips for a Successful Lemon Law Claim

Following these practical steps will strengthen your claim and help the arbitration process go smoothly.

• Report problems early and often. Take the vehicle to the dealer as soon as you notice any defect. Every documented repair visit counts toward the threshold.
• Be specific on repair orders. Make sure each repair order describes the exact symptoms, not just generic language. Ask the service advisor to write down your complaint in your own words.
• Keep a written log. Track every day your vehicle is at the dealer, every phone call, and every interaction. Note dates, times, and names.
• Do not delay the written request. Send your written repurchase/replacement request to the manufacturer as soon as you meet the repair attempt threshold. Use certified mail with return receipt.
• Continue making payments. The lemon law does not allow you to stop making loan or lease payments while your claim is pending.
• Consult the Attorney General's website. The Lemon Law Administration provides downloadable forms, brochures, and staff who can answer procedural questions.

More Washington Laws

• Washington Car Accident Laws