Lemon Law
RCW 19.118.041 — a serious safety defect two or more times, any defect four or more times, or thirty days out of service
When a manufacturer cannot fix a new vehicle's nonconformity after a reasonable number of attempts, it replaces or repurchases the vehicle, at the consumer's option, within forty calendar days of the consumer's written request. A repurchase refunds the purchase price, collateral charges and incidental costs, less a reasonable offset for use.
| A reasonable number of attempts is deemed made, within the eligibility period, when |
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| A reasonable number of attempts is deemed made, within the eligibility period, whenThe same serious safety defect was diagnosed or repaired two or more times and still exists |
| A reasonable number of attempts is deemed made, within the eligibility period, whenThe same nonconformity was diagnosed or repaired four or more times and still exists |
| A reasonable number of attempts is deemed made, within the eligibility period, whenThe vehicle was out of service thirty calendar days in total, at least fifteen of them under the written warranty |
| A reasonable number of attempts is deemed made, within the eligibility period, whenTwo or more different serious safety defects were each worked on at least once within a twelve-month period |
At least one attempt has to fall within the manufacturer's written warranty. The eligibility period and the out-of-service days are extended for time repairs were unavailable because of a strike, war, fire, flood or disaster. Motor homes follow their own rules.
Sources for this section (2)
- RCW 19.118.041 — Replacement or repurchase of a nonconforming new motor vehicle
- RCW 19.118.031 — Manufacturers and dealers: responsibilities to consumers
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.