CONSUMER RIGHTS

Texas Lemon Law — Requirements, Remedies & How to File

Texas's lemon law covers new vehicles only (demonstration vehicles may qualify) within 24 months or 24,000 miles from original delivery. Learn the exact requirements, available remedies, and how to file a claim.

4
Repair attempts required
30
Cumulative days out of service
24 months
Coverage window

Texas Lemon Law Overview

Covered VehiclesNew vehicles only (demonstration vehicles may qualify)
Coverage Period24 months or 24,000 miles from original delivery
Repair Attempts4 attempts for the same defect
Days Out of Service30 cumulative days
RemedyReplacement vehicle or repurchase (minus usage fee)
ArbitrationTexas DMV dispute resolution before litigation

Key Facts — Texas Lemon Law

  • -4 repair attempts for the same defect, or 2 attempts for safety-critical defect
  • -30 or more calendar days out of service within 24 months
  • -Must file with Texas DMV before pursuing civil lawsuit
  • -Texas Transportation Code § 2301.601–.613 governs lemon law
  • -Does NOT cover used vehicles — private sales have no lemon law protection

How to Qualify Under Texas Lemon Law

To qualify for lemon law protection in Texas, your vehicle generally must meet all of the following criteria:

1

The vehicle must be new vehicles only (demonstration vehicles may qualify).

2

The defect must occur within 24 months or 24,000 miles from original delivery.

3

Either 4 or more repair attempts for the same defect must have occurred, OR the vehicle must have been out of service for 30+ cumulative days.

4

The defect must substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

5

Texas DMV dispute resolution before litigation.

Check Your Vehicle's History Before Filing

A free VIN report documents your vehicle's recall history, complaint patterns, and service records — useful evidence when pursuing a lemon law claim.

Free VIN Report

Frequently Asked Questions — Texas

Does Texas lemon law cover used cars?
No. Texas lemon law only applies to new motor vehicles. Used car buyers have limited protections — only the Deceptive Trade Practices Act may apply in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.
What is the Texas lemon law time limit?
You must experience the defect within 24 months or 24,000 miles of original delivery, whichever comes first. You must also file with the Texas DMV within this window.