CONSUMER RIGHTS

Virginia Lemon Law — Requirements, Remedies & How to File

Virginia's lemon law covers new vehicles only within 18 months or 18,000 miles. Learn the exact requirements, available remedies, and how to file a claim.

3
Repair attempts required
30
Cumulative days out of service
18 months
Coverage window

Virginia Lemon Law Overview

Covered VehiclesNew vehicles only
Coverage Period18 months or 18,000 miles
Repair Attempts3 attempts for the same defect
Days Out of Service30 cumulative days
RemedyReplacement or refund
ArbitrationVirginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act

Key Facts — Virginia Lemon Law

  • -Code of Virginia § 59.1-207.9 et seq. governs
  • -3 repair attempts for same defect within 18 months/18,000 miles
  • -Virginia has a used car lemon law for dealer sales with implied warranties
  • -Attorney fees available if consumer prevails

How to Qualify Under Virginia Lemon Law

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

1

The vehicle must be new vehicles only.

2

The defect must occur within 18 months or 18,000 miles.

3

Either 3 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

Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.

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 — Virginia

Does Virginia have a used car lemon law?
Virginia provides some protections for used car buyers through implied warranty law, though the formal lemon law only covers new vehicles.