What Is the Ohio Lemon Law?
The Ohio Lemon Law (R.C. 1345.71-1345.78) protects consumers stuck with defective vehicles. If your car, truck, or motorcycle has a nonconformity—a defect that impairs safety, value, or use—and repairs fail after a reasonable number of attempts, you’re entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation.
When Does Your Vehicle Qualify?
Repair Thresholds
Your vehicle is a lemon if it meets one of these during the 1-year/18,000-mile coverage period:
- 3+ repair attempts for the same issue.
- 30+ days out of service for repairs.
- 8+ repair attempts for different problems.
- 1 failed fix for a life-threatening defect.
Example:
John’s new truck had recurring transmission issues. After 4 repairs, he invoked the Ohio Lemon Law and secured a full refund.
Your Legal Remedies
Under R.C. 1345.72, you can demand:
- Replacement: A new, comparable vehicle.
- Refund: Full purchase price + incidental damages (towing, rental fees).
- Cash Compensation: Diminished value or repair costs.
Bonus: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal lemon law) adds extra protections, like attorney’s fees coverage.
How to File an Ohio Lemon Law Claim
- Document Repairs: Keep all invoices and itemized statements.
- Notify the Manufacturer: Submit a written complaint via certified mail.
- Use the Informal Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Ohio’s state-approved process to negotiate settlements.
- Sue in Court: File a civil action in the Court of Common Pleas if negotiations fail.
Pro Tip: The 5-year statute of limitations pauses during dispute resolution.
Avoid Buyback Scams
Manufacturers must label buyback vehicles (repurchased lemons) with a buyback certificate of title and disclose defects. If resold, they must:
- Provide a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
- Warn buyers with bold, explicit labels (e.g., “WARNING: This vehicle was returned due to defects”).
Red Flag: Dealers hiding buyback status commit unfair and deceptive practices under R.C. 1345.78.
Why Hire an Ohio Lemon Law Attorney?
Fighting automakers alone is tough. Law firms like Weisberg Consumer Law Group and Thompson Consumer Law Group offer:
✅ Free case reviews
✅ No upfront fees (attorney fees paid by the manufacturer)
✅ Expertise in incidental damages and loan cancellation fees
Case Study: A Columbus family won $25,000+ in refunds and rental reimbursements after their SUV’s brakes failed repeatedly.
Don’t Forget Federal Protections
- Truth in Lending Act: Forces lenders to disclose loan terms if you refinance a lemon.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Penalizes dealers for deceptive buyback sales.
Conclusion: Turn Your Lemon Into Cash
The Ohio Lemon Law empowers you to hold manufacturers accountable. With strict repair thresholds, refund options, and free legal help, there’s no reason to tolerate a defective vehicle.
