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South Dakota lemon law

In South Dakota, a new car can qualify as a lemon after 4 failed repairs of the same problem, or 30 days out of service, within 24 months or 24,000 miles; at least one repair attempt must be within the first year or 12,000 miles.

At a glance

Coverage period
24 months or 24,000 miles; at least one repair attempt must be within the first year or 12,000 miles
Failed repairs of the same problem
4
Failed repairs of a serious safety defect
No separate rule
Days out of service
30
Notice and final repair
Notify the manufacturer by certified mail, which gets a final repair attempt.

Source: sdlegislature.gov

What to do if you think your car is a lemon

  1. Keep every repair order. Each one should show the date, the mileage, the problem you reported and what the dealer did.
  2. Count the repair attempts for the same problem and the total days the car was in the shop.
  3. Send the written notice your state asks for, by the method it asks for (often certified mail), and keep a copy.
  4. Give the manufacturer its final repair attempt if the law requires one.
  5. If the problem is still there, ask the manufacturer for a refund or a replacement, use the state or manufacturer arbitration program, or talk to a lemon law attorney. In most states the manufacturer pays the attorney fees if you win.

Cars South Dakota owners complain about most

Safety complaints filed by owners in this state over the last 24 months, all model years.

Questions about the South Dakota lemon law

How many repair attempts make a car a lemon in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a new car can qualify as a lemon after 4 failed repairs of the same problem, or 30 days out of service, within 24 months or 24,000 miles; at least one repair attempt must be within the first year or 12,000 miles.

How long does the South Dakota lemon law cover a new car?

The South Dakota lemon law covers 24 months or 24,000 miles; at least one repair attempt must be within the first year or 12,000 miles.

Does the South Dakota lemon law cover used cars?

State lemon laws are written mainly for new vehicles. A used car can sometimes be covered if it is still inside the original warranty and the coverage period, and some states have separate used car rules. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also covers any written warranty, new or used.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them, so confirm the details with the official source or a lemon law attorney before you act. Last checked November 8, 2026.

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