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Washington lemon law

In Washington, a new car can qualify as a lemon after 4 failed repairs of the same problem, 2 failed repairs of a serious safety defect, or 30 calendar days out of service, within 2 years or 24,000 miles (some attempts must fall within the warranty).

At a glance

Coverage period
2 years or 24,000 miles (some attempts must fall within the warranty)
Failed repairs of the same problem
4
Failed repairs of a serious safety defect
2
Days out of service
30 calendar
Notice and final repair
Give written notice. The manufacturer's arbitration program comes first; a refund or replacement is due within 40 days of the request.

Source: autosafety.org

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 Washington owners complain about most

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

Questions about the Washington lemon law

How many repair attempts make a car a lemon in Washington?

In Washington, a new car can qualify as a lemon after 4 failed repairs of the same problem, 2 failed repairs of a serious safety defect, or 30 calendar days out of service, within 2 years or 24,000 miles (some attempts must fall within the warranty).

How long does the Washington lemon law cover a new car?

The Washington lemon law covers 2 years or 24,000 miles (some attempts must fall within the warranty).

Does the Washington 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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