When your new vehicle develops recurring mechanical problems, understanding which lemon law protections apply can make a huge difference in how your case proceeds. Both federal lemon law and Washington state lemon law provide important rights to consumers who purchase defective vehicles, but they work differently.
The Washington State Lemon Law applies to new motor vehicles with serious defects that occur within a specific time or mileage limit. The federal law, by contrast, applies more broadly to all products with written warranties (from cars to electronics) but without the same repair attempt thresholds.
Knowing these key differences helps consumers take the right next step if their vehicle repeatedly fails to perform as promised.
Understanding the Protections of the Washington State Lemon Law
Washington’s lemon law was created to protect consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to have chronic, unfixable problems. It applies to most passenger vehicles, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles purchased or registered in Washington.
This state law gives manufacturers and dealers a “reasonable number of attempts” to fix the issue before a vehicle officially qualifies as a lemon. Once that threshold is met, the buyer may be eligible for compensation under the law.
Vehicle Eligibility: The Two-Year / 24,000-Mile Rule
To qualify under Washington state lemon law, the defect must arise and repair attempts must occur within the first two years of delivery or 2, whichever comes first.
Eligible vehicles include:
- New cars, trucks, and motorcycles purchased or leased in Washington
- Dealer-owned or demonstrator vehicles
- Some motorhomes (excluding living areas)
Certified pre-owned vehicles may qualify if they are still within the original manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty period and the issue first appeared before the two-year or 24,000-mile limit.
What Is a “Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts” in Washington?
A “reasonable number of attempts” is one of the defining features of Washington’s lemon law. A vehicle may qualify if:
- The same defect has been repaired four or more times, and the problem persists.
- The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative calendar days for repairs to covered defects.
- A serious safety defect has been repaired two or more times without success.
A “serious safety defect” includes issues that could lead to injury or death, such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or defective airbags.
Once one of these conditions is met, the law assumes the manufacturer has had a fair chance to fix the problem.
What Is the Federal Lemon Law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act)?
The federal lemon law, officially known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, was enacted in 1975 to protect consumers from defective products covered by written warranties. Unlike Washington’s lemon law, this federal act is not limited to motor vehicles. It covers nearly all consumer products, including cars, boats, RVs, appliances, and electronics, as long as they are sold with a written warranty.
Under the federal law, if a manufacturer or dealer fails to honor the warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer may be entitled to compensation for repair costs, diminished value, or other damages.
However, this law does not define specific time limits or repair attempt thresholds. Instead, it relies on a broader, case-by-case standard for determining whether the manufacturer has had a fair opportunity to correct the defect.
Key Differences: Washington vs. Federal Law
While both laws aim to protect consumers from defective products, there are clear distinctions in how they apply and what they cover.
Scope of Coverage: New Cars vs. All Warrantied Products
The Washington Lemon Law applies exclusively to new motor vehicles purchased or leased in the state. Its goal is to help car buyers who discover serious defects early in ownership.
By contrast, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act applies to any consumer product – not just cars – as long as there is a written warranty. That means even certified pre-owned vehicles or household goods with active warranties can fall under federal protection.
Repair Attempt Thresholds: Specific vs. General
The Washington Lemon Law clearly defines how many repair attempts or days in the shop qualify as “reasonable.” This structure provides an easier path for vehicle owners to know when they have a valid claim.
The federal law is more flexible but less specific. It doesn’t set an exact number of repair attempts or days out of service. Instead, it relies on whether the warranty obligation was fulfilled in a reasonable timeframe.
In practical terms, Washington’s law offers more precise guidance for vehicle owners, while the federal law serves as a safety net when state-level rules don’t apply.
How Do You Know Which Law Applies to Your Case?
If your vehicle is new, still under warranty, and has developed ongoing defects within the first two years or 24,000 miles, Washington’s state lemon law likely applies.
If your product (vehicle or otherwise) is outside that timeframe but still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, you may still have protection under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Because both laws can overlap, determining which path to pursue often requires professional review. A lemon law attorney can examine your documentation, assess the timeline of repairs, and confirm which statute offers the best route for compensation.
Contact Our Washington Lemon Law Attorneys for a Free Case Review
If your new vehicle has been in and out of the shop without resolution, you have rights. At Prestige Legal Solutions, our team of Washington lemon law attorneys has extensive experience helping consumers hold manufacturers accountable under both state and federal protections.
We’ve helped Washington drivers recover compensation for defective vehicles that failed to meet the promises of their warranty. Our attorneys understand how to interpret the nuances of both laws and build strong cases that stand up to manufacturer pushback.
If your car continues to break down despite multiple repairs, contact our firm for a free case review today. We’ll explain your options and help you take the next step toward resolving your lemon law claim with confidence.
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