Utah Lemon Law: Your Rights on a Defective Vehicle

Short answer: Utah's Lemon Law — formally the New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act, Utah Code Title 13, Chapter 20 — applies only to new vehicles still within their first year or the manufacturer's express warranty term, not used cars. A vehicle is presumed defective ("a lemon") if the manufacturer can't fix the same problem after four repair attempts, or if the vehicle has been out of service for repairs a cumulative 30 days, within that period. If that happens, the manufacturer generally must either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price, minus a reasonable allowance for your use of it.

Who this guide is for

Anyone who bought a new vehicle in Utah that has a persistent defect the dealer or manufacturer hasn't been able to fix.

What's covered — and what isn't

Utah's Lemon Law applies to new motor vehicles purchased in Utah for personal, family, household, or business use, while the vehicle is still within its first year or the applicable express warranty period, whichever standard applies to the specific timing rule at issue. It does not cover used vehicles bought as-is — a materially different situation with its own separate (and much weaker) consumer protections. See Utah Small Claims for Consumer Disputes: Defective Products and Bad Service for the more general path available for a used-vehicle or other product dispute that doesn't qualify under this statute.

The presumption: 4 attempts or 30 days

A vehicle is presumed to qualify as a "lemon" if, within the coverage period:

• The manufacturer has made four or more attempts to repair the same defect without success, or
• The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative 30 days

This is a presumption, not the only way to qualify — but it's the clearest, most commonly relied-on trigger.

What you're entitled to if your vehicle qualifies

If the manufacturer can't conform the vehicle to its warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, it generally must either:

• Replace the vehicle with a comparable new one, or
• Refund the purchase price, including collateral charges like taxes and fees, minus a reasonable deduction for the use you got out of the vehicle before the defect arose

Attorney's fees

A consumer who prevails on a Lemon Law claim can generally recover reasonable attorney's fees under Utah Code § 13-20-6 — a meaningful detail, since it means pursuing a legitimate claim doesn't necessarily require paying an attorney out of pocket if you win.

What to do if you think you have a lemon

1. Keep every repair record — dates, the specific problem reported each time, and how long the vehicle was in the shop.
2. Notify the manufacturer directly, not just the dealer, once you believe the defect threshold has been met — manufacturers often have a specific arbitration or dispute resolution process required before a lawsuit.
3. Consult a Lemon Law attorney — given the fee-shifting provision, a consultation often costs you nothing directly if you have a solid claim.

Frequently asked questions

Does this apply to a used car I bought "as-is"? No — Utah's Lemon Law is specific to new vehicles under warranty; used and as-is vehicle purchases fall outside it, though other consumer protection or fraud claims might still apply depending on the facts.

What if the dealer refuses to acknowledge the defect? Detailed documentation of each repair visit is your strongest tool here — a pattern of documented, unsuccessful repair attempts is what establishes the statutory presumption.

Is there a deadline to bring a Lemon Law claim? Yes — claims generally need to be pursued within the statute's coverage window and applicable statute of limitations, so don't wait if you believe you have a qualifying vehicle; confirm the current deadlines with an attorney promptly.