Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles that turn out to have substantial, recurring defects. If the manufacturer can't fix your vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, the law can require them to repurchase, replace, or repair the defective vehicle.

But here's the part many people don't realize: the law also allows for significant monetary compensation. Depending on your case, compensation may include the return of your purchase price (minus a small mileage offset), reimbursement for repairs, or even damages for the diminished value of your vehicle.

At Texas Lemon Law, our attorneys know how to navigate the process and fight for every dollar you're entitled to — not just a replacement vehicle.

Eligibility hinges on whether your vehicle meets certain tests:

• Four-Times Test: Four unsuccessful repairs of the same defect within the first 24 months/24,000 miles.
• Serious Safety-Hazard Test: Two failed repair attempts for a dangerous, life-threatening issue.
• 30-Day Test: Vehicle out of service for 30+ days for warranty repairs during the first 24 months/24,000 miles.

If you meet one of these standards and the defect still exists, you may be entitled to refund, replacement, or cash compensation.

Each case is different — manufacturers often try to argue defects are "minor." That's why having a Texas Lemon Law attorney matters: we know how to turn the repair records into real leverage for a strong compensation outcome.

You must act quickly. Complaints must be filed within six (6) months of the earliest of:

• • Expiration of the warranty,
• • 24 months after purchase, or
• • 24,000 miles driven.

If you miss this deadline, your claim could be barred. Our firm helps clients file promptly and correctly to protect their right to both a vehicle remedy and monetary recovery.

The process typically involves:

1. Keeping detailed repair records.
2. Sending certified written notice to the manufacturer, giving them one last repair attempt.
3. Filing a complaint with the TxDMV, including a $35 filing fee.
4. Mediation and/or a hearing where a decision is issued, often within 60 days of the hearing.

While this may sound straightforward, manufacturers often push back hard. At Texas Lemon Law, we take over the heavy lifting — gathering records, filing correctly, and pursuing the maximum compensation available.

Texas Lemon Law generally applies to new vehicles, but if your used car is still under the manufacturer's original warranty or if the defect arose during that warranty period, you may still have rights.

In those cases, we may still be able to secure repair relief or monetary compensation under Texas warranty enforcement laws. Because these claims are more complex, legal representation is key.

Unlike a simple "return policy," the Lemon Law requires you to follow the legal process: repair attempts, written notice, and the TxDMV complaint system. Only after proving your case can the state order a repurchase, replacement, or cash settlement.

The timeline varies, but cases can take several months depending on repair history and hearing schedules. Importantly, many cases don't end with just a car swap — they end with clients receiving substantial monetary compensation for their trouble.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is responsible for administering and enforcing the Texas Lemon Law.

You may still have legal recourse through warranty claims under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or through Texas state consumer protection statutes.

Vehicle eligibility depends on when defects appear within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles after delivery, covering new vehicles with active manufacturer warranties regardless of specific model year.

Eligibility isn't determined by model year alone, but rather by when problems occur within the warranty period and timeline requirements of the law.