An automotive lemon is a newly purchased car or truck with a defect that can't be repaired within a reasonable period (usually four unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service). The definition of a defect varies from state to state, and in all but a few states, the defect must "substantially" or "significantly" impair its use, value or safety.

Lemon Laws

Maryland -- The definition of a lemon is four repairs or 30 days out of service, within the earliest of 15 months, 15,000 miles or warranty. The defect must substantially impair the car's use and market value. You must notify the manufacturer by certified letter, return receipt requested. The dealer must send a certified letter to the manufacturer after the completion of the fourth repair or 20 days out of service. The manufacturer then has one more repair attempt.

Virginia -- The definition of a lemon is three repairs or 30 calendar days out of service, within 18 months. The defect must significantly impair use, market value or safety. You must send a letter to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer gets one more repair attempt if notice is given after three repairs or 30 days.

District of Columbia -- The definition of a lemon is four repairs or 30 days out of service, within the earlier of two years or 18,000 miles, for mechanical defects. You must report the problem to the dealer, and the dealer must notify the manufacturer by certified letter within seven days.

Arbitration

There are a variety of arbitration programs available to consumers. You can usually find information about them in your car owner's manual. The arbitrator's decision is usually binding on the manufacturer but you may take the case to court if you are unhappy with the decision. If you win in arbitration, results vary. Sometimes you may choose either a replacement vehicle or a refund for the lemon. In other cases, the manufacturer or the arbitration panel may choose the replacement vehicle you will get. You may have to accept a used vehicle with similar mileage as the comparable replacement.