Lemon Law Arbitration

New/Leased Cars, Motor Homes and Motorcycles

A new vehicle that was purchased, leased or registered in New York State for personal use and which shows a serious problem or defect that is not corrected after four or more repair attempts, or is out of service due to repair for at least 30 days, within the first 18,000 miles or two years (whichever comes first), may be eligible for the Lemon Law Arbitration Program.  If successful, the consumer will be entitled to either a full refund of the purchase price (less an allowance for mileage over 12,000 miles), or a comparable replacement vehicle. The consumer will also be awarded a return of the $250.00 arbitration filing fee for an arbitrator’s award in his or her favor.

Used Cars and Motorcycles

A vehicle purchased or leased from a New York State dealer (one who sold or offered to sell three or more cars within the previous twelve-month period) for personal use with more than 18,000 miles is also subject to Lemon Law coverage depending on the mileage at the time of purchase (as follows):

Miles At Purchase      Duration of Warranty

18,000-36,000               90 days or 4,000 miles

36,001-79,999               60 days or 3,000 miles

80,000-100,000             30 days or 1,000 miles
 

If a part covered by the law is the subject of a serious defect that remains uncorrected after three or more repair attempts or the vehicle is out of service for at least 15 days within the applicable statutory period, the consumer may be eligible for Lemon Law relief through the arbitration program. 

If successful, the consumer will be entitled to a refund of the purchase price as well as the return of the $120.00 arbitration filing fee.

Lease Excess Wear and Damage Law Program

New York’s Lease Excess Wear and Damage Law provides a legal remedy for consumers who lease a new or used motor vehicle and dispute excess wear and damage charges levied against them by the leasing company upon termination of the lease.  The Lease Excess Wear and Damage Program enables a consumer/lessee to contest (1) whether damage to the leased vehicle exists, (2) whether such damage constitutes "excess” wear and damage above normal wear and damage, (3) the amount of the charges sought by the lessor for excess wear and damage, and (4) whether the lessor complied with lease-end notice and vehicle access requirements. 

If successful, the consumer is not required to pay for excess damage and will be entitled to a refund of the $75.00 arbitration filing fee.

Wheelchairs

A new wheelchair that was purchased or leased in New York State and which manifests a serious problem or defect that is not corrected after three or more repair attempts, or is out of service due to repair for at least 30 days within the first year of ownership, may be eligible for Lemon Law relief through the arbitration program.  If successful, the consumer will be entitled to either a full refund of the purchase price of the wheelchair, or a comparable replacement wheelchair. The successful consumer will also be awarded a return of the $100.00 arbitration filing fee.

Farm Equipment Lemon Law Arbitration Program

In partnership with the NYS Attorney General, NYSDRA will be rolling out an arbitration program for defective new farm equipment soon. The program will provide a legal remedy for New York residents who have bought or leased new farm equipment that turns out to be a lemon.

Farm Equipment Lemon Law Arbitration Program Regulations 

The Arbitration Process

The New York Program's dispute resolution process can be summarized in ten steps as follows:

1. Consumer's Completion of Request-for-Arbitration Form
2. Attorney General's Review
3. Request for Filing Fee by Administrator (NYSDRA)
4. Filing Date; Appointment of Arbitrator; Schedule of Hearing
5. Notice of Claim Sent to Dealer; Dealer's Response; Consumer's Reply
6. Pre-Hearing Discovery
7. Hearing
8. Decision
9. Administrator's Review of Decision Form
10. Modification and Appeal

NYS Attorney General's Guide to Using the NYS Arbitration Program 

Pay My Administrative Fee 

Request for Arbitration Forms

• Auto Leasing - Excess Wear & Damage
• New Car 
• Used Car 
• Wheelchair
• Farm Equipment

Consumer Guides

• Excess Wear & Damage Guide
• New Car Guide
• Used Car Guide 
• Farm Equipment

Filing a complaint and for more information

Visit the Attorney General Lemon Law Page or call the Attorney General's Office at (800) 771-7755. For the hearing impaired, call (800) 788-9898.

Contact NYSDRA at lemonlaw@nysdra.org or call (518) 687-2240.