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Washington - Code §19.118.021

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Vehicles Covered:

Leases or purchases made in state and registered in state, including demonstrators, motorcycles and lease purchases. Excludes business fleets with 10 or more vehicles, non-motor home portions of motor homes and trucks over 19,000lbs.

Persons Covered:

Consumers under agreement or contract for transfer, lease or purchase of a new vehicle.

Period Covered:

Whichever is first: 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Notice Requirement:

(a) Manufacturer - to provide statement of rights, written statement of repairs after vehicle return; (b) Consumer - written request for replacement/refund.

Repair Requirements:

(a) Serious defect: two or more repair attempts; (b) same nonconformity four or more repairs attempts; or (c out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days with at least 15 days during first year or first 12,000 miles.

Affirmative Defenses:

The nonconformity does not substantially impair the use, market value or safety of the vehicle, or is the result of abuse, neglect, or any unauthorized modifications or alterations.

Replacement/Refund:

At the consumer's option, the manufacturer shall replace with an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle, or refund the full purchase price less a reasonable allowance (defined).

Other Reimbursement:

Collateral and incidental costs as defined: refunds to the consumer and lienholder.

Other remedies:

There is no limit on other consumer remedies. Violation of this chapter is an unfair or deceptive trade practice: Attorney fees, costs and treble damages.

Arbitration:

For remedies under this section, a consumer must use the informal dispute procedure established by the manufacturer provided that it complies with 16 C.F.R. 703.

Dealer Liability:

None

Resale of Lemon:

Full disclosure required.

Disclaimer: Please note that statutes may have been amended since the book was originally published in 2005.
Please consult your Secretary of State or local DMV office for the most recent and up to date statutes for the California Lemon Law.