If your vehicle keeps going back to the dealership for the same problem, you’re probably wondering:
“How many repair attempts does Texas Lemon Law require?”
The answer depends on which legal test your case qualifies under.
Texas does not use just one standard. Instead, the Texas Lemon Law provides several different ways to qualify for relief.
Below is a clear explanation of how the Texas repair attempt rules work.
Overview: How Texas Lemon Law Works
Texas Lemon Law applies to:
- New vehicles
- Demonstrator vehicles
- Certain used vehicles still under the original manufacturer’s warranty
The law requires that:
- The vehicle has a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
- The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- The manufacturer was given a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect
The “reasonable opportunity” requirement is where repair attempts come in.
Texas Has Four Main Lemon Law Tests
Texas recognizes four primary ways to qualify:
- The Four-Times Test
- The Serious Safety Hazard Test
- The 30-Day Test
- The Repeat Repair / Continuing Problem Test
Let’s break them down.
1️⃣ The Four-Times Test (Most Common)
Under the Texas Four-Times Test:
You may qualify if:
- The same defect has been subject to repair four or more times
- Within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- The defect continues to exist
Key points:
- The problem must be substantially the same defect.
- The repair attempts must occur within the eligibility period.
- The issue must still be present.
Example:
Your vehicle has repeated transmission slipping issues:
- Repair attempt #1 at 5,000 miles
- Repair attempt #2 at 8,000 miles
- Repair attempt #3 at 11,000 miles
- Repair attempt #4 at 15,000 miles
Problem still exists → You may qualify.
2️⃣ The Serious Safety Hazard Test (Fewer Repairs Required)
If the defect creates a serious safety hazard, you may qualify with fewer attempts.
Under this test:
- The defect creates a serious safety hazard
- It has been repaired two or more times
- Within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles
- The problem still exists
A serious safety hazard is typically a life-threatening malfunction that:
- Impedes your ability to control or operate the vehicle
- Poses a significant risk of fire, explosion, or injury
Examples may include:
- Brake failure
- Sudden stalling at highway speeds
- Steering failure
- Airbag malfunction
This test lowers the repair threshold because of the danger involved.
3️⃣ The 30-Day Test (Out of Service Test)
Texas Lemon Law also provides relief if:
- The vehicle has been out of service for repair for 30 or more days
- During the first 24 months or 24,000 miles
- Due to warranty-covered defects
The 30 days do not have to be consecutive.
If your vehicle has been sitting at the dealership repeatedly for parts or diagnostics and the total repair time exceeds 30 days, you may qualify.
This test is very common with:
- electrical issues
- engine problems
- parts backorders
- complex computer system defects
4️⃣ The Repeat Repair / Continuing Problem Test
Texas also recognizes situations where:
- The defect continues despite multiple repair attempts
- The issue substantially impairs the vehicle
This test can overlap with the Four-Times Test but allows flexibility when the pattern shows the manufacturer cannot fix the problem.
Important: The 24-Month / 24,000-Mile Rule
Most Texas Lemon Law claims require that repair attempts occur within:
- The first 24 months from delivery
OR - The first 24,000 miles
Whichever comes first.
This is a strict timing requirement for many cases.
Does the Problem Have to Be the Same Defect?
Yes — for the Four-Times Test and Safety Hazard Test, the issue generally must be substantially the same problem.
For example:
- Transmission slipping repeatedly = same defect
- Check engine light for the same code repeatedly = same defect
Different unrelated problems usually do not combine to reach the four-attempt threshold.
What Qualifies as a “Repair Attempt”?
A repair attempt typically means:
- You brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership
- You reported the defect
- The dealership attempted diagnosis or repair
- There is documentation
Always keep copies of:
- Repair orders
- Service invoices
- Work orders
- Dates in and out of service
Documentation is critical in Texas Lemon Law cases.
What If the Dealer Says “No Problem Found”?
Even if the dealership writes “no problem found,” it may still count as a repair attempt if:
- You reported the defect
- The vehicle was inspected
- It was under warranty
Repeated “unable to duplicate concern” entries can still support a claim.
What If the Vehicle Is Used?
Texas Lemon Law may apply to used vehicles if:
- They are still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty
- The defect occurred during the warranty period
Vehicles purchased “as-is” without warranty coverage typically do not qualify.
What If the Vehicle Is Leased?
Leased vehicles can qualify under Texas Lemon Law as long as:
- They are under manufacturer warranty
- The repair attempt requirements are met
What Remedies Are Available in Texas?
If your vehicle qualifies, possible remedies include:
- Repurchase (buyback)
- Replacement vehicle
- Cash settlement
Repurchases often include a mileage offset (reasonable use deduction), but most consumers still recover a significant portion of their costs.
Quick Summary: Texas Repair Attempt Requirements
You may qualify if:
✅ 4 repair attempts for the same defect
OR
✅ 2 repair attempts for a serious safety hazard
OR
✅ 30+ days out of service for warranty repairs
AND
✅ The issue occurred within the first 24 months / 24,000 miles
AND
✅ The defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety
The Bottom Line
Texas Lemon Law does not require an endless number of repair attempts.
Depending on the situation, you may qualify with:
- 2 repairs (serious safety issue)
- 4 repairs (same recurring defect)
- 30 days in the shop
If your vehicle keeps going back for the same problem and the issue isn’t fixed, you may have legal options.
Need Help With a Texas Lemon Law Claim?
If your vehicle has repeated warranty repairs or has been in the shop for weeks at a time, you may qualify under Texas Lemon Law.
An attorney can help you:
- Evaluate whether you meet the repair attempt requirements
- Confirm documentation is sufficient
- Calculate potential repurchase amounts
- Negotiate with the manufacturer
The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve repair records and protect your rights.
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