One of the most common questions consumers ask is:

“Does Texas Lemon Law cover used cars?”

The answer is:

👉 Sometimes — but not most traditional used car purchases.

Here’s how it works.

What Texas Lemon Law Covers

Texas Lemon Law generally applies to:

• New vehicles
• Demonstrator vehicles
• Vehicles still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty
• Used primarily for personal use

When Might a Used Vehicle Qualify?

A used vehicle may qualify if:

• It is still under the original manufacturer’s factory warranty
• The defect occurred during the 24-month / 24,000-mile window
• The repair attempts meet Texas Lemon Law requirements

This is more common with:

• Low-mileage used vehicles
• Certified vehicles still under factory warranty

What About “Certified Pre-Owned” Vehicles?

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles may qualify if:

• They are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty
• The defect and repair attempts fall within Texas’s eligibility period

CPO status alone does not automatically guarantee coverage.

What If the Vehicle Was Sold “As-Is”?

If a used vehicle was sold strictly “as-is” with no warranty:

• Texas Lemon Law usually does not apply

However, other laws may apply in cases involving:

• Misrepresentation
• Fraud
• Failure to disclose known defects

What Other Protections Exist for Used Cars in Texas?

If Lemon Law does not apply, you may still have options under:

• Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
• Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)
• Breach of warranty claims

The Bottom Line

Texas Lemon Law generally applies to:

• New vehicles
• Some used vehicles still under factory warranty

It usually does not apply to older used cars sold without warranty coverage.

If you’re unsure whether your used vehicle qualifies, reviewing the warranty status and repair history is the first step.