If your vehicle keeps going back to the dealership for the same issue, you’re probably asking:
“How many repair attempts does New Jersey Lemon Law require?”
New Jersey has specific lemon law rules that define when a manufacturer has had a “reasonable opportunity” to repair a defect.
Once that threshold is met, you may be entitled to a refund (buyback) or replacement vehicle.
Here’s how it works.
What Vehicles Are Covered Under NJ Lemon Law?
New Jersey Lemon Law generally applies to:
- New vehicles purchased or leased in New Jersey
- Vehicles registered in New Jersey
- Passenger vehicles and certain other covered vehicles
- Defects covered under the manufacturer’s warranty
The law is primarily designed to protect consumers during the early ownership period.
The Main Repair Attempt Rule in New Jersey
Under NJ Lemon Law, a vehicle may qualify if:
✅ The manufacturer has made three or more repair attempts for the same defect
AND
✅ The defect still exists
This is often referred to as the “3 repair attempt rule.”
The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s:
- use
- value
- or safety
What Counts as the “Same Defect”?
The repair attempts must be for the same recurring issue, such as:
- transmission slipping repeatedly
- repeated engine stalling
- persistent electrical failures
- recurring check engine light for the same problem
- repeated infotainment system failure affecting vehicle functions
Different unrelated issues usually cannot be combined to reach the repair threshold.
NJ Lemon Law Alternative Rule: 20 Days Out of Service
New Jersey Lemon Law also provides an alternative way to qualify:
✅ The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 20 or more days
AND
✅ The defect is covered by warranty
AND
✅ The issue substantially impairs use, value, or safety
Important:
The 20 days do not need to be consecutive.
This rule often applies when vehicles are stuck at the dealership waiting for:
- parts backorders
- electrical diagnostics
- engine components
- software updates
- repeated failed repairs
What Time Period Applies in New Jersey?
NJ Lemon Law typically applies during the “Lemon Law eligibility period,” which is generally:
- The first 24 months after delivery
OR - The first 24,000 miles
(whichever comes first)
This is the most common timeframe used in NJ lemon law claims.
What Counts as a Repair Attempt in NJ?
A repair attempt usually means:
- You took the vehicle to an authorized dealer
- You reported the defect
- The dealer inspected, diagnosed, or attempted repair
- The visit is documented on a repair invoice
Even if the repair order says:
- “could not duplicate concern”
- “no problem found”
…it may still count as a repair attempt if you reported the defect and the dealer investigated it.
What Defects Qualify Under NJ Lemon Law?
The defect must be significant enough to impair:
- safety (stalling, brakes, steering, airbag issues)
- value (major drivetrain or electrical defects)
- use (vehicle can’t reliably be driven)
Minor cosmetic issues generally do not qualify unless they are substantial.
Does the Dealer Have to Fix It for Free?
Typically yes — lemon law defects are warranty defects, meaning the manufacturer is responsible.
But the key issue is whether the manufacturer can fix the problem after a reasonable number of attempts.
What If the Problem Is Dangerous?
If the defect is a serious safety issue (like loss of braking or sudden stalling), you may not need to wait through endless repair visits.
A safety-related defect can strengthen a lemon law claim quickly.
What If the Manufacturer Offers a Buyback or Settlement Early?
Some manufacturers offer:
- buybacks
- replacements
- cash settlements (“cash and keep”)
before a formal lemon law claim is filed.
However, consumers should be cautious because early offers may not include full compensation.
Quick Summary: NJ Lemon Law Repair Requirements
In most cases, a vehicle qualifies if:
Option 1:
✅ 3 repair attempts for the same defect
AND the defect still exists
Option 2:
✅ 20 total days out of service for warranty repairs
And:
✅ The issue occurred within 24 months / 24,000 miles
✅ The defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety
The Bottom Line
New Jersey Lemon Law does not require endless repair attempts.
In many cases, you may qualify if:
- the defect has been repaired 3 times and still exists
or - the vehicle has been out of service for 20 or more days
If your vehicle is repeatedly breaking down or spending weeks in the shop, you may have strong lemon law rights in New Jersey.
Need Help With a New Jersey Lemon Law Claim?
If your vehicle has repeated warranty defects, you may be entitled to a:
- refund (buyback)
- replacement vehicle
- cash settlement
A lemon law attorney can help you evaluate your repair history, determine eligibility, and negotiate the strongest possible outcome.
Documentation matters — so the sooner you act, the better.
