One of the most common questions consumers ask is:

“How many times does the dealership have to try fixing my car before it qualifies as a lemon?”

The answer depends on state law — but there are common standards.

The General Rule

Most state Lemon Laws require that:

• The manufacturer is given a reasonable number of repair attempts
• The defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety

While definitions vary by state, typical standards include:

1. Three to Four Repair Attempts

If the same defect has been repaired 3–4 times and still persists, this often satisfies the requirement.

2. Thirty Cumulative Days Out of Service

If your vehicle has been in the repair shop for 30 or more total days (not necessarily consecutive), it may qualify.

3. One Attempt for a Serious Safety Defect

If the defect poses a significant safety risk (such as brake failure or engine stalling), sometimes a single unsuccessful repair attempt is enough.

What If the Dealer Says “Could Not Duplicate”?

This is common.

If you repeatedly bring the vehicle in for the same issue, even if the dealer cannot replicate the problem, those visits may still count toward repair attempts.

Documentation is critical.

Does the Clock Reset If They Replace a Part?

Not necessarily.

If the same issue continues — even after parts are replaced — the repair history still supports your claim.

Why Documentation Matters

To protect your claim:

• Always obtain a repair order
• Make sure your complaint is clearly written
• Track days out of service
• Keep copies of all paperwork

Without documentation, proving repair attempts becomes more difficult.

Don’t Wait Too Long

Lemon Law rights are tied to warranty periods and timing requirements. Waiting too long can complicate your claim.

If your vehicle keeps returning to the dealership for the same problem, it may already meet the “reasonable number of repair attempts” threshold.