The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm | April 29, 2026 | Car Accidents
Buying a new car is a major financial commitment and is meant, at least most of the time, to be an exciting one. Unfortunately, some consumers end up with a vehicle that spends more time in the repair shop than on the road. Virginia’s lemon law exists to protect people in exactly this situation by providing a legal path to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
However, the law doesn’t apply to every car problem. Knowing what qualifies and what doesn’t can save you time and help you figure out whether you have a valid claim, so continue reading for a breakdown of how Virginia’s lemon law works.
Which Vehicles Are Covered?
Virginia’s Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act applies to motor vehicles purchased or leased in the state. Generally speaking, the vehicle must have been bought from an authorized dealer and must still be covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty.
Virginia’s lemon law covers new passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and motorcycles. While the law may apply to certain used vehicles as well, that is not always the case. It may also not apply to vehicles purchased for commercial purposes or to vehicles that were modified.
What Counts as a “Lemon” in Virginia?
Not every mechanical issue turns a car into a lemon. Under Virginia law, the defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, market value, or safety.
Minor cosmetic issues and problems that don’t affect how the car operates typically won’t qualify. The law also requires that the dealer make a reasonable number of attempts to repair the problem before a lemon claim can proceed.
Virginia’s statute sets specific thresholds for this:
- The same defect has been repaired three or more times without success.
- The vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days in a single year due to warranty repairs.
- These repair attempts must be made within the first 18 months of ownership.
If these conditions are met, the law creates a presumption in your favor that your vehicle is a lemon.
What Remedies Does the Lemon Law Provide?
If your vehicle meets the criteria above and your claim is successful, Virginia law may entitle you to one of two remedies from the manufacturer. You can receive either a comparable replacement vehicle or a full refund of the purchase price. A refund may include sales tax, registration fees, finance charges, and other costs related to the purchase.
The manufacturer is allowed to deduct a reasonable allowance for your use of the vehicle, which is calculated based on the mileage you put on the car before first reporting the defect. This is sometimes called a “mileage offset” and can reduce the total amount you receive.
Before you take your case to court, Virginia allows you the option to go through the manufacturer’s informal dispute resolution process, if one exists. Many major manufacturers have certified arbitration programs for this purpose. However, it may be wise to seek legal advice from an attorney before deciding which route to take.
Contact the Manassas Personal Injury Attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for Help Today
If you are dealing with a defective new vehicle in Virginia, it is important to understand your rights under the state’s lemon law. You may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund if your car meets the legal requirements.
The team at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm can help you evaluate your situation and determine the best path forward. Contact our Manassas personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.
For more information, please contact our experienced car accident attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation today. We have two convenient locations in Manassas, VA and Fairfax, VA.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Manassas
9208 Lee Ave, First Floor, Manassas, VA, 20110
(571) 229-1800
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Manassas
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.7523907,-77.5566859
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Fairfax
4000 Legato Rd #1100, Fairfax, VA, 22033
(571) 200-5424
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Fairfax
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.8657713,-77.3652474
