New York Lemon Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced New York lemon law attorneys who can leverage one of the most plaintiff-friendly lemon law regimes in the country. New York has separate Lemon Laws for new vehicles (GBL § 198-a) and used vehicles (GBL § 198-b), state-run arbitration through the NY Attorney General’s office, and fee-shifting protections. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act adds nationwide backup. We’ll match you with the right attorney at no cost to get started.

Under N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 198-a, a new vehicle is presumed a lemon if, within 2 years or 18,000 miles, the manufacturer cannot repair a nonconformity after 4 attempts, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative calendar days. NY’s 30-day calendar-day count is harsher on manufacturers than business-day states.
The NY Used Car Lemon Law (GBL § 198-b) is among the strongest in the country. Dealers must provide written warranties on used cars based on mileage at sale (30, 60, or 90 days). If the dealer cannot repair a defect within 3 attempts or 15 days, the buyer can demand a refund. Uniquely strong used-car protection.
Yes. Both the New Car and Used Car Lemon Laws cover lessees obligated to make payments.
The NY Attorney General’s office administers a state-run arbitration program. Decisions are binding on the manufacturer but the consumer can pursue further remedies in court. Most experienced attorneys use arbitration as initial leverage.
The consumer. GBL § 198-a gives the consumer the right to select refund (less a reasonable use offset) or a comparable replacement.
GBL § 198-a(l), GBL § 349(h) (deceptive practices), and 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2) all shift attorney fees to the manufacturer when the consumer prevails.
NY’s Lemon Laws generally apply to vehicles registered in New York. Magnuson-Moss applies nationwide.

Why Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney in New York?

New York has two separate lemon law statutes that together make it one of the strongest consumer-protection regimes in the country. The New Car Lemon Law (GBL § 198-a) covers new vehicles for 2 years or 18,000 miles, with refund or replacement when the manufacturer cannot repair a nonconformity after 4 attempts or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative calendar days. The Used Car Lemon Law (GBL § 198-b) requires dealers to provide written warranties on used cars based on mileage at sale — a uniquely strong used-car remedy. The New York Attorney General administers the New Car Lemon Law Arbitration Program, where decisions are binding on the manufacturer. An experienced attorney layers these statutes with the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301) and the NY General Business Law § 349 (deceptive practices, with treble damages up to $1,000 and attorney fees).

When Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney in New York?

Our network includes New York lemon law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Lemon Law Cases in New York

From the moment you connect with a New York lemon law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Not documenting every repair attempt with a dated dealer repair order
Letting a non-dealer shop perform warranty repairs
Failing to use the NY Attorney General’s arbitration program when it would create leverage
Letting the 2-year/18,000-mile coverage period expire while negotiating informally
Failing to plead GBL § 349 for deceptive practices and additional damages
Missing the 4-year SOL under GBL § 198-a(k)

Common New York Lemon Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do New York Lemon Law Attorneys Cost?

$0

Out of pocket — state law shifts your attorney fees to the wrongdoer. You keep your full recovery.

New York’s Lemon Laws (GBL § 198-a(l)), the deceptive practices statute (GBL § 349(h)), and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2)) are all fee-shifting — the manufacturer pays the prevailing consumer’s reasonable attorney fees on top of the recovery. New York is one of the most consumer-friendly lemon law jurisdictions in the country. Most NY lemon law attorneys take cases with no fee deducted from the consumer’s refund or replacement.

What Can Your New York Lemon Law Compensation Include?

Full Refund
Full purchase price (taxes, registration, finance charges) less a reasonable use offset under GBL § 198-a(c)(1).
Comparable Replacement Vehicle
A new vehicle of comparable value with manufacturer paying taxes and registration.
Used Vehicle Refund (GBL § 198-b)
Full refund of the used-vehicle purchase price if the dealer cannot repair a defect within the statutory warranty.
Treble Damages (GBL § 349)
Up to 3x actual damages (capped at $1,000) plus attorney fees under GBL § 349(h) for deceptive practices.
Attorney Fees (Fee-Shifting)
GBL § 198-a(l), GBL § 349(h), and 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2) all shift attorney fees to the manufacturer.
Incidental & Consequential Damages
Towing, rental cars, finance charges, and registration costs.
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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.