The Indiana Lemon Law Definition

The Indiana Lemon Law, also known as the Motor Vehicle Protection Act, protects consumers like you who purchase or lease a defective vehicle in the state of Indiana. Dealers that fail to fix defects within 4 attempts or 30 days must offer up a choice between a refund or a replacement vehicle of comparable value.

If you’ve purchased a lemon, Krohn & Moss, Ltd.® Consumer Law Center makes it easy to collect what you’re owed. Don’t wait to find out how much your lemon is worth—call us at (866) 989-3314 for a FREE case review!

Krohn & Moss, Ltd. – Your Lemon Law Lawyers of Indiana

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  • Over 30 Years of Experience Turning “Lemons” into “Lemon-Aid”
  • Over 60,000 Success Stories
  • Accomplished, Trustworthy Attorneys
  • Responses Within 24 Hours
  • No Out-of-Pocket Costs
  • Maximum Compensation for You

The lemon law attorneys at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. have helped more than 60,000 people rid themselves of their defective vehicles and collect the compensation they’re owed. We can do the same for you for no out-of-pocket costs. And if we win your case, the vehicle manufacturer who made the lemon pays our fees, not you.

With this in mind, we hold the manufacturer accountable for accepting the return and promptly paying what they owe. In the past 30 years, we’ve secured generous settlements for over 99% of our clients without going to trial. And in the rare event that we do go to trial, our experienced trial attorneys will fight tooth and nail to win your case.

In many cases, we can help even if your vehicle doesn’t qualify for protection under the Indiana Lemon Law. Other laws, like the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, also allow us to hold manufacturers responsible for their faulty products. The bottom line: if you purchased a lemon, we will exhaust every legal measure to hold the car company responsible.

We founded our firm to help people like you. Text, email, or call us today at 866-989-3314 so we can get you the compensation you’re owed.

Vehicles Covered

  • Cars and light trucks weighing less than 10,000 lbs.
  • Purchased or leased in Indiana.
  • Excludes conversion vans, motor homes, farming vehicles, road-building equipment, tractors, motorcycles, mopeds, and vehicles designed primarily for off-road use.

Timing Of Repair Attempts

  • The first repair must occur within 18 months or before 18,000 total miles, whichever comes first.

Number Of Repair Attempts Required

  • Four repair attempts for the same defect
  • The vehicle was out of service for over 30 business days for any combination of defects.

 

If you don’t meet the requirements of the Indiana Lemon Law, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides much broader coverage. Contact us to see if you qualify.

What Does the Indiana Lemon Law Cover?

Indiana state flag flying in front of an American flag

The Indiana Lemon Law is amongst the most consumer-friendly in the entire United States. To qualify for protection under the law, vehicles just need to meet three simple criteria:

  • The vehicle was purchased or leased in Indiana.
  • It weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
  • It was intended to be used primarily on public roads.

Defects covered by the Indiana Lemon Law must:

  • Impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
  • be reported within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the original purchase date.
  • AND persist after the dealer makes four attempts to fix it OR spends 30 business days pursuing repair attempts.

Have more questions about the Lemon Law in Indiana? Read through our Indiana Lemon Law FAQs.

The Indiana Lemon Law on Used Vehicles

The Indiana Lemon Law applies to used cars as well as new ones. It also covers private party sales and leased vehicles. These vehicles remain protected by the Lemon Law as long as the defect is reported to the manufacturer within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s original purchase date, whichever comes first.

The Federal Lemon Law also protects private party vehicle sales. This means if you buy a used car under warranty, your purchase is likely protected by several different statutes. Regardless of your situation, our attorneys are well-versed in these laws and will take the action necessary to protect your rights as a consumer.

If you think your used car is a lemon, reach out to our experienced lawyers for a free case review.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Indiana

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From the date you first report the defect to the dealer, you have two years to file a lawsuit. However, your vehicle’s owner’s manual or warranty might outline additional requirements.

Rather than reading through the fine print of these documents, give Krohn & Moss, Ltd. a call. Our lemon law lawyers in Indiana know the requirements for every vehicle make and model. We’ll handle all the paperwork so you can get back out on the road as soon as possible.

Best of all, we charge you NOTHING upfront, and you’ll owe us nothing unless we win or successfully settle your case. Even when we prevail, we force the auto manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees, meaning there’s no out-of-pocket cost to you! Schedule your free case review today.

Why Hoosiers Choose Krohn & Moss as Their Indiana Lemon Law Firm

  • 30+ Years of Experience Turning “Lemons” into “Lemon-Aid”
  • Over 60,000 Success Stories Nationwide
  • Over 3,000 Lemon Law Settlements in Indiana Alone
  • Accomplished, Trustworthy Attorneys
  • Responds to All Inquiries within 24 Hours
  • No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
  • We Always Seek Maximum Compensation for Clients

Areas We Serve

Our lemon law lawyers serve all of Indiana including: 

  • Bloomington, Indiana
  • Hammond, Indiana
  • Lafayette, Indiana
  • Noblesville, Indiana
  • Muncie, Indiana
  • Greenwood, Indiana
  • Kokomo, Indiana
  • Terre Haute, Indiana
  • Anderson, Indiana
  • Elkhart, Indiana
  • Mishawaka, Indiana
  • Columbus, Indiana
  • Jefferson, Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Indiana Lemon Law FAQ

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Does Indiana have a Lemon Law?

YES! Indiana has one of the most consumer-friendly lemon laws in the country.

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What does the Indiana Lemon Law cover?

The law covers vehicle defects arising under a manufacturer’s warranty that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Manufacturers that fail to fix such defects after a reasonable number of attempts must issue a refund or replacement for the lemon at the consumer’s option.

To qualify for protection under the Indiana Lemon Law, the vehicle must meet the following criteria:

  • Purchased in the State of Indiana
  • Weighs less than 10,000 pounds
  • Primarily intended for use on public highways
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What is a “reasonable number” of repair attempts under the Indiana Lemon Law or Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?

While every circumstance is different, under the Indiana Lemon Law, you may need to provide the dealer with as many as four (4) repair attempts before your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Alternatively, a single (1) repair visit may be considered a reasonable number of attempts under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which also protects consumers in Indiana.

Regardless of the number of repair attempts, vehicles may also qualify as lemons if they’ve been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 business days or more. If the defect is still present after 4 attempts or 30 days, the vehicle is a lemon. Contact an experienced Lemon Law attorney to learn about your rights.

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Is a vehicle a lemon if the dealer does not have parts to repair it?

Under most circumstances, if your vehicle is sitting at the dealer waiting on parts and more than thirty (30) days passes, your vehicle is a lemon.

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Is there a Lemon Law for used cars in Indiana?

YES! The Indiana Lemon Law does not distinguish between new and used cars. Instead, the law simply requires the vehicle’s defect be reported within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s life, whichever comes first. So whether you’re the first or the fifth owner of your car, you can still qualify for compensation under the Indiana Lemon Law.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the federal Lemon Law, also covers used vehicles in Indiana. Plus, under this law, defects only need to be reported during the warranty period. So, even if you purchase a used car that has more than 18,000 miles on it, it may still qualify as a lemon. But the sooner you act, the higher your chances of making a successful claim.

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Does the Indiana Lemon Law apply to private party sales?

YES, under the Indiana Lemon Law, used cars and private party sales are protected as long as the defects are reported to the manufacturer within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s original purchase date, whichever comes first.

The federal Lemon Law protects private party vehicle sales in Indiana, as well. Importantly, federal law only requires defects be reported during the warranty period. So, if you’re planning to buy a car from a private party in Indiana, there are several laws that will protect your purchase.

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How do I know if my vehicle is a “lemon” in the State of Indiana?

To determine whether or not your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, ask yourself these questions:

  • Does my vehicle have a defect the manufacturer has failed to repair?
  • Is the defect covered by the warranty OR does it substantially impact the vehicle’s use, safety, or value?
  • Did I give the manufacturer four (4) chances to fix the defect OR has the manufacturer kept the vehicle in service for more than 30 days?
  • Was the defect first reported within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle’s life?

If you answered “Yes” to each of these questions, your vehicle is a lemon under the Indiana Lemon Law. If you answered “No” to any of the questions, you may still have a lemon under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which may classify a vehicle as a lemon after just one (1) repair attempt under certain circumstances. Further, federal law does not require the vehicle’s defects to substantially impair its use, value, or safety.

The most effective way to determine whether or not your vehicle qualifies as a lemon is to speak with a qualified Indiana Lemon Law attorney. At Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center®, we provide free case reviews to all potential clients. Thus, you have nothing to lose by taking a few moments to reach out for help. Touch base with us today so we can help you collect the compensation you deserve!

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Why should I hire a Lemon Law attorney in Indiana?

Hiring a Lemon Law attorney in Indiana improves your chance of collecting what you’re owed and it doesn’t cost you anything to do so. Rather than trying to fight a legal battle alone against a gigantic corporation, get help from a professional! Hiring an experienced Lemon Law attorney gives you the best chance of securing the maximum recovery.

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Is there a 30 day Lemon Law in Indiana?

YES! Vehicles that are out of service for repairs because of a warrantied defect for a total of thirty (30) days or more qualify as lemons if the defect remains after the repair attempt(s).

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Does the Indiana Lemon Law include a “cool-off” period?

No, although Indiana law does provide a 3-day cancellation period for some contracts, all vehicle sales are final. If you purchase a lemon, you are entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle if it meets the criteria of the Indiana Lemon Law. Just know that you’ll need to take legal action to hold the manufacturer responsible in most cases.

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Do window or door leaks qualify under Indiana Lemon Law?

YES! Leaking windows or doors could substantially impair the use, value, and safety of a vehicle. Thus, such defects will render a vehicle a lemon if the manufacturer fails to repair them after a reasonable number of attempts.

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Are RVs covered by the Indiana Lemon Law?

No, RV and motorhome purchases are not protected under the Indiana Lemon Law. However, these vehicles are covered by the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which offers similar consumer-protections for defective vehicles.