Utah’s lemon law provides strong protections for consumers who purchase defective vehicles. If your new car or truck has substantial defects that the manufacturer cannot repair, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement. This guide explains your rights and the steps to pursue a claim.
Utah Lemon Law: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Statute | Utah Code § 13-20-1 et seq. |
| Coverage | New vehicles and demonstrators |
| Mileage/Time Limit | First 1 year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Repair Attempts Required | 4 attempts for the same defect OR 30 cumulative days out of service |
| Arbitration Required First? | Yes, if the manufacturer has a certified arbitration program |
| Attorney Fees | Recoverable if consumer wins |
| Enforcement Agency | Utah Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section |
What Qualifies as a Lemon in Utah
A vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Utah law when:
- It’s a new vehicle or demonstrator (originally sold or leased within 12 months of manufacture)
- The defect occurs within the first year of ownership or before 12,000 miles
- The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- The manufacturer has made 4 or more repair attempts for the same defect, OR the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days due to warranty repairs
Utah covers defects in all major vehicle systems: engine, transmission, electrical, braking, steering, and safety features. The defect must meaningfully impact the vehicle’s functionality or safety.
How to Document Your Lemon Claim
Build a comprehensive claim file:
- Service records: Collect all work orders, repair invoices, and service bulletins from the dealership
- Timeline documentation: Record the date, mileage, and symptom description for each problem
- Repair visits: Document each service appointment with what was diagnosed and attempted
- Warranty paperwork: Keep your purchase agreement, warranty booklet, and registration documents
- Manufacturer communication: Retain any letters, emails, or call records with the manufacturer
- Photos and videos: Document any visible defects or malfunctions
- Maintenance records: Show that you’ve maintained the vehicle properly
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Utah
Step 1 — Send Written Notice to the Manufacturer
Notify the manufacturer in writing of the defect and your intent to pursue a lemon law claim. Your notice should include:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) and purchase date
- Description of the defect(s)
- Dates, mileage, and details of each repair attempt
- Request for repurchase, replacement, or refund
- Your contact information
Send the notice via certified mail to the manufacturer’s customer service or principal office in Utah. Keep the proof of delivery.
Step 2 — Attempt Manufacturer Arbitration (If Required)
If the manufacturer has a certified arbitration program, Utah law requires you to attempt arbitration before filing a lawsuit. The arbitration process typically includes:
- Filing a claim with the arbitration provider (often the BBB Auto Line)
- Presenting your evidence to an impartial arbitrator
- The manufacturer’s response and counter-evidence
- The arbitrator’s decision (binding on the manufacturer, not the consumer)
If the arbitrator’s decision is unsatisfactory, you can proceed to court. If the manufacturer has no certified program, you may skip this step and proceed directly to litigation.
Step 3 — File a Claim or Lawsuit
If arbitration doesn’t resolve the issue or no arbitration is available, you may file a civil lawsuit. You can recover:
- The full purchase price (minus reasonable use deduction)
- Costs for registration, insurance, and incidental expenses
- Attorney fees if you prevail
- Court costs and interest
Contact the Utah Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section for referrals to attorneys or mediation services specializing in lemon law cases.
Real Situations in Utah
Salt Lake City Transmission Problem: A Salt Lake City resident purchased a new sedan with transmission shifting issues beginning at 7,000 miles. After 4 service visits spanning 10 months, the dealership confirmed the transmission required replacement. The consumer submitted a lemon law notice, and the manufacturer authorized a full vehicle repurchase.
Provo Engine Defect: A Provo buyer’s new truck exhibited engine knock and reduced power output. Documentation showed 4 repair attempts, with mechanics unable to permanently resolve the issue. The manufacturer’s arbitration program awarded a vehicle replacement rather than pursue litigation.
Ogden Electrical System Malfunction: An Ogden resident’s new car suffered from electrical gremlins affecting the climate control and audio systems. Three repair attempts failed to identify the cause; a fourth visit confirmed a defective body control module. The manufacturer agreed to repurchase the vehicle upon receiving formal lemon law notice.
Common Mistakes Utah Lemon Law Buyers Make
- Skipping manufacturer arbitration: If the manufacturer has a certified program, you must attempt arbitration first—proceeding directly to court without arbitration can delay resolution
- Missing the 1-year deadline: Once you exceed 1 year or 12,000 miles, lemon law protection ends—act quickly within the coverage window
- Incomplete service records: Failing to obtain complete documentation from each repair visit weakens your claim significantly
Related Guides
- Lemon Law Guide: What to Do When Your Car Is Defective
- Utah Small Claims Court
- Utah Consumer Protection Laws
- Consumer Rights Guide
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Last reviewed: March 2026.