Many states have laws with remedies for consumers who have purchased vehicles with repeated problems or defects. These laws are often referred to as "lemon laws." Lemon laws typically apply to new vehicles, but they may also apply to used vehicles that are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

The Texas lemon law

The Texas "lemon law" starts at Section 2301.601 of the Texas Occupations Code. This subchapter requires manufacturers to repurchase, replace, or repair vehicles under warranty that have serious defects.

The manufacturer or dealer must have made a “reasonable” number of attempts to address the issue. Requirements for what constitutes a reasonable number of attempts are in Section 2301.605 of the Texas Occupations Code.

Who can I contact?

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces this law. You can find an overview of their process for helping consumers and an explanation of deadlines and requirements on their website.  

To help consumers, the DMV has set up an assistance hotline at (888) 368-4689 or (512) 416-4800.

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