Idaho's lemon law and your rights as a buyer

What the lemon law protects, what it doesn't, and what rights you keep when you buy used. With the state's exact deadlines.

This guide summarizes the recorded scope for Idaho (Idaho Code, título 48, chapter 9 (§§ 48-901 a 48-913)). Eligibility, deadlines and notice requirements depend on the law and applicable coverage; read the state conditions below, including used-vehicle conditions where relevant.

What it covers

New vehicles sold or licensed in Idaho, 12,000 lb or less, with the maker's written warranty, used for personal, family or personal business purposes. It also protects whoever receives the car while the warranty lasts.

Rights period: Whichever comes first: end of the warranty, 2 years from original delivery or 24,000 miles. If you reported the defect within the warranty and it is not fixed, you can seek a refund up to 3 years after delivery.

When it is presumed a lemon

Four or more attempts to fix the same defect; or 30 cumulative business days out of service; or a single failed attempt if the defect is a total brake or steering failure likely to cause death or serious injury. The maker must have received written notice at least once.

The presumption does not replace the other requirements. Check the official conditions and procedure for your situation.

The process

Written notice to the manufacturer (certified mail with return receipt) and one chance to repair. The maker must offer an informal dispute program in Idaho (16 CFR 703); if it requires it, you must use it before going to court. There is no state arbitration board. The program's decision does not bind you unless the parties agree otherwise: either side may remove it to district court for a new trial (trial de novo). If the manufacturer does not challenge it within 30 days of receiving it, the court can confirm the decision at a party's request (§ 48-907). A lawsuit is filed within 3 years of delivery, or 3 months after the program's decision (§ 48-910). If a party challenges in bad faith, the court awards triple damages plus costs and fees (§ 48-908).

Who handles it: Idaho Attorney General — Consumer Protection Division.

Hotline: (800) 432-3545 (en Idaho) · (208) 334-2424.

What you get if you win

A comparable replacement car or a refund of what you paid (including trade-in value), up to 105% of MSRP, plus tax, registration, towing and rental costs, minus a use allowance: miles × price ÷ 120,000.

What it does not cover

Motorcycles, farm tractors, trailers, ATVs and vehicles over 12,000 lb (§ 48-901(7); the Attorney General's manual also lists ATVs); defects that do not impair use or market value; damage from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications; buyer's remorse; and being unable to make the payments. It also does not cover a dealer's false statements: those go under the Consumer Protection Act.

I bought used: what do I have left

More than it seems, even if it isn't the lemon law:

• The Buyers Guide (FTC). The guide states the dealer warranty. "As Is" describes that warranty; it does not by itself resolve other state-law rights or remaining manufacturer coverage. The federal rule applies in 48 states (Maine and Wisconsin have their own equivalent rules). If the sale is conducted in Spanish, the dealer must post a Spanish-language Buyers Guide.
• Remaining manufacturer warranty. Check the warranty contract and its duration and transfer conditions; vehicle age does not guarantee coverage.
• In Idaho: Idaho has no used-car lemon law. You are protected by: the Consumer Protection Act (§ 48-603), which bars lying about mileage or use or selling used as new; Attorney General rules requiring dealers to display the FTC Buyers Guide (IDAPA 04.02.01); the implied warranty, excluded only by words like "as is" (§ 28-2-316); and dealer complaints to ITD (form ITD 3628) plus the ICAR fund for court judgments against licensed dealers.