Kentucky'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 Kentucky (KRS 367.840 a 367.846 and 367.860 a 367.870). 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 cars bought or leased in Kentucky by residents, with a defect covered by the written warranty that substantially impairs use, value or safety.

Rights period: The first 12 months or 12,000 miles from delivery, whichever comes first.

When it is presumed a lemon

Four or more repairs of the same problem without a fix, or 30 cumulative calendar days out of service for the same problem, within the period (KRS 367.842(3)). Those 30 days are extended by a reasonable time if the car could not be repaired for lack of parts because of war, civil unrest, fire, flood or natural disaster. You must notify the manufacturer in writing.

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

The process

The manufacturer's dispute resolution program is MANDATORY before court: KRS 367.842(4) says you must go through it first. It is free, and the manufacturer may not refuse your case if the problem arose in the first 2 years or 25,000 miles of your ownership (KRS 367.865(1)(b)), which is wider than the 12-month or 12,000-mile presumption period. The decision ALWAYS binds the manufacturer. It does not bind you, with one important exception: if the manufacturer runs a system that binds both sides and you sign the bold-print warning, you give up going to court. Read what you sign. If it is not resolved, you can sue (KRS 367.843 and KRS 367.220) up to 2 years after original delivery; the judge can order the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees. Any contract clause that takes these rights away is void (KRS 367.842(7)). There is no state arbitration board; the Attorney General enforces the law but does not represent you in your case.

Who handles it: Kentucky Attorney General — Office of Consumer Protection.

Hotline: 888-432-9257 (Consumer Protection hotline) / (502) 696-5389.

What you get if you win

A comparable replacement or a full refund (price, finance charges, taxes, fees and charges), at your choice, minus a reasonable allowance for use.

What it does not cover

Motor homes, motorcycles, mopeds, farm tractors, vehicles with more than 2 axles and vehicles substantially altered after sale; defects from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications. The dealer is not liable under this law.

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 Kentucky: Kentucky has no used-car lemon law and no right to cancel a purchase, not even the same day. The dealer must post the FTC Buyers Guide, which becomes part of the contract and overrides any clause to the contrary; "As Is" means no warranties at all. The FTC rule does not cover motorcycles or private-party sales. Mandatory disclosure of brands such as rebuilt (KRS 186A.530). On the prior owner, be careful: since July 15, 2024 the dealer owes you that information only if the prior owner gave written consent (KRS 190.080(2)(b)); the Attorney General's page still describes the old rule without the exception. A "program car" can be a car the manufacturer bought back as a new-car lemon, and Kentucky puts no buyback brand on the title, so the title will not tell you. The Consumer Protection Act (KRS 367.170 and KRS 367.220) bars deceptive practices, and in some cases you can revoke acceptance under the commercial code (KRS Chapter 355). Complaints go to the Attorney General (888-432-9257) and the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission ((502) 573-1000).