Nevada'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 Nevada (NRS 597.600–597.688). 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 for personal or household use, with a defect covered by the maker's express warranty that substantially impairs use and value. It also protects anyone who receives the car while the warranty is still in force. Motor homes and off-road vehicles are excluded.

Rights period: You must report the defect in writing to the manufacturer before the express warranty ends or within 1 year of delivery to the original buyer, whichever comes first (NRS 597.610).

When it is presumed a lemon

Four or more unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service, within the warranty or the first year, whichever comes first (NRS 597.630(2)).

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

The process

If the maker has an informal dispute program that complies with 16 CFR Part 703, you must use it first (NRS 597.620). Nevada has no state arbitration board: after that you go to court, and the suit must be filed within 18 months of original delivery (NRS 597.650). The Attorney General takes consumer complaints online.

Who handles it: Nevada Attorney General — Bureau of Consumer Protection (no hay junta estatal de arbitraje / no state arbitration board).

Hotline: 702-486-3132.

What you get if you win

Replacement with a comparable car of the same model, or refund of the full price with taxes, plates and registration, minus a reasonable allowance for use before the first report (NRS 597.630(1)).

What it does not cover

Defects from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications; motor homes and off-road vehicles; mobile homes and commercial coaches; electric bicycles and electric scooters (motorcycles and trucks of any weight are covered); cars bought for resale; used cars outside the warranty or the original owner's first year.

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 Nevada: Mandatory written disclosure of salvage, rebuilt or reconstructed status (NRS 487.830) and of a Lemon Law buyback (NRS 597.682). Used-car dealers: inspection and written disclosure of engine and drivetrain defects on cars with 75,000 miles or more (NRS 482.36661), and a short written warranty if the dealer has more than three substantiated complaints filed with the DMV in a 12-month period (NRS 482.36662–482.36663: 30 days or 1,000 miles at 75,000 to 80,000 odometer miles, sliding down to 2 days or 100 miles at 100,001 miles or more); complaints go to the DMV Compliance Enforcement Division. Deceptive Trade Practices Act (NRS 598.0915–598.0925) through the Attorney General. An implied warranty exists unless the dealer excludes it in writing with "as is" (NRS 104.2316(3)).