Bought a new car in DFW that's constantly in the shop? Texas has a lemon law and it works.
Texas Lemon Law (Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2301):
Covers new vehicles purchased or leased in Texas that develop defects within the warranty period.
Qualification criteria:
- The vehicle has a defect covered by the manufacturer's warranty
- You've given the dealer a reasonable number of repair attempts (generally 4+ for the same issue, or 2+ for a serious safety defect, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30+ cumulative days)
- The defect substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety
The process:
- Document everything. Every repair visit: date, mileage, complaint, what was done, invoice.
- File a complaint with TxDMV: txdmv.gov/motorists/consumer-protection/lemon-law. Filing is FREE.
- TxDMV assigns a mediator. They attempt to resolve the dispute between you and the manufacturer.
- If mediation fails, a hearing is scheduled. A TxDMV examiner hears both sides and issues a binding decision.
- Remedies: Replacement vehicle, full refund (minus a reasonable allowance for use), or manufacturer-funded repair.
Key tips:
- Keep every single repair order and invoice
- Document the defect with photos and video if possible
- The law covers the warranty period (typically 3 years/36,000 miles or whatever the manufacturer warrants)
- You do NOT need an attorney (but one can help for complex cases)
Used car note: Texas lemon law does NOT cover used cars. For used cars, your remedies are: dealer warranty if applicable, DTPA (Deceptive Trade Practices Act) if the dealer misrepresented the vehicle, or Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal) if a written warranty was provided.
Sources:
- Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2301 (Lemon Law)
- TxDMV — Lemon Law complaint process (txdmv.gov)
- Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) — Business and Commerce Code Chapter 17
Document every repair visit. That paper trail IS your case.