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Connecticut Lemon Law Program

Purchasing a new car is a big investment, and sometimes things can go wrong even when you do everything right. Connecticut’s Lemon Law Arbitration Program may be able to assist you if your car was purchased in Connecticut and has serious defects.

The Lemon Law helps owners of defective vehicles at or under 2 years old with a mileage of 24,000 or less. The Lemon Law program has returned more than $60 million in refunds and replacement vehicles to Connecticut consumers. 

The Lemon Law covers vehicles that are registered as “passenger,” “combination” or “motorcycle” that are bought or leased new in Connecticut.

DCP can help you:

  • Understand the Lemon Law Program requirements and application process
  • Prepare for an arbitration hearing
  • Find additional resources

Eligibility Tool

The Lemon Law covers vehicles purchased new in Connecticut at or under 2 years old or with a mileage of 24,000 or less. Take our quiz to find out if you might qualify.
Take the quiz now.  

Requirements and Application

Before you apply, make sure you understand the Lemon Law program requirements and application process.
Apply now.  
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Prepare for Arbitration

Preparing for an arbitration hearing can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Learn more about preparing for the process.
Lemon Law Application Process  
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Additional Resources for Consumers

More resources for owning a car.
More Resources for Car Owners  

Consumer FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions for consumers.
  • My vehicle meets the definition of a “Lemon” and my case has been accepted for arbitration. Do I automatically get a refund or replacement vehicle? 
  • When can I expect an arbitration decision? 
  • What if I’m dissatisfied with the arbitration decision? 
  • When can I expect the manufacturer to comply with an arbitration award? 

Lemon law Statisticcs

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Lemon Law Decisions
View past Lemon Law arbitration decisions.

For Dealerships


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Dealer Requirements

Understand what dealerships are required to do to be in compliance with the law.

Dealer FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions for car dealerships.
  • Do I impose the surcharge on a new car or motorcycle that is purchased by another dealership, since they will be using it with their "dealer" plates until they can sell it to a consumer? 
  • If I sell a fleet of cars to a non-profit organization, is the sale subject to the surcharge? 
  • We sell passenger cars and / or motorcycles to consumers who live in other states and register and/or use their vehicles in those states. Do we have to impose the surcharge on these purchases? 
  • What type of vehicles are subject to the $3 fee?