Kentucky Lemon Law rules at a glance
The Kentucky Lemon Law is KRS 367.840 to 367.846; 367.860 to 367.870.
| Rule | What Kentucky law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | KRS 367.840 to 367.846; 367.860 to 367.870 | KRS 367.840 |
| Vehicles covered | New self-propelled vehicles bought or leased in Kentucky by a resident and required to be registered for highway use; Leased vehicles (leased after July 15, 1998) | |
| Not covered | Motor homes; Motorcycles; Mopeds; Farm tractors and farm machines; Vehicles with more than two axles; Vehicles substantially altered after the first sale | |
| Protection window | The first 12,000 miles or 12 months after delivery, whichever is earlier | KRS 367.842(1), (3) |
| Four Repairs Test | The same defect was repaired 4 or more times and continues; you must report the defect to the manufacturer in writing | KRS 367.842(1), (3)(a) |
| 30 Days Out of Service Test | Out of service for repair of the same defect a cumulative total of at least 30 calendar days | KRS 367.842(3)(b) |
| Written notice | If the manufacturer cannot repair the defect within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months, report the defect to the manufacturer in writing. | KRS 367.842(1) |
| Dispute program first? | Disputes over a refund or replacement must go through the manufacturer’s dispute resolution system (KRS 367.860–367.870 or FTC Rule 703) before you sue. That system is free to you, must offer an oral hearing, and binds the manufacturer but not you unless you sign a binding agreement. | |
| Deadline | Start an action within 2 years after the date of original delivery | KRS 367.842(8) |
| Usage deduction | Kentucky deducts the amount directly attributable to your use of the vehicle, other than periods when it was out of service for the defect. The statute gives no fixed formula (KRS 367.841(7)). |
Four repairs or 30 days in Kentucky
Kentucky presumes a reasonable number of attempts when, within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months after delivery (whichever is earlier):
Four Repairs Test
The same defect was repaired 4 or more times and continues; you must report the defect to the manufacturer in writing.
KRS 367.842(1), (3)(a)30 Days Out of Service Test
Out of service for repair of the same defect a cumulative total of at least 30 calendar days.
KRS 367.842(3)(b)The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value or safety. The 30 days must be for repair of the same defect.
Notice to the manufacturer in Kentucky
If the manufacturer cannot repair the defect within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months, report the defect to the manufacturer in writing.
In Kentucky you must report the defect to the manufacturer in writing.
Dispute program first. Disputes over a refund or replacement must go through the manufacturer’s dispute resolution system (KRS 367.860–367.870 or FTC Rule 703) before you sue. That system is free to you, must offer an oral hearing, and binds the manufacturer but not you unless you sign a binding agreement.
Disputes over a refund or replacement must then go through the manufacturer’s dispute resolution system before you can sue (KRS 367.842(4)).
Kentucky’s 2-year deadline
Start an action within 2 years after the date of original delivery (KRS 367.842(8)).
| Event | Date | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle delivered | Mar 15, 2025 | The protection window starts |
| Protection window ends | March 15, 2026 | Repairs after this date do not count toward the tests |
| Sue by | March 15, 2027 | Start an action within 2 years after the date of original delivery |
Two years from delivery is one of the shorter limits in our verified states, and the dispute system must come first, so start early.
How to file a Kentucky lemon law claim
- Keep every repair orderThey prove the 4 repairs or the 30 days for the same defect.
- Report the defect to the manufacturer in writingKRS 367.842(1) requires it.
- Submit the dispute to the manufacturer’s systemIt must be free, offer an oral hearing and bind the manufacturer.
- Choose refund or replacementThe choice is yours under KRS 367.842(2).
- Sue within 2 yearsFrom original delivery. A court may award attorney fees to a buyer who wins.
Refund, replacement and the Kentucky deduction for use
| Remedy | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Replacement | A comparable vehicle, at your option. |
| Refund | The full purchase price: the amount paid, finance charges, sales tax, license and registration fees and similar charges, plus collateral charges, less a reasonable allowance for use. |
Kentucky deducts the amount directly attributable to your use of the vehicle, other than periods when it was out of service for the defect. The statute gives no fixed formula (KRS 367.841(7)).
Kentucky’s free dispute resolution system
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Cost to you | None |
| Coverage | Disputes arising in the first 2 years or 25,000 miles of your ownership |
| Hearing | An oral hearing, unless you agree in writing to a decision on documents |
| Panel | At least 51% of members with no involvement in making, distributing or selling vehicles |
| Binding? | Binds the manufacturer; binds you only if you sign a bold-type disclosure agreeing to it |
| Oversight | The Attorney General can monitor each system and review its records |
Read any agreement before signing. A system made binding on both sides means a court will normally refuse to rehear the facts.
Which vehicles Kentucky covers
| Vehicle | Covered? |
|---|---|
| New vehicles bought by a Kentucky resident | Yes |
| New vehicles leased after July 15, 1998 | Yes |
| Motorcycles, mopeds and motor homes | No |
| Farm tractors and farm machines | No |
| Vehicles with more than two axles | No |
| Vehicles substantially altered after the first sale | No |
Used cars and Kentucky’s Lemon Law
Kentucky’s Lemon Law protects the resident buyer of a new motor vehicle. Kentucky’s Lemon Law covers new motor vehicles only.
Kentucky’s Lemon Law protects the resident buyer or lessee of a new motor vehicle, so it does not cover used cars. The remaining factory warranty and federal Magnuson-Moss law still apply.
To test your own dates and repair visits, test your Kentucky repair dates in our checker.
Kentucky Lemon Law FAQs
What qualifies as a lemon in Kentucky?
A new vehicle with a defect that substantially impairs its use, value or safety, not fixed after 4 repairs or 30 calendar days out of service for the same defect, within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles.
How long do I have to file a lemon law claim in Kentucky?
Within 2 years after the date of original delivery (KRS 367.842(8)).
Does the Kentucky lemon law cover used cars?
No. It protects the resident buyer or lessee of a new motor vehicle.
Does the Kentucky lemon law cover motorcycles?
No. Motorcycles, mopeds and motor homes are excluded from the definition of motor vehicle.
Is lemon law arbitration free in Kentucky?
Yes. The manufacturer’s dispute resolution system must operate at no cost to the buyer.
Sources
Checked on October 13, 2026. We re-verify Kentucky rules when the legislature, the courts or the agency change them. Read how we check every rule in our editorial policy.