Utah Lemon Law rules at a glance
The Utah New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (Lemon Law) is Utah Code §§ 13-20-1 to 13-20-8.
| Rule | What Utah law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Utah Code §§ 13-20-1 to 13-20-8 | Utah Code § 13-20-1 |
| Vehicles covered | Motor vehicles sold in Utah; Motorcycles designed mainly for paved highways; The self-propelled vehicle and chassis of motor homes | |
| Not covered | Living, office or commercial areas of motor homes; Road and truck tractors, mobile homes; Vehicles over 14,000 lbs (except motor homes and farm tractors); Off-road motorcycles, e-bikes, mopeds and motor-assisted scooters | |
| Protection window | The express warranty term or 1 year from original delivery, whichever is earlier | Utah Code §§ 13-20-3, 13-20-5 |
| Four Repairs Test | The same defect was repaired 4 or more times and continues | § 13-20-5(1)(a) |
| 30 Business Days Test | Out of service because of repair a cumulative total of 30 or more business days (business days) | § 13-20-5(1)(b) |
| Written notice | Report the defect to the manufacturer, its agent or its dealer during the warranty or the first year, whichever is earlier. The chapter does not require a separate written notice for the presumption. | Utah Code §§ 13-20-3, 13-20-6 |
| Dispute program first? | If the manufacturer has an informal dispute procedure complying with FTC Rule 703, you must use it before the refund or replacement provisions apply (§ 13-20-7). A consumer may sue only after the Division of Consumer Protection has investigated and evaluated the claim. | |
| Deadline | Utah’s New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act does not set its own filing deadline. Other time limits still apply, so act promptly and contact the Division of Consumer Protection | Utah Code ch. 13-20 |
| Usage deduction | Utah deducts the use directly attributable to you before your first report of the defect and while the vehicle was not out of service. The act sets no mileage formula (§ 13-20-4(2)). |
Four repairs or 30 business days in Utah
Utah presumes a reasonable number of attempts when, within the express warranty or the first year after delivery (whichever is earlier):
Four Repairs Test
The same defect was repaired 4 or more times and continues.
§ 13-20-5(1)(a)30 Business Days Test
Out of service because of repair a cumulative total of 30 or more business days.
§ 13-20-5(1)(b)The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, market value or safety.
Notice to the manufacturer in Utah
Report the defect to the manufacturer, its agent or its dealer during the warranty or the first year, whichever is earlier. The chapter does not require a separate written notice for the presumption.
Dispute program first. If the manufacturer has an informal dispute procedure complying with FTC Rule 703, you must use it before the refund or replacement provisions apply (§ 13-20-7). A consumer may sue only after the Division of Consumer Protection has investigated and evaluated the claim.
The Division of Consumer Protection can also enforce the Act itself (§ 13-20-6).
Is there a Utah lemon law deadline?
Utah’s New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act does not set its own filing deadline. Other time limits still apply, so act promptly and contact the Division of Consumer Protection (Utah Code ch. 13-20).
| 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 |
| Filing deadline | Not set in the chapter | Utah’s New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act does not set its own filing deadline. Other time limits still apply, so act promptly and contact the Division of Consumer Protection |
How to file an Utah lemon law claim
- Report each defect within the warranty or the first yearTo the manufacturer, its agent or dealer.
- Keep every repair orderThey prove the 4 repairs or the 30 business days.
- Contact the Division of Consumer ProtectionIt must investigate and evaluate your claim before you can sue.
- Use the manufacturer’s dispute procedure if it has oneRequired before the refund or replacement provisions apply.
- Go to court if neededThe court may award attorney fees to the prevailing party.
Refund, replacement and the Utah deduction for use
| Remedy | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Replacement | A comparable new motor vehicle. |
| Refund | The full purchase price including all collateral charges, less a reasonable allowance for use. |
Utah deducts the use directly attributable to you before your first report of the defect and while the vehicle was not out of service. The act sets no mileage formula (§ 13-20-4(2)).
The Utah Division of Consumer Protection’s role
| Step | Who | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation and evaluation | Division of Consumer Protection | Required before a consumer can sue |
| Dispute procedure | Manufacturer | Required first if it complies with FTC Rule 703 |
| Lawsuit | You | After the Division has evaluated the claim; attorney fees to the prevailing party |
| Enforcement | Division of Consumer Protection | Can enforce the Act on its own |
Vehicles Utah covers
| Vehicle | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicles sold in Utah | Yes |
| Motorcycles designed mainly for paved highways | Yes |
| Motor homes | The self-propelled vehicle and chassis only |
| Off-road motorcycles, e-bikes, mopeds and motor-assisted scooters | No |
| Vehicles over 14,000 lbs (other than motor homes and farm tractors) | No |
Used cars and Utah’s Lemon Law
Utah defines the consumer as someone who acquires a new motor vehicle. Utah’s Lemon Law covers new motor vehicles only.
Utah defines the consumer as someone who acquires a new motor vehicle, so used-car buyers rely on any remaining warranty and federal Magnuson-Moss law.
To test your own dates and repair visits, run your Utah repair dates through our checker.
Utah Lemon Law FAQs
What qualifies as a lemon in Utah?
A new vehicle with a defect that substantially impairs its use, market value or safety, not fixed after 4 repairs or 30 business days out of service within the warranty or the first year.
Do I need the state to review my Utah lemon law claim?
Yes. A consumer may sue only after the Division of Consumer Protection has investigated and evaluated the claim.
How long do I have to file a lemon law claim in Utah?
The Act does not set its own deadline, but other time limits apply. Contact the Division of Consumer Protection promptly.
Does the Utah lemon law cover motorcycles?
Yes, if the motorcycle is designed mainly for paved highways. Off-road motorcycles are excluded.
Does the Utah lemon law cover used cars?
No. It covers consumers who acquire a new motor vehicle.
Sources
Checked on October 13, 2026. We re-verify Utah rules when the legislature, the courts or the agency change them. Read how we check every rule in our editorial policy.