Iowa Lemon Law

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• Definitions and Scope
• Manufacturer’s Duties
• Consumer Remedies
• Informal Dispute Resolution
• Disclosure Requirements
• Consumer Actions
• Legislative Intent
• Summary
• Request Free Case Evaluation

Definitions and Scope

Under I.C.A. § 322G.2, Iowa’s lemon law applies to:

• New motor vehicles purchased or leased in Iowa

• Vehicles used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes

It does not apply to:

• Mopeds

• Motorcycles

• Motor homes

• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 15,000 pounds

A nonconformity is defined as a defect, malfunction, or condition that:

• Fails to conform to the manufacturer’s warranty, and

• Substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety

The definition excludes issues caused by:

• Accidents

• Abuse

• Neglect

• Unauthorized modifications

Manufacturer’s Duties

Under I.C.A. § 322G.2 and § 322G.3:

• Manufacturers must repair nonconformities reported during the lemon law rights period, defined as:

• The duration of the express warranty,

• Two years from the date of delivery, or

• The first 24,000 miles,
  whichever expires first.

Manufacturers must also provide consumers with a written statement at delivery explaining their rights under Iowa’s lemon law.

Consumer Remedies

Under I.C.A. § 322G.4, if the manufacturer cannot repair the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer is entitled to one of the following remedies:

Replacement

A vehicle of comparable value.

Refund

A refund of the purchase price, less a reasonable offset for use.

The consumer has the right to choose between a refund and a replacement.

A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if:

• The same nonconformity has been repaired three times, or

The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 cumulative days.

Informal Dispute Resolution

Under I.C.A. § 322G.6:

• Manufacturers may establish certified informal dispute resolution programs that meet specific state and federal standards.

• Certified programs must issue decisions within 60 days of notification.

Consumers must first use the manufacturer’s certified program before pursuing statutory remedies under the lemon law.

Disclosure Requirements

Under Iowa Admin. Code 61-30.3(322G):

• Vehicles returned under Iowa’s lemon law must include written disclosure of the nature of the nonconformity.

This disclosure must be provided to subsequent buyers or lessees on a separate sheet of paper printed in uppercase letters.

Consumer Actions

Under I.C.A. § 322G.8:

• Consumers may file an action in district court if the manufacturer fails to comply with the lemon law or a certified dispute program’s decision.

• A prevailing consumer is entitled to:

• Pecuniary losses

• Attorney’s fees

• Court costs

Legislative Intent

Under I.C.A. § 322G.1, Iowa’s lemon law is intended to:

• Ensure warranty complaints are resolved in good faith, and
• Provide statutory procedures for consumers to obtain:
• A replacement vehicle, or
• A refund

when a vehicle cannot be brought into conformity with its warranty.

Summary

• Iowa’s lemon law provides protections through:

  • Clear definitions of covered vehicles and nonconformities

  • Manufacturer repair obligations during a defined rights period

  • Replacement or refund remedies

  • Mandatory dispute resolution program participation

  • Strict disclosure requirements for resold vehicles

  • Enforcement rights in district court

If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon under Iowa law, contact Auto Lemon Lawyer today for guidance.