Oregon Lemon Law
Dealing with a Defective Vehicle in Oregon?
If your new vehicle keeps returning to the dealer for the same defect, Oregon’s lemon law may entitle you to a refund or a replacement vehicle — but manufacturers rarely volunteer either. An experienced Oregon lemon law attorney turns your repair history into a documented claim the manufacturer has to answer, on the statute’s timeline instead of the dealership’s.
Our firm was founded by former car-manufacturer defense counsel. We know how automakers evaluate and resist these claims, we handle the notice and filing requirements, and our fees are typically recovered from the manufacturer — not from you.
At a glance
Oregon Lemon Law: Key Facts
Oregon’s New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act, ORS 646A.400 through 646A.418, covering nonconformities that substantially impair the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle.
New passenger vehicles, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motor homes purchased or leased in Oregon for personal, family, or household use, for defects arising within two years or 24,000 miles of delivery.
Three repair attempts for the same nonconformity — fewer than most states — one attempt for a serious safety defect, or 30+ cumulative days out of service (60 for motor homes).
A refund of the purchase price plus collateral charges, or a comparable replacement — less a reasonable use allowance — with attorney’s fees available and treble-damages exposure under Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
How it works
How an Oregon Lemon Law Claim Works
- Repairs begin
You report a covered defect and the dealer attempts warranty repairs during the two-year/24,000-mile coverage period.
- Direct written notice
Oregon’s presumption applies only after the manufacturer receives prior direct written notification and an opportunity to cure. We handle this step.
- Program or court
Oregon does not run a state arbitration program; if the manufacturer has a qualifying certified program and notified you, that comes first — otherwise you may proceed directly to court. We prepare and present the claim.
- Refund or replacement
A successful claim returns the purchase price plus collateral charges (less a use allowance) or a comparable replacement — with attorney’s fees available and UTPA treble-damages leverage.
Oregon presumes a reasonable number of attempts after three repairs for the same nonconformity, one attempt for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, or more than 30 days out of service (60 for motor homes) — within two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Working with counsel
Why Work With an Oregon Lemon Law Attorney
You can file on your own, but manufacturers defend these claims with experienced counsel. Here is what representation adds.
Our founder defended automakers before representing consumers — we know how manufacturers evaluate, delay, and contest Oregon claims.
We build the repair-order timeline that triggers Oregon’s statutory presumption and time the demand around it.
Fee-shifting under state law and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act lets prevailing consumers recover attorney’s fees from the manufacturer. No attorney’s fees unless we recover§; clients may be responsible for certain costs.
From the first demand letter through arbitration or court, your case is managed by our team — you keep driving your life while we handle the claim.
Our story
Founded by Former Car Manufacturer Defense Counsel
Before representing consumers, our founder sat on the manufacturer’s side of these cases — evaluating claims, directing defense strategy, and deciding when automakers would pay. That experience now works for Oregon drivers: we know which repair records matter, how manufacturers value buybacks, and where their defenses break down.
Manufacturers often stall, hoping owners give up. We keep the statutory clock and the paperwork moving toward a resolution. A well-documented repair history and demand are what move a claim toward a repurchase, replacement, or cash settlement.
Outcomes
What an Oregon Lemon Law Claim Can Achieve
A refund of the price you paid plus qualifying charges, less a reasonable allowance for your use of the vehicle.
A comparable replacement vehicle — generally the same year and model with approximately the same mileage — if you prefer to stay in the same model — your election under most state programs.
Prevailing consumers can recover reasonable attorney’s fees from the manufacturer under state fee-shifting and Magnuson-Moss.
Many claims resolve with the driver keeping the vehicle plus a cash payment reflecting its diminished value.
Recent cases
Recent Oregon Lemon Law Cases
A sample of Oregon claims retained by the firm, drawn from case records. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Oregon Lemon Law FAQ
What is the Oregon lemon law?
ORS 646A.400 through 646A.418 requires a manufacturer to refund or replace a new vehicle with a nonconformity that substantially impairs its use, market value, or safety when it is not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.
Do I qualify under the Oregon lemon law?
You may qualify if you purchased or leased a new vehicle in Oregon for personal, family, or household use and the defect arose within two years or 24,000 miles of delivery, whichever came first.
How many repair attempts do I need in Oregon?
Three attempts for the same nonconformity — fewer than many states — one attempt for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, or 30+ cumulative days out of service (60 for motor homes).
Do I have to notify the manufacturer in Oregon?
Yes — the presumption applies only after the manufacturer receives prior direct written notification and an opportunity to cure the defect alleged.
What can I recover under the Oregon lemon law?
A refund of the purchase price plus collateral charges — less a reasonable use allowance — or a comparable replacement. Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act can add treble damages in appropriate cases.
Does Oregon run a state arbitration program?
No — Oregon does not operate a state arbitration program. If a manufacturer has a qualifying certified program and properly notified you, you must use it first; otherwise you may go straight to court.
What is the deadline for an Oregon lemon law claim?
The defect must arise within the two-year/24,000-mile coverage window. Documenting every repair order and giving timely written notice is what wins these cases.
What does an Oregon lemon law case cost?
No attorney’s fees unless we recover; clients may be responsible for certain costs. Oregon law allows prevailing consumers to recover attorney’s fees, and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act adds further fee-shifting leverage.
Official sources: ORS 646A.400 through 646A.418 — Oregon New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act · Oregon Department of Justice — Consumer Protection
Oregon Cities We Serve
Our Oregon lemon law team helps drivers across the state. If you are in the Portland area, visit our local office page:
