Montana Lemon Law
WHAT IS MONTANA'S LEMON LAW?
The "New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act" of
Montana is a state law administered by the
Montana Department of Commerce. This law,
when applicable, aids consumers in obtaining
repurchase, replacement or repair of their new
vehicle when repeated attempts at repair are
unsuccessful. This law applies to a vehicle that
is less than two years old and with 18,000 miles
or less on its odometer.
WHAT VEHICLES DOES THE LEMON LAW
COVER?
The Lemon Law covers new or demonstrator
motor vehicles, including trucks of 10,000 lbs. or
less gross vehicle weight that are purchased or
leased in Montana.
WHAT VEHICLES ARE NOT COVERED?
Trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW, non-motorized
and off-road vehicles, motorcycles and the
"residential" portion of motorhomes are not
covered under the Montana Lemon Law. It also
does not apply to any normally eligible vehicle
that is past its second year of ownership or
driven more than 18,000 miles whichever comes
first. The Lemon Law does not cover defects
resulting from accident, abuse, neglect,
modification or alteration by anyone other than
the manufacturer or authorized dealer. Used
cars are not covered.
WHAT DEFECTS ARE COVERED?
Substantial defects that impair the use, market
value or safety of the vehicle may be covered.
Minor or trivial defects in appearance, structure
or performance are not covered by the "Lemon
Law."
HOW DO I PROVE I HAVE A LEMON?
Be prepared to produce:
1. All purchase (or lease) documents
2. All maintenance records
3. All repair orders
4. Receipt for maintenance supplies
5. Certified letter of notification to the
manufacturer (copy)
6. Any and all other documents relating to the
defect
HOW DO I OBTAIN A REFUND OR
REPLACEMENT IF I HAVE A LEMON?
If you think you are entitled to a refund or
replacement and your manufacturer is unwilling
to provide either remedy, you must first submit
your dispute to a state-certified dispute
settlement program approved by the Montana
Department of Commerce. Contact:
Montana Department of Commerce
New Motor Vehicle Warranties Administrator
1424 9th Avenue
PO Box 200501
Helena MT 59620-0501
Or call (406) 444-1588
