Idaho Lemon Law The state of Idaho governs how motor vehicles may be replaced by
the manufacturer under lemon law. This law states that a motor vehicle
is subject to replacement by the manufacturer if the vehicle is deemed
a lemon and still under the manufacturer's express warranty.
A refund will include either the full purchasing price or a comparable
replacement vehicle. This is to include the trade-in value but it not
permitted to exceed one hundred five percent of the retail price as
suggested by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has the right to deduct
a charge for the use of the motor vehicle; however this deduction must
be a reasonable amount.
Motor vehicles only qualify as lemons if they meet Idaho's specific
criteria. The criteria includes being licensed or purchased in the
state of Idaho, being under the manufacturer's express warranty, being
a motor vehicle under twelve thousand pounds or fewer, and being used
for family, household, or personal purposes. All other motor vehicles
are excluded.
Lemon laws also can include appliances and consumer goods, such as
trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and computers.
Qualification To qualify as a lemon a motor vehicle must be defective and
require several repair attempts. The defect must alter the value,
safety, or use of the motor vehicle. These normally include break,
engine, or seatbelt problems. Defective radios or paint does not
qualify as a lemon motor vehicle.
Prior to being reported as a lemon a motor vehicle must first go under
a reasonable number of repair attempts. Though the state of Idaho does
not specify what a reasonable number is, it normally includes three to
four attempts. These attempts must be recorded and are required to be
for the same defect.
If the motor vehicle has been out of use for more than thirty days, due
to repairs, the individual is subject to a manufacturer, agent, or
dealer repair. These thirty days do not need to be consecutive and can
be added up while still under the express warranty.
Also to qualify the motor vehicle must still be under the
manufacturer's express warranty. If the vehicle is reported prior to
the express warranty's expiration, the manufacturer, dealer, or agent
is still bound by law to attempt a repair, even if the express warranty
has presently expired.
Repair Attempts
When reported the manufacturer, agent, or dealer is required to make an
attempted repair on the motor vehicle. This repair attempt is required
to restore the motor vehicle to its market standard. If the motor
vehicle cannot be fully repaired to this standard, then the owner is
subject to compensation. All repair attempts by the manufacturer,
agent, or dealer must take place within thirty calendar days.
An attempted repair may also be required if the vehicle is still under
twenty-four thousand miles or within two years of the initial delivery
date. These kinds of claims are more difficult to prove. Compensation
will include all fees and the purchasing price. A replacement vehicle
will be of the same market value as the lemon motor vehicle.