Iowa’s lemon law is more generous than those of many states, covering vehicles for up to two years or 24,000 miles. The law covers any self-propelled vehicle purchased or leased in Iowa that is designed for transportation on public highways. Vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds are not covered by the statute. Neither are mopeds, motorcycles, or motor homes.

The lemon law was designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles that demonstrate a nonconformity, or defect.

In order to qualify as a lemon under the Iowa law, a vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• It must have been purchased or leased in Iowa.
• It must have a defect which affects the safety, use or value of the vehicle. Problems resulting from abuse, neglect, modification, or unauthorized alteration of the vehicle by the owner do not qualify.
• The manufacturer must be permitted a “reasonable” number of attempts to repair the problem, and the first attempt must be made during the warranty period. The law defines “reasonable” as three or more unsuccessful attempts to repair the problem during the two year warranty period.
• A vehicle will qualify after a single unsuccessful repair attempt if the problem is one that is likely to cause death or serious injury, such as a steering or braking problem.
• Vehicles also qualify if they have been out of service for 20 or more cumulative days during the warranty period due to the nonconformity. This 20 day period may be extended if the manufacturer is unable to complete repairs due to circumstances it cannot control, such as fire, flood, strike or natural disaster.

The law requires that the consumer notify the manufacturer in writing by registered, certified or overnight mail and that the manufacturer be given one more opportunity to repair the problem. 

Should the vehicle qualify, the owner will be required to compensate the manufacturer a “reasonable offset” for use of the vehicle. Once this payment is made, the manufacturer will have 40 days in which to provide the owner’s choice of a replacement vehicle of comparable type, or a refund of the purchase price. If the consumer elects to take the refund, the amount will include all incidental charges, such as taxes, license fees and dealer preparation charges.

Should the manufacturer not comply, the consumer is entitled to relief under the law. If the manufacturer offers an arbitration program that is certified by the state, the owner must enter into arbitration. Said arbitration is not binding upon the consumer, and the consumer retains the right to sue following the arbitration result. A vehicle owner who wins a lemon law case is entitled to either a refund or a suitable replacement vehicle, at the owner’s option. 

Iowa does permit the resale of vehicles that have been returned to the manufacturer as a result of defects. These vehicles must be marked “Salvage” or “Rebuilt” on the title. Sale of such vehicles must include a statement that the vehicle is a returned defective model.

If you are having concerns with your car, truck or minivan, you may find that you need a lawyer. LegalMatch can help find an experienced attorney to help you where you live. Confidentiality is guaranteed, all legal representatives are licensed, and there is no charge to apply.

For more information on the Iowa Lemon Law, see their homepage.