Lemon Law in Missouri
Does it feel like buying a car in Missouri just keeps getting more expensive?
You’re not imagining things. As of late 2024, the average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. hit $47,542, while used cars are going for an average of $27,177. Missouri drivers are right in the mix, with recent data showing that used car prices here often run higher than the national average.
Maybe you’ve already had that sinking feeling after driving off the lot, wondering if you paid too much or got stuck with a lemon. You’re not alone, and you’re not without recourse.
Take the next step by learning more about Missouri’s lemon law protections. Then, ask us for a referral to a local attorney who knows how to deal with car dealers.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Lemon laws in Mississippi exist to protect car buyers when things go wrong through no fault of their own. If your vehicle has a defect that affects its use, safety, or value—and the issue stems from the manufacturer rather than something you caused—you may be entitled to protection.
But the law doesn’t apply after just one bad repair. The defect must persist despite multiple repair attempts, and the manufacturer must have had a fair shot at fixing the problem.
When Do Missouri Lemon Laws Apply?
Missouri’s lemon law covers new vehicles, including demonstrator models and certain certified pre-owned cars, but only if they’re still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. If your car qualifies, both state and federal laws may protect you—provided your situation meets the required legal conditions.
For a Missouri lemon law claim to move forward, the following must generally apply:
- Repeated Repair Attempts – The manufacturer or its authorized dealer tried multiple times to fix the same defect without success.
- Timely Reporting – The defect occurred and was reported within the first two years of ownership or before the warranty expires, whichever comes first.
- Extended Downtime – Your vehicle was in the shop for 30 or more cumulative days due to the defect, even if those days weren’t consecutive.
These requirements help courts determine whether your situation meets the legal definition of a lemon under Missouri law.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a lemon in Missouri, a few strategic steps can help build a stronger case. The state doesn’t hand out refunds or replacements lightly—documentation and following proper procedures matter. Here’s how you can better position yourself under Missouri’s lemon law protections:
- Stick with the Dealer – Always return your vehicle to the authorized dealership for repairs. This shows that the manufacturer had a fair shot at resolving the issue. If you take it to an independent shop, it could jeopardize your claim.
- Keep a Paper Trail – Maintain copies of all repair orders, service receipts, and written communication. These records are your strongest evidence that the issue persists despite multiple repair attempts.
- Know Missouri’s Requirements – Lemon law rules vary by state. In Missouri, you must report the defect during the warranty period and allow a reasonable number of repair attempts.
According to the Missouri Attorney General, more than 2,000 complaints are filed each year involving auto-related issues, many of which involve recurring mechanical problems.
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
If your vehicle qualifies under Missouri’s lemon law, you may be legally entitled to more than just repairs—you could receive a full refund or a replacement vehicle. The goal is to put you back in the position you were in before the trouble started. However, manufacturers are allowed to subtract a “reasonable use” fee based on how many miles you drove the vehicle before it became defective.
Your total compensation may include reimbursement for:
- Down payment
- Vehicle registration fees
- Sales tax
- Rental car costs incurred while your vehicle was out of service
- Monthly loan or lease payments
- Towing expenses related to the defect
- Attorney’s fees and court costs, if applicable
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?
Missouri’s lemon law does not apply to used vehicles—no matter how frustrating the defect might be. State protections only cover new vehicles that are still within the original manufacturer’s warranty.
When Should You Hire a Qualified Missouri Lemon Law Attorney?
If you’ve taken your car back to the dealership multiple times and the issue still isn’t fixed, it may be time to bring in legal help. Missouri law gives manufacturers a reasonable window to make repairs—but after 30 days out of service, or multiple failed attempts, you shouldn’t be left footing the bill.
How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?
Bringing in a seasoned Missouri lemon law attorney is often the most effective way to level the playing field when a dealership or manufacturer refuses to act in good faith. Legal counsel not only helps clarify your rights but also takes on the burden of communication and documentation—two critical components of a successful claim. If your vehicle qualifies, most Missouri lemon law attorneys follow a consumer-friendly process that includes:
- Free Case Review – A reputable attorney will offer an initial consultation at no cost, evaluating whether your situation falls under Missouri’s lemon law protections.
- Filing the Manufacturer Claim – Once your case is viable, your attorney will handle all communication with the manufacturer, including submitting a formal claim.
- Escalating the Case – If the manufacturer denies your claim, your attorney may file a lawsuit to demand compensation or a replacement under Missouri statutes.
- Pre-Trial Settlement – In many cases, the manufacturer will offer a settlement before trial. This often includes repayment for your expenses and legal costs.
- No-Win, No-Fee Arrangement – If you win, the manufacturer typically pays your attorney’s fees. If you lose, you shouldn’t owe anything out of pocket to your lawyer.
According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 407.567, consumers must give the manufacturer written notice and a final opportunity to fix the defect. If repairs fail, you must file a claim within 18 months of vehicle delivery or 6 months after the warranty ends, whichever comes later.
Work With an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney in Missouri
Need help now? If you’re stuck with a defective vehicle in Missouri, you don’t have to face the legal process alone.
Our network includes experienced Missouri lemon law attorneys who can step in, assess your situation, and guide you every step of the way. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Missouri state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lemon law attorney in Missouri!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
If you still have some urgent questions about your situation, take a look at another area of Missouri law.
