Lemon Law in Montana
If you’re living in Montana and have recently purchased a vehicle, you’re likely feeling the financial strain. As of 2025, the average cost of a new car in the U.S. is approximately $48,699, while Montana’s average used car price stands at $38,943, ranking among the highest in the nation.
Now, imagine investing that much into a vehicle, only to discover it’s plagued with defects that multiple repair attempts can’t fix. In Montana, the law is designed to protect consumers like you from such situations, ensuring that manufacturers are held accountable for defective vehicles.
Don’t let a faulty vehicle drain your finances and peace of mind. If you’re facing persistent issues with a new or used car under warranty, it’s time to explore your rights under Montana’s lemon law. With the right legal guidance, you can seek the compensation or replacement you deserve.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Montana’s lemon law offers important protections when a vehicle turns out to be more trouble than it’s worth. If your car has a defect that affects its use, value, or safety—and the problem isn’t due to anything you did—you may have legal recourse.
The issue must stem from the manufacturer, not the owner. And before lemon law protections kick in, there must be a reasonable number of repair attempts that failed to resolve the problem.
When Do Montana Lemon Laws Apply?
Montana’s lemon law applies to new vehicles, including demonstrator models, and may extend to certified pre-owned cars still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. But federal protections can also apply when your situation meets specific conditions. To bring a valid claim under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, your case should meet the following criteria:
- Multiple Repair Attempts – The manufacturer must have tried more than once to fix the defect without success.
- Early Issues – The defect must have occurred within the first two years of ownership or the vehicle’s original warranty period, whichever comes first.
- Extended Downtime – Your car must have been in the shop for a combined total of at least 30 days. These days don’t have to be consecutive.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
If you’re dealing with a potential lemon in Montana, documenting the right steps can protect your claim and improve your chances of a fair outcome. These best practices help establish a clear record and show that you’ve given the manufacturer a fair shot at resolving the issue.
- Stick with the dealership for repairs – Always bring your vehicle to the authorized dealer or manufacturer service center. If you take it to a neighborhood mechanic instead, you risk undermining your case, since the manufacturer can argue they weren’t allowed to fix the defect.
- Keep a detailed repair log – Track every service visit, including dates, issues reported, and repair attempts. This paper trail is critical if you end up needing to prove your case in court or arbitration.
- Know Montana’s specific limits – Make sure your vehicle and your claim fall within the parameters of the state law.
According to the Montana Department of Justice, lemon law protections apply to new cars, pickup trucks, vans, and motorcycles purchased or leased in-state that are still within the first two years or 18,000 miles—whichever comes first. However, the law does not cover:
- Vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR
- Off-road vehicles
- Vehicles bought primarily for business use
- Non-motorized vehicles (such as trailers)
- The living space portion of RVs and motorhomes
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Montana law, you have the right to either a replacement vehicle or a refund. This legal remedy is intended to make you whole after being sold a defective car, truck, or motorcycle. However, manufacturers are allowed to reduce the payout based on how many miles you drove the vehicle before it became unusable. This is known as a “reasonable use” deduction.
Even with that deduction, you should be compensated for the full financial hit you’ve taken. That includes:
- Your down payment
- Vehicle registration fees
- Sales tax paid at the time of purchase
- Out-of-pocket costs for rental vehicles while yours was inoperable
- Monthly loan payments you made on a defective car
- Any towing charges related to the defect
- Attorney fees and legal costs associated with pursuing your claim
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?
Montana’s lemon law protections only extend to vehicles that are still under warranty—whether they’re brand-new or certified pre-owned. That means if your used car comes with a valid dealership or manufacturer’s warranty, and it starts having serious mechanical problems, you may still qualify for legal remedies.
However, private sales or as-is purchases typically do not fall under Montana’s lemon law protections.
When Should You Hire a Qualified Montana Lemon Law Attorney?
If your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times and the issue still isn’t fixed—or it’s been out of commission for at least 30 days—it might be time to bring in a professional. A qualified Montana lemon law attorney can help you determine if you meet the legal threshold for compensation, assist with communication with the manufacturer, and guide you through arbitration or litigation if needed.
How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?
Navigating a lemon law claim in Montana can be overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with the stress of repeated vehicle issues. But bringing in an experienced Montana lemon law attorney can take the pressure off your shoulders—and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Most reputable attorneys in this area follow a clear process to evaluate and pursue your claim, often at no upfront cost.
Here’s what you can typically expect when working with a lemon law attorney in Montana:
- Free Case Evaluation – An attorney will review your situation at no charge to determine if you have a valid lemon law claim under Montana law.
- Filing the Claim – Once your eligibility is confirmed, your lawyer can handle the paperwork and submit your claim directly to the manufacturer.
- Next Legal Steps – If the manufacturer fails to resolve the issue or denies responsibility, your attorney can move forward by filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
- Pre-Trial Settlement – Many cases are settled before going to court. If this happens, the manufacturer is usually responsible for covering all legal costs.
- Contingency Fee Model – Most lemon law attorneys in Montana work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win. If you don’t prevail, you generally owe nothing.
According to Montana Law Help, dealers and manufacturers may face civil penalties if they violate state lemon law protections or act in bad faith. This includes trying to delay, deflect, or mislead consumers during the complaint process. If you suspect this is happening in your case, a qualified Montana lemon law attorney can help you file with the appropriate local court—typically the Clerk of Justice Court in your area.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Montana
Need answers fast? Our Montana-based attorneys are ready to help you take the next step in your lemon law case. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your legal options or you’re ready to take action, we can connect you with a qualified local attorney who knows how to handle stubborn manufacturers and dealerships.
Do you need immediate help? Then one of our experienced lawyers in Montana can help guide you through the Lemon Law litigation process. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Montana state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
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.
There are still other areas of law in Montana that could affect your case. Check out more details on the other articles on our site.
