What is the coverage period for New Mexico's lemon law?

New Mexico's lemon law covers defects that occur within one year following the vehicle's delivery date or within the manufacturer's express warranty period, whichever is earlier.

How many repair attempts are required in New Mexico?

Four or more repair attempts for the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more business days. For serious safety defects, only one repair attempt may be required.

Does New Mexico require arbitration?

Yes, New Mexico requires consumers to first participate in the manufacturer's informal dispute resolution program if one exists before filing a lawsuit.

What vehicles are covered under New Mexico's lemon law?

New motor vehicles primarily designed for personal, family, or household use, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs. The law also covers the chassis and drivetrain of motor homes.

New Mexico Lemon Law Guide - Bad Car Lawyers

New Mexico Lemon Law Overview

New Mexico's lemon law, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to be defective. It requires manufacturers to replace or repurchase vehicles that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

Key Features

Applies to new vehicles purchased or leased in New Mexico
Coverage extends for 1 year or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)
Applies to serious defects affecting use or market value
Requires 4+ repair attempts or 30 cumulative days out of service

Qualification Requirements

Your Vehicle Qualifies If:

The defect occurs within 1 year or 12,000 miles of delivery
The issue substantially impairs the use or market value
The manufacturer had 4 or more attempts to fix the issue, or
The vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative days

Important Timeframes

Coverage Period

The lemon law applies within 1 year or 12,000 miles from delivery—whichever comes first.

Repair Attempts

4 or more attempts to fix the same defect, OR
Vehicle is out of service for 30+ days total

Note: Still under warranty? Even if you're outside the usual mileage or time limits, you may still qualify for lemon law protection if the issue occurred during the manufacturer's warranty period. It's worth getting a free case review.

Available Remedies

Repurchase

Refund minus usage-based mileage deduction

Replacement

A comparable new vehicle of equal value

Legal Costs

If you win, the manufacturer may be responsible for your attorney's fees

New Mexico Lemon Law Process

1. Gather Documentation

Keep repair orders and service history
Log days out of service and communications with the dealer

2. Make a Final Repair Attempt

Give the manufacturer one last chance to fix the defect

3. File a Claim

File a lemon law claim with help from an attorney
Pursue arbitration or legal action if needed

New Mexico Lemon Law FAQs

Does New Mexico Lemon Law apply to used cars?

No. It only applies to new vehicles that are still under the manufacturer's original warranty and meet the time and mileage requirements.

Are leased vehicles covered?

Yes. New vehicles leased in New Mexico are eligible for lemon law protection.

Is arbitration required?

No, but it may be available through the manufacturer. You can also choose to file in court.

Can I recover attorney's fees?

Yes, if you win your case, the law allows you to recover reasonable legal costs.

Manufacturer-Specific Information

We've helped consumers across New Mexico file claims against top auto manufacturers:

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New Mexico Lemon Law

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