Idaho’s lemon law covers vehicles that have been purchased within the state under the following conditions:

• The vehicle was purchased or licensed within the state of Idaho
• The vehicle weighs no more than 12,000 pound.
• The vehicle is used primarily for personal, family or household purposes.

The statute covers vehicles for up to two years or 24,000 miles, or the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever is shorter. It is therefore important for those purchasing new vehicles to determine the length of the manufacturer’s warranty immediately after purchase.

As with the law of most states, the manufacturer is allowed a “reasonable” number of attempts to repair a nonconformity that affects the value, use, or safety of the vehicle. Idaho defines “reasonable” as four or more attempts to repair the problem during the warranty period. Alternatively, the vehicle may qualify if the repairs keep the vehicle out of service for 30 or more days for repair of the same problem or if the nonconformity results in the complete failure of the steering system or braking system and the failure of such would result in death or serious bodily injury to the owner and or passengers.

Idaho requires that all manufacturers licensed to do business within the state offer an arbitration program for handling defective vehicle cases. The law does not specify that arbitration should be mandatory for the vehicle owner in disputes; that discretion is left up to the manufacturer. In other words, arbitration is required only if the manufacturer says so.

The results of an arbitration hearing are not binding unless both parties agree to it. In fact, unlike the laws of most other states, Idaho’s law does not even require that the manufacturer be bound by the arbitration result. Either party, should they be unhappy with the result, may elect to sue the other in court. Advice of an experienced lemon law attorney is recommended.

Idaho’s law allows for the vehicle owner to receive either a full refund or a suitable replacement vehicle, at the owner’s option. The refund will include the full purchase price of the vehicle, subject to a reasonable allowance for prior use. The refund must also include sales tax, license and registration fees, and reimbursement for rental car or towing expenses, if any.

While leased vehicles are protected by the lemon law, owners are entitled to a refund only and do not have the option of a replacement vehicle.

The state urges all owners of problem vehicles to keep detailed records of sales receipts, purchase agreements or lease agreements, warranties, repair invoices and all communication with the manufacturer of the vehicle. These documents will be necessary in order to pursue your case, either in front of an arbitrator or in court. Owners are required to contact the manufacturer by certified letter of their intent to pursue relief via the New Motor Vehicle Warranties statute .

If you are going through problems with your automobile, truck or van, you may find that you need the aid of a competent lawyer. LegalMatch can help locate an experienced attorney near your home. Confidentiality is protected, all legal representatives are licensed, and there is no charge to apply.