How to File a Washington, D.C. Lemon Law Claim

Filing a Washington, D.C. lemon-law claim is a sequence: build the record, notify the manufacturer, submit to the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration, then go to court if needed.

Step 1 — Confirm you qualify

• Covered vehicle — a passenger motor vehicle sold or registered in D.C.; leases covered; motorcycles, RVs/motor homes, and transit buses excluded.
• Substantial impairment of use, value, or safety.
• Within the window — defect reported within 18,000 miles or two years.
• Presumption met — one safety attempt, four general, or 30 days. See the presumption.

Step 2 — Assemble documentation

Gather repair orders, the out-of-service count, safety-defect documentation, and your mileage. Organize them chronologically.

Step 3 — Notify the manufacturer

Report the defect within the window and put the manufacturer on notice. See manufacturer response.

Step 4 — File with the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration

Submit your claim to the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration — the mandatory first forum (§ 50-502, § 50-503). Include your exhibits and request attorney fees.

Step 5 — The hearing and decision

Present your record to the Board. If you prevail, it orders a refund or replacement (your election), minus the 12,000-mile-free-band offset.

Step 6 — Court, if needed

To enforce the decision, or to add a CPPA claim (treble-or-$1,500 + punitive) or Magnuson-Moss, go to court within four years of delivery (§ 50-507). See do I need a lawyer.

Bottom line

Qualify, document, notify, then submit to the Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration — adding the CPPA and Magnuson-Moss in court if needed. Get a free case review.

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