When Is a Car a Lemon in Indiana?

A car is a “lemon” under Indiana law (§ 24-5-13) when:

1. The vehicle has a nonconformity that substantially impairs its use, market value, or safety.
2. The defect has not been fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
3. The thresholds are met within the 18-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period.

The two thresholds

Under § 24-5-13-15:

• 4 or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, OR
• 30 or more cumulative business days out of service.

The business-day OOS counting is more consumer-favorable than calendar-day jurisdictions.

See our repair-attempt presumption article.

What “substantially impair” means

Indiana courts interpret “substantially impair” broadly:

• Use — the vehicle can’t be driven safely or reliably.
• Market value — the defect significantly diminishes resale value.
• Safety — the defect creates a safety risk.

A defect can qualify on any one of these prongs.

Examples that qualify

• Transmission shudders / slips repeatedly (Subaru CVT, Honda CVT, Ford 10R80).
• Engine stalls in traffic.
• Brakes fail / pulse violently.
• Electrical warning lights / phantom drain.
• Steering wander or EPS failure (death wobble in pickups).
• Infotainment locks up.
• EV charging won’t work.
• Battery degradation beyond manufacturer’s curve.
• Honda 1.5L oil dilution.

Examples that typically DON’T qualify

• Cosmetic issues.
• Wear items (tires, brake pads after normal use).
• Consumer-modified parts.
• Issues outside the 18-month / 18,000-mile Period.
• Damage from tornado/hail (IN exposure).

The written notice requirement

§ 24-5-13-12 requires written notice to the manufacturer with a final repair opportunity. See our how to file guide.

For IDCSA treble damages, also send a separate IDCSA cure notice under § 24-5-0.5-5(a)(2).

Bottom line

If your IN vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs use, market value, or safety AND has been to the manufacturer’s authorized dealer 4+ times OR 30+ business days OOS within the 18-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period, you likely have a Lemon Law case.

Related

Article

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Indiana Lemon Law Claim?

BBB Auto Line is consumer-friendly without counsel; court action with IDCSA requires representation. Mandatory fees make either path no-cost.

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How Long Do I Have to File an Indiana Lemon Law Claim?

Indiana's 18-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period + 2-year IDCSA SOL + 4-year Magnuson-Moss / UCC backstop.

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How Much Does an Indiana Lemon Law Claim Cost?

Indiana Lemon Law costs — $0 BBB Auto Line; court action with mandatory triple fee shifting typically zero out-of-pocket.

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The Manufacturer Denied My Indiana Lemon Law Claim — Now What?

What to do when the manufacturer denies your claim — proceed to BBB Auto Line or court action with IDCSA + Magnuson-Moss.

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Are Used Vehicles Covered Under Indiana Lemon Law?

No — Indiana's § 24-5-13 Lemon Law does not cover used vehicles. Magnuson-Moss, IDCSA, and UCC remain available.

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Does It Matter Which Repair Shop I Use in Indiana?

Yes — Indiana Lemon Law requires repairs at a manufacturer-authorized service facility.

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