How to File an Indiana Lemon Law Claim

Filing an Indiana Lemon Law claim is structured — documented repair attempts, two distinct written notices (Lemon Law and IDCSA), manufacturer IDS, then court action. The two-notice approach is distinctive to Indiana.

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility

• Vehicle covered: new, GVWR under 10,000 lbs, personal/family/household use.
• Within 18-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period.
• Repair attempts documented (4+ attempts or 30+ business days OOS).

Step 2 — Document repair attempts

See our documenting evidence guide. Critical items:

• Repair orders (printed, with VIN, mileage, complaint, technician notes).
• Loaner / rental receipts (proves OOS days).
• Communications with dealer service manager.
• Photos / videos of defects.

Step 3 — Send Lemon Law § 24-5-13-12 written notice

§ 24-5-13-12 requires written notice to the manufacturer with a final repair opportunity. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested:

Sample notice elements:

[Date]

[Manufacturer’s executive customer relations address]

Re: [Year/Make/Model], VIN […]

I am the consumer of the above-described vehicle, purchased on [date] from [dealer]. The vehicle has been subject to repeated repair attempts for the following nonconformity: [description]. The defect substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle.

Repair attempts: [list dates and ROs].

Pursuant to Ind. Code § 24-5-13-12, I hereby provide written notice of this nonconformity and request a final opportunity for repair within a reasonable time. If the nonconformity is not corrected, I will pursue my rights under § 24-5-13 et seq.

Sincerely, [Consumer name + address]

Step 4 — Send IDCSA § 24-5-0.5-5(a)(2) cure notice

This is distinctive to Indiana. To preserve IDCSA treble damages, send a separate IDCSA cure notice — see our IDCSA cure notice guide.

The cure notice can be sent simultaneously with the Lemon Law notice (different statute, different relief sought).

Step 5 — Manufacturer’s response window

Manufacturer typically has 30 days to respond to the Lemon Law notice AND 30 days to cure under IDCSA. Three scenarios:

• Offers refund/replacement — accept or negotiate (consult an attorney).
• Schedules final repair — bring vehicle in for the final attempt.
• Denies / refuses to cure — proceed to BBB Auto Line / IDS or court action.

Step 6 — File BBB Auto Line (or manufacturer’s certified IDS)

If still unresolved, file with the manufacturer’s certified IDS — typically BBB Auto Line. Required first under § 24-5-13-19 if certified:

• Filing: BBB Auto Line online.
• Filing fee: $0 (manufacturer pays).
• Decision timeline: 40-60 days.

Step 7 — Court action (after IDS)

For cases with IDCSA exposure or after rejecting BBB Auto Line:

• Indiana Circuit / Superior Court — typically county where consumer resides or vehicle was purchased.
• D. Ind. federal court — Magnuson-Moss + diversity jurisdiction (>$50K). N.D. Ind. (Fort Wayne, Hammond, Lafayette, South Bend), S.D. Ind. (Indianapolis, New Albany, Terre Haute, Evansville).

Court action with parallel IDCSA + Magnuson-Moss claims maximizes recovery and fee leverage.

Bottom line

Indiana’s process: document, two distinct notices (Lemon Law + IDCSA cure), BBB Auto Line, then court action. The mandatory § 24-5-13-22 + IDCSA § 24-5-0.5-4(d) + Magnuson-Moss § 2310(d)(2) fees mean attorney representation is typically free out-of-pocket. Get both notices right — the IDCSA cure notice is critical for treble damages.

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