Documenting Evidence for a Montana Lemon Law Claim

Documentation wins Montana lemon-law cases. Because the presumption turns on a clean 4-attempt or 30-business-day record — and the 18,000-mile cap can close the window quickly — contemporaneous records are decisive.

The core record: repair orders

For every dealer visit, keep the repair order showing:

• Date in and date out — for the 30-business-day out-of-service count.
• Your description of the nonconformity — consistent across visits.
• The diagnosis and work performed (or “no problem found”).
• Mileage at each visit — critical, because the warranty period ends at 18,000 miles.

Request a printed copy at every visit. “No problem found” visits count if you reported the defect.

Watch the odometer — the 18,000-mile cap

Montana’s warranty period ends at the earlier of two years or 18,000 miles. In a high-mileage state, the odometer is often the binding clock. Log your mileage at each repair visit and note how fast you’re approaching 18,000 — and build the record (and give notice) before you get there.

Count business days — the 30-day trigger

Track every business day the vehicle is out of service for warranty repair. In rural Montana, parts can take time to arrive across long distances — those days count toward the 30-business-day threshold.

Preserve the written notice

Keep a copy of the written notice of the nonconformity to the manufacturer, and proof of delivery (§ 61-4-502(3)) — it’s a prerequisite to eligibility.

Track the same-nonconformity count

Visit	Date in	Date out	Business days OOS	Mileage	Nonconformity reported	Outcome

Evidence for the CPA

For a Montana CPA claim (actual damages, discretionary treble, discretionary fees), preserve:

• TSBs and recall notices matching your defect.
• Sales/marketing representations.
• Misrepresentation or nondisclosure evidence (prior damage, title, odometer).

Bottom line

In Montana, the presumption turns on a clean 4-attempt or 30-business-day record — and you must reach it before 18,000 miles. Log mileage at every visit, preserve written notice, and keep every repair order. Get a free case review.

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