When Is a Car a Lemon in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's thresholds — 3 same-defect repairs or 30 business days out of service, within the warranty-plus-one-year protected period.
A vehicle qualifies as a “lemon” under New Hampshire’s Lemon Law when a covered defect substantially impairs its use, market value, or safety and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts.
The thresholds
| Test | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Same defect, repair attempts | 3 or more |
| Cumulative business days out of service | 30 or more |
PLUS:
- Within the protected period — the express-warranty term plus one year.
- Documented by same-dealer repair orders (unless good cause to switch).
No one-attempt safety rule
Unlike Maine and Idaho, New Hampshire has no reduced threshold for serious safety defects — even a brake or steering failure must reach 3 attempts or 30 business days. A safety defect still strengthens the case (and supports a CPA theory). See repair-attempt presumption.
What counts as a repair attempt
- Vehicle was at an authorized dealer, with a repair order (ideally the same dealer).
- You reported the defect (“no problem found” counts).
- The same defect persists.
- Independent shops and routine maintenance don’t count.
What’s covered
Cars and light trucks ≤11,000 lbs, plus motorcycles, OHRVs, and snowmobiles — a broad list (mopeds and tractors excluded). See vehicle types.
Bottom line
Three same-defect repairs or 30 business days out of service — within the warranty-plus-one-year period, with same-dealer repair orders — and you likely qualify under New Hampshire’s Lemon Law. Get a free case review.
Related
Do I Need a Lawyer for a New Hampshire Lemon Law Claim?
Whether you need an attorney for a New Hampshire lemon-law claim — the Arbitration Board allows self-representation, but CPA actions (mandatory fees + treble damages) often warrant counsel.
Read → ArticleHow Long Do I Have to File a New Hampshire Lemon Law Claim?
New Hampshire's deadlines — the one-year filing window (RSA 357-D:11), the 40-day hearing and 30-day decision, the narrow 30-day appeal, and the CPA and Magnuson-Moss clocks.
Read → ArticleHow Much Does a New Hampshire Lemon Law Claim Cost?
What a New Hampshire lemon-law claim costs — the Arbitration Board is low-cost, and CPA fees are mandatory for prevailing consumers, with treble damages available.
Read → ArticleWhat If the Manufacturer Denied My New Hampshire Lemon Law Claim?
What to do when a manufacturer denies a New Hampshire lemon-law claim — common defenses, the Arbitration Board, and the CPA per se violation for defying a Board decision.
Read → ArticleAre Used Vehicles Covered Under the New Hampshire Lemon Law?
How used vehicles are covered in New Hampshire — the original-warranty route, plus the CPA (treble + mandatory fees) and Magnuson-Moss for misrepresentation and concealed rust.
Read → ArticleWhich Repair Shop Should I Use for a New Hampshire Lemon Law Claim?
Why you must use an authorized dealer for repairs to count toward New Hampshire's lemon-law presumption — and why the same-dealer rule matters.
Read →Think you've got a lemon?
Compare your situation to your state's requirements — and connect with a vetted lemon-law attorney for a free case review.