Indiana lemon law

Indiana's Motor Vehicle Protection Act (Ind. Code §24-5-13) gives buyers an 18-month / 18,000-mile coverage window — six months longer than Illinois and Michigan — making it one of the more buyer-friendly Midwestern statutes. A vehicle qualifies after four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same nonconformity, one attempt for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, or 30 cumulative days out of service. The Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division accepts complaints but does not administer arbitration directly; buyers must use the manufacturer's certified informal dispute settlement program (commonly BBB AUTO LINE) where one exists before suing. Successful consumers can recover the contract price, collateral charges, finance charges, incidental damages, and reasonable attorney fees under §24-5-13-21. The clock includes any time the manufacturer extends the original warranty, so document every loaner and rental issued during repairs.

Pricing

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Frequently asked questions

How many repair attempts does Indiana require?

Indiana generally requires 4 attempts for the same substantial defect, or a cumulative 30 days out of service, within first 18 months / 18,000 mi.

Does the Indiana lemon law cover used cars?

No — new vehicles only

What is the deadline to file a Indiana lemon law claim?

You must file an Indiana lemon-law action within two years after the first report of the nonconformity, and the defect itself must first appear inside the 18-month / 18,000-mile term. Indiana courts have dismissed claims where the buyer let the warranty expire before notifying the manufacturer in writing.

Data sources

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