Nebraska Lemon Law Guide: Your Rights Under Nebraska Lemon Law

What Is the Nebraska Lemon Law? Nebraska's lemon law is a state statute that gives consumers remedies when a new motor vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer or its authorized dealers cannot repair within a reasonable number of attempts. The law is codified at Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-2701 et seq., and it is intended to ensure that consumers are not saddled with vehicles that fail to conform to the manufacturer's express warranty. The statute outlines definitions, thresholds for establishing a "nonconformity" commonly referred to as a "lemon", required manufacturer dispute procedures, and the remedies available to consumers, including replacement or repurchase of the vehicle. Nebraska's Attorney General enforces consumer protection laws and provides guidance on warranty issues, and consumers may contact the Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for information about dealer and manufacturer obligations: https://ago.nebraska.gov/consumer-protection. For detailed statutory language, consult Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-2701 et seq. at the Nebraska Legislature's website: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-2701. Understanding this law requires paying attention to timing, documentation, and the sequence of notices and repair attempts set out in the statute. The law also interfaces with federal warranty protections such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; see our overview of that federal statute for additional causes of action and remedies: Federal Magnuson-Moss Act/resources/magnuson-moss-warranty-act/. Which Vehicles Qualify Under Nebraska Lemon Law? Nebraska's lemon law applies only to new motor vehicles that are covered by the manufacturer's written express warranty. The coverage period under Nebraska law is limited to the earlier of 12 months from the date of delivery to the consumer or 12,000 miles on the odometer. The statute does not extend to used vehicles unless the vehicle remains covered under the original manufacturer's new-vehicle warranty and the defect arises while the express warranty is in effect. Key qualifying elements include that the vehicle must be sold or leased primarily for personal, family, or household use and that the defect must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Commercial vehicles used predominantly for business may be excluded. Consumers should review their warranty paperwork and the vehicle delivery date to determine whether the vehicle is within the statutory coverage period. For general background on the lemon law concept and how state laws typically operate, see our resource: What Is the Lemon Law?/resources/what-is-the-lemon-law/. If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, consult an attorney listed in the Nebraska attorney directory: Nebraska lemon law attorneys/attorneys/nebraska/. How Many Repair Attempts Are Required in Nebraska? Nebraska's statute specifies thresholds that, if met, create a presumption that the vehicl