State lemon law · checked October 23, 2026

North Dakota lemon law

Verified against the statute / official state publicationN.D.C.C. §§51-07-16–51-07-22

The short version

6 months after the earlier clock — one of the shortest fuses in the country.
The deduction can never exceed 10 cents a mile.
Choosing the lemon law closes other doors (§51-07-20). Read that twice.

The presumption — North Dakota's numbers

Presumption window	The window is the earlier of the warranty term or 1 year after delivery.
Same defect	4+ repair attempts
Days out of service	30+ business days — 30 or more BUSINESS days out of service.

The presumption is the set of numbers that shifts the burden to the manufacturer. A claim can exist outside the presumption — it is a shortcut, not the whole road. Read why.

The buyback — North Dakota's formula

The reasonable allowance for use may not exceed $0.10 per mile.

Notice and procedure

The presumption does not apply unless the manufacturer received prior direct notification and an opportunity to cure the defect (§51-07-19(3)).

Dispute route: If the manufacturer has an informal dispute settlement process, you must use it first (§51-07-18).

Attorney's fees: The North Dakota lemon statute does not specifically authorize attorney's fees (the federal Magnuson-Moss Act does).

Your deadline

An action must be commenced within 6 months after the earlier of the warranty expiring or 18 months after delivery (§51-07-21). Electing the lemon law forecloses other remedies on the same facts (§51-07-20).

Who and what is covered

New vehicles	Covered
Leased vehicles	Covered
Used vehicles	Not covered
Motorcycles	Covered in defined situations — see notes
RV / motor home	Covered — chassis / powertrain only

Motorcycle coverage is one of the four undecided cells in the national census — the checker scores motorcycles with that warning printed.
The North Dakota lemon law is an EXCLUSIVE remedy: electing it forecloses other claims from the same facts. That election deserves advice before you file.

Included in the $39 Lemon Verdict Pack

Your repair-log tracker, the North Dakota notice letter, the buyback worksheet on North Dakota's formula, and your deadline calendar.

See the Lemon Verdict Pack

Sources

N.D.C.C. §51-07-19 (presumption + notice)
N.D.C.C. §51-07-21 (6-month deadline)
N.D.C.C. §51-07-20 (exclusive remedy)

Checked October 23, 2026. Laws change; if your claim is close to a line, verify the current statute or ask a lawyer in North Dakota. This page is information, not legal advice.