Get Compensation for Your Defective Vehicle

Hawaii Lemon Law – Know Your Rights

Vehicles Covered Under Hawaii Lemon Law

Hawaii’s Lemon Law provides a refund or replacement for new, defective vehicles that don’t meet quality standards, and a Hawaii Lemon Law Attorney can help.

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New Vehicles

Passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, and trucks purchased or registered in Hawaii. ​

🚨Not Covered

  • Mopeds and Motor Scooters
  • Vehicles Over 10,000 lbs GVWR
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If Your Car is Defective, You Have Rights.

“Lemon Law protects owners and lessees of vehicles with persistent defects.” –– Joseph Novel, Esq.

Josep Novel, Esq. — Founding Lemon Law Attorneys
The Lemon Reps — Lemon Law Attorneys Beverly Hills

Joseph Novel, Esq.

founding attorney

Learn how Hawaii's Lemon Law protects you.

Who Is Covered?

⚠️ What Vehicle Defects Qualify?

To qualify under Hawaii’s Lemon Law, your vehicle must have a nonconformity that:
  • Substantially Impairs Use, Value, or Safety

    A defect or condition that significantly affects the vehicle's operation, market value, or safety.​

Examples of Defects:
  • Engine Problems

    Stalling, misfires, loss of power.

  • Brake Malfunctions

    Inconsistent braking, total brake failure.

  • Electrical Issues

    Power steering loss, infotainment system failures.

  • Transmission Defects

    Jerky shifting, slipping gears.

  • Overheating Problems

    Persistent cooling system failures.

⏳ How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

  • 24 Months or 24,000 Miles

    Whichever occurs first, starting from the date of delivery. ​

  • Issues after warranty expires?

    Call us now! You may still qualify.

🔨 What Is the Manufacturer’s Duty to Repair?

  • Attempt Repairs: The manufacturer or its authorized dealer must repair the defect after being notified by the consumer
  • Reasonable Number of Attempts: This is presumed if, within the express warranty term or within 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever occurs first):​
    • The same defect has been subject to repair 3 or more times without success.​
    • The vehicle is out of service for repair 30 or more cumulative days due to defects.

What Happens If They Can’t Fix It?

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Refund

Full refund, incl. taxes, fees, & remaining loan balance.

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Replacement

You’ll receive a new car of equal value.

Frequently Asked Question:

What qualifies as a “lemon” under Hawaii Lemon Law?

A vehicle may qualify if it has a warranty covered problem that seriously affects its use, value, or safety, and it still is not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the lemon law period. Hawaii’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs explains the basics in its handbook.

Hawaii’s lemon law is mainly aimed at vehicles that were bought or leased new, but a used vehicle may still be considered if it was transferred to you while the manufacturer’s express warranty is still active. The statute definitions are summarized here under definitions.

A common standard is 3 repair visits for the same defect and it continues to exist, or the vehicle is out of service for warranty repairs for 30 business days total. Hawaii’s consumer materials list these as key indicators for eligibility.

Hawaii’s lemon law rights period ends at whichever happens first: the manufacturer’s warranty term, 2 years from the vehicle’s original delivery, or 24,000 miles. You can confirm this definition in the statute’s rights period.

If your vehicle qualifies, the program can award a refund buyback or a replacement, and a refund may include a reasonable use offset based on mileage. If you want to see next steps, you can start with our resources or reach out to us.