Ohio Lemon Law Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide for Vehicle Owners
When a new vehicle develops repeated mechanical or safety problems, the experience can quickly
Dodge built its modern reputation on raw performance — Charger, Challenger, Hellcat, Durango SRT — but those $60,000 to $100,000+ muscle cars and performance SUVs are also what drives dodge lemon law attorney calls, from stalling engines to 8-speed transmission failures to TIPM electrical chaos. The Lemon Reps have recovered $508,000 across 91 FCA (Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler) cases — a roughly $5,600 average per case — as part of our broader $3.2M+ recovered across 1,500+ cases nationwide, and we take on Dodge defects on Charger, Challenger, Durango, and the new Charger Daytona EV in every state where lemon law and Magnuson-Moss apply.
The Dodge Brothers, Horace and John, founded Dodge in 1900 as a Ford supplier and launched their own car in 1914, and the brand has passed through Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, and now Stellantis while staying anchored to performance identity. Today’s lineup is compact but powerful: Charger sedan (transitioning to Charger Daytona EV/gas), Challenger (gasoline-era wrapping up with the Jailbreak and Demon 170), Hornet compact crossover, and Durango three-row SUV, including the SRT Hellcat. Dodge sells emotional vehicles — buyers pay $65,000 to $100,000+ for performance trims and expect reliability to match the power—which is exactly why Dodge lemon law cases hit hard when a Hellcat stalls or a Demon’s 8-speed won’t engage. When a Dodge fails that performance promise, both state lemon law and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act give you full Dodge lemon law rights — see our lemon law overview for the framework.
New Dodges drive most of the claim volume, particularly high-performance trims where buyers move fast at the first sign of trouble. The highest claim density falls on:
Used Dodges under the 3yr/36K basic or 5yr/60K powertrain warranty stay eligible in most states and always qualify under federal Magnuson-Moss if a written warranty is active, and Certified Pre-Owned Dodges (7yr/100K powertrain plus 3mo/3K bumper-to-bumper) keep those protections.
Your Dodge probably qualifies as a lemon if the same defect has been in for repair 2 or more times for a safety issue (3 to 4 for non-safety issues), if the vehicle has been out of service 30 or more cumulative days, or if the defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety. Dodge-specific triggers include:
Most state lemon laws run 18 to 24 months or 18,000 to 24,000 miles from delivery, but federal Magnuson-Moss extends the window up to 4 years from breach of warranty.
Dodge routes lemon claims through its Customer Assistance Center and a Reacquired Vehicle Services team, and many states require the BBB AUTO LINE program first (binding on Dodge, not on you). Opening offers usually come as goodwill and rarely match what a proper Dodge lemon law buyback produces. Common examples include:
Performance models (SRT, Hellcat, Demon) draw extra scrutiny because of their $65,000 to $100,000+ price tags, so Dodge pushes harder on repairs before agreeing to repurchase.
A typical Dodge lemon law buyback funds in 30 to 90 days from the signed settlement. Timeline varies by case complexity:
Reacquired Vehicle Services issues the check after you surrender the vehicle and the title clears.
A proper Dodge lemon law buyback returns:
A statutory mileage offset is subtracted for the miles driven before the first reported defect, and in civil penalty states, you may also recover up to 2x actual damages on top of the buyback when Dodge’s conduct was willful.
If your Dodge vehicle has been experiencing repeated issues, you’re not alone. While Dodge is known for performance and power, certain models have been associated with recurring defects, recalls, and ongoing repair problems. These issues can affect your vehicle’s safety, reliability, and performance—and may qualify under lemon law protections.
Below are some of the most commonly recalled Dodge models:
“Lemon Law protects owners and lessees of vehicles with persistent defects.” –– Joseph Novel, Esq., National Lemon Law Attorney
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Dodge lemon law rights include a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement when a substantial defect cannot be fixed, plus recovery of rental, towing, and repair costs. Dodge pays your attorney’s fees separately under both state law and federal Magnuson-Moss.
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Ram became its own brand in 2009. Trucks built before 2009 fall under Dodge lemon law rights; 2009 and newer trucks are covered under Ram. Federal Magnuson-Moss applies to both, so a lemon law attorney can pursue either path.
Starting a Dodge Lemon Law claim is simpler than most people think. The first step is to gather all your repair orders, purchase or lease agreement, and vehicle registration. Next, contact our team for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys will review your repair history, confirm whether your vehicle qualifies, and handle all communication with Stellantis on your behalf. You do not need to confront the dealer or negotiate with Dodge directly. Most Dodge Lemon Law cases are resolved within 30 to 90 days with zero out-of-pocket cost to you.
A Dodge Lemon Law buyback means Stellantis is required to repurchase your vehicle and reimburse you for everything you paid, including your down payment, all monthly payments made, registration fees, taxes, and incidental costs related to the defect. The buyback amount may be reduced by a mileage offset calculated from the time you first reported the defect. Our attorneys will make sure Stellantis does not inflate that offset or lowball your buyback figure. You may also have the option of a replacement vehicle or a negotiated cash settlement, depending on your preference and case circumstances.
When a new vehicle develops repeated mechanical or safety problems, the experience can quickly
Vehicle owners expect a new car or truck to function reliably, especially during the
Getting a buyback offer can feel like a relief. You finally have something in