Connecticut Lemon Law Refund Calculator

How the Connecticut buyback is calculated

Under the Connecticut New Automobile Warranties Act.

• If the manufacturer cannot fix a defect that substantially impairs the use, safety or value of the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, it must replace the vehicle with a new one acceptable to you, or take the vehicle back and refund you.
• The refund starts with the full contract price, including charges for undercoating, dealer preparation and transportation, and installed options. It adds all collateral charges, including sales tax, license and registration fees and similar government charges; all finance charges incurred after you first reported the nonconformity and during any later period the vehicle was out of service by reason of repair; and all incidental damages, if applicable.
• From that total, a reasonable allowance for your use is subtracted. Connecticut defines it: the total contract price multiplied by a fraction. The denominator is 120,000, and the numerator is the number of miles the vehicle traveled before the manufacturer accepted its return.
• For example, on a $30,000 contract price and 12,000 miles at return, the allowance is $30,000 x 12,000 / 120,000 = $3,000, which is subtracted from the refund total.
• Refunds are paid to the consumer, the lessor and the lienholder, as their interests may appear. Section 42-179 states no double or treble damages; a violation is also an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Connecticut's consumer protection chapter, where a court may award punitive damages in its discretion.

Connecticut lemon law: frequently asked questions

How much can I recover under the Connecticut lemon law?

The refund is the full contract price, all collateral charges such as sales tax and license and registration fees, finance charges incurred after you first reported the nonconformity and during any later period the vehicle was out of service by reason of repair, and incidental damages if applicable, less a reasonable allowance for your use. Run your numbers through the calculator for a personalized estimate.

How is the deduction for my use of the vehicle calculated?

The statute sets a formula: the total contract price multiplied by a fraction with 120,000 as the denominator and the number of miles the vehicle traveled before the manufacturer accepted its return as the numerator.

Does Connecticut add double or triple damages?

Section 42-179 states no multiplier. A violation of sections 42-179 and 42-181 to 42-183 is deemed an unfair or deceptive trade practice under chapter 735a, and under that chapter a court may award punitive damages in its discretion.

Who pays the attorney?

In a warranty action against the manufacturer, its agent or its authorized dealer, the court may, in its discretion, award the plaintiff costs and reasonable attorney's fees. If the court finds the action was brought without any substantial justification, it may award them to the defendant instead.

Who gets the refund if my vehicle is leased or financed?

Refunds or replacements are made to the consumer, the lessor and the lienholder, as their interests may appear.