Ohio Lemon Law Refund Calculator

How the Ohio buyback is calculated

Under the Ohio Lemon Law.

• The Ohio Lemon Law lets you elect a replacement or a refund when the manufacturer is "unable to conform the motor vehicle to any applicable express warranty by repairing or correcting any nonconformity after a reasonable number of repair attempts" (R.C. 1345.72(B)). A lessee is a consumer too (R.C. 1345.71(A)(2)).
• The "full purchase price" for a sale is the contract price, including transportation, undercoating, dealer-installed options and accessories, dealer services, dealer preparation and delivery charges; all finance, credit insurance, warranty and service contract charges you incurred; and all sales tax, license and registration fees and other government charges (R.C. 1345.71(F)(1)).
• The refund also includes "All incidental damages", including any fees the lender or lessor charged for making or canceling the loan or lease and expenses caused by the defect, such as towing, vehicle rental, meals and lodging (R.C. 1345.72(B)(2)). Keep the receipts.
• The text names no deduction for mileage, wear or cosmetic condition, so the estimate subtracts none. The manufacturer pays by an instrument jointly payable to you and any lienholder on the title (or the lessor); the lienholder or lessor may deduct the balance owing to it and must remit the rest to you (R.C. 1345.72(D)(1)).
• The Lemon Law carries no multiplier. A Consumer Sales Practices Act claim is separate: R.C. 1345.09(B) allows three times actual economic damages or $200, whichever is greater, plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages (not in a class action), but only where the practice was already declared deceptive or unconscionable by rule, or already determined unlawful by an Ohio court whose decision was made public. The Act covers consumer transactions, those for purposes primarily personal, family or household (R.C. 1345.01(A)).

Ohio lemon law: frequently asked questions

How much can I recover under the Ohio lemon law?

The manufacturer must refund the "full purchase price" (R.C. 1345.71(F)) and all incidental damages (R.C. 1345.72(B)), or replace the vehicle at your option. The section names no deduction for use. A consumer who sues is also entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and all court costs (R.C. 1345.75(A)). Run your numbers through our calculator for an estimate.

Is there a mileage deduction in Ohio?

The refund provision lists the full purchase price and all incidental damages and names no allowance for the consumer's use, mileage or condition (R.C. 1345.72(B)), so the calculator subtracts none.

Do I have to pay the attorney out of my recovery?

Under R.C. 1345.75(A) a consumer who brings a civil action against a manufacturer that fails to comply with R.C. 1345.72 "shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and all court costs" in addition to the relief under that section. Your fee agreement with your attorney decides what you owe; the statute does not.

Can I get treble damages?

Not under the Lemon Law sections themselves. A separate Consumer Sales Practices Act claim can reach three times your actual economic damages, or $200 if greater, only where the practice was already declared deceptive or unconscionable by rule before your transaction, or already determined unlawful by an Ohio court and committed after that decision was made public (R.C. 1345.09(B)). A court may award attorney fees to the prevailing party where the supplier knowingly committed the violation, or where the consumer's action is groundless and in bad faith (R.C. 1345.09(F)).

Does the calculator cover a lease?

Yes, as an estimate. For a lease the "full purchase price" is the capitalized cost reduction, security deposit, taxes, title fees, all monthly lease payments, the residual value and the finance, credit insurance, warranty and service contract charges you incurred (R.C. 1345.71(F)(2)); the lessor deducts the balance owing to it from the refund before paying the rest to you (R.C. 1345.72(D)(1)). The estimate shows what reaches you: the amounts you paid, with the residual value and the payments not yet made treated as the balance owing to the lessor.

Can I keep my car and settle for a payment instead?

The Lemon Law gives you the election of a replacement or a refund on return of the vehicle (R.C. 1345.72(B)); it does not provide for keeping the vehicle for a payment. A settlement in which you keep the car is an agreement with the manufacturer, and its amount is whatever you agree.