Arbitration for vehicle warranty disputes

Last checked 2026-10-17. Many state pages describe an arbitration step. What follows is how state agencies themselves describe it. Programs and deadlines differ and change, so read your state page. Not legal advice.

Examples from official pages

• Alaska: if the manufacturer has an informal dispute procedure approved by the Attorney General, you must use it before going to court under the lemon law; decisions are binding on the manufacturer but not on the consumer. source
• Pennsylvania: after the manufacturer's zone representative, you may request arbitration through the manufacturer's program if one exists; binding on the manufacturer, not on the consumer. source
• Washington: request arbitration through the Attorney General's Lemon Law Administration, no charge for the process, within 30 months of original retail delivery. source
• Massachusetts: application must be received within 18 months (new/leased) or 6 months (used); $300 to the arbitrator once a hearing is scheduled. source
• Connecticut: apply online through eLicense.ct.gov. source
• New York: you can participate in an arbitration program or sue; the arbitrator or court may not decide in your favor. source
• Texas: complaints go to TxDMV; unresolved complaints are referred for a hearing. source
• California: the Department of Consumer Affairs certifies arbitration programs, and not all manufacturers have one. source

BBB AUTO LINE

The Oregon Department of Justice describes BBB AUTO LINE as one of the largest and longest-running dispute resolution programs, resolving vehicle warranty complaints through mediation and, if necessary, an arbitration hearing. source. BBB National Programs publishes per-state summaries, linked from each state page. It is an industry-linked program; read how it affects your rights before filing.

Before you choose

Ask an attorney or your state agency how a given arbitration choice affects your later options and deadlines. We cannot advise on that.