Assemblyman Patrick Carroll, D-New York City, is pictured speaking during a rally earlier this year.

Updates could be coming next year to New York’s Lemon Law.

Legislation introduced recently by Assemblyman Patrick Carroll, D-New York City, and state Sen. Toby Ann Stavitsky, D-College Point, have introduced A.8594/S.8430, which would update New York’s Lemon Law in ways Carroll says better reflect today’s automotive market by making amendments to the current mileage and age requirements as well as vehicle components covered under the Lemon Law.

The lawmakers propose extending dates for Lemon Law claims from two to three years from purchase, increases mileage from 18,000 to 36,000. Additional items to be covered include critical systems, computers, or modules such as navigation systems, lane changing software, driver assistance or automation software.

“New York’s Lemon Law has not been substantially updated since the 1980s and it no longer reflects the realities of today’s automotive market,” Carroll wrote in his legislative justification. “Key standards-such as cost thresholds, mileage limits, and definitions of qualifying defects-are outdated. Modern vehicles are far more complex, and the practices for diagnosing and repairing defects have advanced significantly beyond what the original law contemplated.”

The state’s Lemon Law covers a car if it was purchased, leased, or transferred within the earlier of 18,000 miles or two years from the date of original delivery; if it was either purchased, leased, or transferred in New York State or is presently registered in the state or is used primarily for personal purposes. A reasonable chance for a manufacturer or its authorized agent to repair a problem for a new car is considered to be either four or more attempts to repair the car and the problem continues to exist or if the car is out of service by reason of repair of one or more problems for a cumulative total of at least 30 days.

The Used Car Lemon Law protects those who buy or lease used cars from a New York dealer. It requires dealers to give consumers a written warranty. Under this warranty, dealers must repair, free of charge, any defect in covered parts. If the dealer is unable to repair the car after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer is entitled to a full refund.

“This legislation updates the Lemon Law to account for changes in vehicle technology, repair practices, and ownership models,” Carroll said. “Importantly, the bill acknowledges that modern repair practices often address symptoms rather than root causes, making it harder to determine whether multiple repairs are related-something the original law did not anticipate. By revising how qualifying defects are assessed and updating the law’s thresholds and remedies, the bill ensures consumers are not unfairly denied relief due to outdated assumptions. Streamlining arbitration and enhancing enforcement will give New Yorkers timely and transparent access to remedies. Updating the Lemon Law is essential to protect consumers, promote fair business practices, and align the law with 21st-century vehicle technology and standards.”