LemonLawVerdict

State lemon law · checked October 23, 2026

Montana lemon law

Verified against the statute / official state publicationMont. Code §§61-4-501–61-4-533 (New Motor Vehicle Warranty Act)

The short version

  • 30 BUSINESS days — and the days count starts after you notify the manufacturer.
  • The filing period the DOJ applies is shorter than the warranty period. Don't sit on a Montana claim.
  • Four attempts inside 2 years / 18,000 miles.

Run your repair log for Montana

The presumption — Montana's numbers

Presumption windowMontana's warranty period is the earlier of 2 years after delivery or 18,000 miles.
Same defect4+ repair attempts
Days out of service30+ business days — 30 or more BUSINESS days out of service.

The presumption is the set of numbers that shifts the burden to the manufacturer. A claim can exist outside the presumption — it is a shortcut, not the whole road. Read why.

The buyback — Montana's formula

Deduction = miles driven before the vehicle's return ÷ 100,000 × purchase price.

Notice and procedure

Written notice to the manufacturer and a final opportunity to repair are required for the presumption to apply. Send it by certified mail.

Dispute route: A state-certified manufacturer's dispute procedure (§61-4-507) must be exhausted before the Act applies against that manufacturer.

Attorney's fees: Montana provides attorney's fees to a prevailing consumer.

Your deadline

The statute specifies no filing deadline; the Montana Dept. of Justice applies a filing period of 1 year after the earlier of 2 years after delivery or the first 18,000 miles.

Who and what is covered

New vehiclesCovered
Leased vehiclesCovered
Used vehiclesCovered in defined situations — see notes
MotorcyclesCovered
RV / motor homeCovered — chassis / powertrain only

Included in the $39 Lemon Verdict Pack

Your repair-log tracker, the Montana notice letter, the buyback worksheet on Montana's formula, and your deadline calendar.

See the Lemon Verdict Pack

Sources

Checked October 23, 2026. Laws change; if your claim is close to a line, verify the current statute or ask a lawyer in Montana. This page is information, not legal advice.