State lemon law · checked October 23, 2026
Verified against the statute / official state publicationNMSA 1978, §§57-16A-1–57-16A-9 (Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act)
| Presumption window | The window is the earlier of the warranty term or 1 year after delivery. |
|---|---|
| Same defect | 4+ repair attempts |
| Days out of service | 30+ business days — The vehicle in the manufacturer's or dealer's possession for repair for 30 or more BUSINESS days (routine-maintenance downtime excluded). |
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.
New Mexico allows a reasonable allowance for use with no published formula. This checker refuses to invent the number.
The presumption never applies unless the manufacturer received prior direct written notification and an opportunity to cure (§57-16A-3). The manufacturer must tell you about this duty in the warranty or a separate notice.
Dispute route: A qualified manufacturer's informal dispute procedure may have to be used first.
Attorney's fees: New Mexico provides attorney's fees to a prevailing consumer.
New Mexico's Act prints no single filing deadline; the warranty/1-year presumption window and the written-notice duty are the operative clocks.
| New vehicles | Covered |
|---|---|
| Leased vehicles | Covered |
| Used vehicles | Covered in defined situations — see notes |
| Motorcycles | Covered |
| RV / motor home | Covered — chassis / powertrain only |
Your repair-log tracker, the New Mexico notice letter, the buyback worksheet on New Mexico's formula, and your deadline calendar.
Checked October 23, 2026. Laws change; if your claim is close to a line, verify the current statute or ask a lawyer in New Mexico. This page is information, not legal advice.