Texas Lemon Law for RVs and Motorhomes - The Lemon Lawyers

Texas Lemon Law for RVs and Motorhomes

Your RV or motorhome keeps going back to the dealer for the same problem. This page explains when the Texas Lemon Law reaches an RV, what it asks of you, what to keep, and what to do next.
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Coverage

Does the Texas Lemon Law cover my RV or motorhome?

It can. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles says the law covers new vehicles, including motor homes and towable recreational vehicles (TRVs), that develop a defect covered by a manufacturer’s written warranty. The same page says demonstrator vehicles that have not been previously titled are considered new vehicles.
The agency also lists what the law does not cover: repossessed vehicles, non-travel trailers, boats, or farm equipment, nor defects that do not substantially impair the use or market value of the vehicle, such as minor rattles or radio static.
If you bought your RV used, the agency says Texas law related to warranty performance may cover a used vehicle if it is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty (not an extended service contract).
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The test

What has to be true before my RV counts as a lemon?

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles says the vehicle must meet all of these conditions:
- It has a substantial manufacturing defect.
- The defect is covered by a manufacturer’s written warranty.
- The owner reports the defect to the dealer or manufacturer within the warranty term.
- The owner gives the dealer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect or condition.
- The owner gives the manufacturer written notice (preferably by certified mail) of the defect and at least one opportunity to cure the defect.
- The defect persists and substantially impairs the vehicle’s use or market value, or creates a serious safety hazard.
If your RV has been back to the shop for the same problem, the next question is how many tries the dealer gets.
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Repair attempts

How many repair attempts does the dealer get on my RV?

The law presumes the dealer had a reasonable number of attempts if you pass one of three tests the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles describes:
- Four-times test: four repairs for the same defect within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the defect is still not repaired.
- Serious safety-hazard test: two repairs of a serious safety hazard during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the defect is still not repaired.
- 30-day test: out of service for repair of a defect covered by the original factory warranty for a total of 30 days or more, not necessarily all at one time, during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, and a substantial defect still exists. Time with a comparable loaner vehicle does not count.
The agency adds that the mileage requirements generally do not apply to TRVs or other vehicles that do not have an odometer.
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Deadlines

How long do I have, and what should I keep?

The agency says a complaint must be filed within six months following the earlier of the expiration of the express warranty term, 24 months after purchase, or 24,000 miles following the date of delivery of the vehicle (except TRVs). It also says that, to be safe, the complaint should be filed as soon as the consumer realizes the dealer is having problems repairing the vehicle.
The same page suggests what to do while your RV is in and out of the shop:
- Read your warranty and owner’s manual to know what parts and systems are covered.
- Make sure each problem is fully described on the repair order, and confirm it.
- If the problem keeps coming back, keep a log with the date, time and location.
- Keep all repair orders and records for your vehicle in a safe place.
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Next steps

My RV keeps going back to the dealer. What should I do next?

If your motorhome or travel trailer has been to the dealer more than once for the same problem, or has spent weeks waiting on a repair, check whether your RV qualifies. If you bought it used, first read whether the Texas Lemon Law covers used vehicles.
Gather the repair orders you have. They show how many times the RV went in, what was written up, and how long it sat.
There’s no charge to have us review your situation. If we take your case, we only get paid if you do.
You can also call us at (512) 387-3510 and tell us the make, the year, and what keeps going wrong.
Ask about your RV

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