In most states, you can seek relief under the lemon law after a certain number of unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service a certain number of days. The definition of a defect varies, but in all but a few states, it must significantly impair the vehicle's use, safety or value. (In a few states, you can seek arbitration sooner for "safety lemons"--if the defect is serious enough to cause injury or death.)
