What Is the Lemon Law in Wyoming for Used Cars

Wyoming's lemon law, codified in Wyoming Statutes § 40-17-101, establishes manufacturer obligations to repair defective vehicles covered by express warranties. The statute applies to vehicles under 10,000 pounds unladen weight sold or registered in Wyoming with manufacturer-issued written warranties, covering both new and used vehicles, provided they retain valid warranty protection.

Unlike purely new-vehicle lemon law frameworks, Wyoming's statute focuses on warranty coverage status rather than vehicle age. Used vehicles with active manufacturer warranties qualify for the same protections as new vehicles, while used vehicles without warranties are not covered. However, used car buyers without manufacturer warranties benefit from federal protections and Wyoming's broad deceptive practices statutes addressing unfair dealer conduct.

What Protections Do Used Car Buyers Have in Wyoming?

Wyoming used car purchasers access protections through federal warranty statutes, state deceptive practice laws, and disclosure requirements that establish dealer accountability independent of manufacturer warranty coverage.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act applies nationwide to consumers acquiring used vehicles with written warranties from dealers or manufacturers. This statute enables recovery of actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees when written warranty obligations are breached. A critical protection stipulates that when dealers furnish written service contracts or warranties accompanying used vehicle sales, they cannot eliminate implied warranty rights regardless of "as is" language in purchase documents.

FTC Used Car Rule

The Federal Trade Commission's Used Car Rule mandates dealer compliance with disclosure requirements on every used vehicle offered for retail sale. Dealers must display a Buyer's Guide identifying whether warranty protections accompany the vehicle, which components receive coverage, the duration of any warranty period, and the percentage of repair costs the dealer assumes. Consumers receive guidance on obtaining vehicle history documentation and verifying manufacturer recall status.

Wyoming Branded Title Disclosure Requirements

Wyoming imposes mandatory title branding disclosure obligations on all used vehicle dealers. Dealers must notify buyers and obtain signed acknowledgment before completing vehicle sales when titles carry brands indicating salvage designation, rebuilt status, flood damage, or other permanent notations. Wyoming Statutes § 31-2-109 requires dealers to provide written notification using state-prescribed forms. Failure to complete disclosure or providing false statements exposes dealers to fines and imprisonment. The buyer's failure to obtain seller acknowledgment renders the sale voidable at the buyer's election, providing a remedy that operates independently of warranty coverage or "as is" designations.

Wyoming Consumer Protection Act

Wyoming's Consumer Protection Act prohibits deceptive and misleading business practices by establishing broad liability for unfair or deceptive acts. This statute creates independent remedies when dealers engage in misrepresentation regarding vehicle condition, mechanical functionality, accident history, repair records, odometer accuracy, or title status. Violations expose dealers to enforcement action and enable harmed consumers to pursue private civil claims separate from warranty disputes.

Understanding "As Is" Sales in Wyoming

Wyoming allows dealerships to offer used vehicles with an "as is" designation, indicating the absence of manufacturer or dealer warranty coverage. Nevertheless, "as is" language does not protect dealers from legal accountability for engaging in deceptive practices, making fraudulent statements, or failing to comply with required disclosure obligations.

What "As Is" Means for Buyers

When a vehicle carries an "as is" designation, the dealer disclaims responsibility for repairs following delivery and buyers accept liability for all existing mechanical defects, system failures, and component malfunctions. Buyers who purchase vehicles "as is" bear all costs for post-purchase repairs and lose access to dealer-provided warranty protections. While "as is" status negates dealer warranty coverage, it does not eliminate federal safeguards under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act if the transaction includes written warranties or service contracts.

Limited Dealer Disclosure Requirements

Wyoming requires dealerships to provide accurate branded title disclosures independent of warranty status or "as is" designations. Dealers may not use "as is" language to avoid disclosing title brands, prior damage, accident history, or identified mechanical defects. A written title disclosure with buyer signature acknowledgment must precede contract completion, and failure to comply permits buyers to rescind the transaction. Additionally, dealerships must allow buyers to arrange independent pre-purchase mechanical inspections within reasonable time and location parameters.

Limited Exceptions to "As Is" Sales

Despite "as is" designations, Wyoming law recognizes buyer remedies in circumstances involving dealer misconduct:

• Title Brand Concealment: When dealerships fail to disclose required title brands or provide inaccurate title information, the sale is voidable regardless of "as is" language. Buyers may rescind the transaction and recover the purchase price.
• Deceptive Misrepresentations: Dealers making false, misleading, or deceptive statements about vehicle condition, mechanical functionality, accident history, repair records, or prior use violate Wyoming's Consumer Protection Act. Buyers may pursue civil damages regardless of "as is" designations.
• Odometer Fraud or Tampering: Dealers misrepresenting actual mileage or failing to disclose odometer inconsistencies commit fraud actionable despite "as is" language. Federal odometer requirements supersede state "as is" provisions.
• Concealment of Known Defects: When dealerships knowingly conceal material defects affecting safety or operability through omission or active concealment, buyers retain remedies even under "as is" sales. Fraud in the inducement doctrine creates liability independent of warranty disclaimers.
• Violation of Mandatory Disclosures: Dealers failing to provide required title brand notifications or obtaining false buyer acknowledgment face liability exceeding "as is" protections. Non-compliance renders the sale voidable.

Wyoming requires consumers to notify dealers of disputes and provide a reasonable opportunity for resolution before pursuing formal complaints or legal action.

Filing a Consumer Complaint

Wyoming Department of Transportation
Compliance & Investigation
5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009
Phone: (307) 777-3815
Official Website: Vehicle Dealerships

Wyoming Attorney General
Consumer Protection and Antitrust Unit
109 State Capitol, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-8962
Official Website: Consumer Protection and Antitrust Unit