Lemon Law in Arizona

What is the Arizona Lemon Law?

An automobile is a major expenditure, so you want to know that you are protected in your purchase. For that reason, Arizona's Motor Vehicle Warranties Law, which is defined under the Arizona Revised Statutes 44-1261 to 1267, outlines your rights in dealing with a "lemon."

If your new car meets the criteria defined in the Arizona warranties/lemon law, you'll be able to fix the issue - either with the vehicle's manufacturer/dealer or through legal action.

On this page you'll find a basic overview of Arizona's lemon law and the steps you can take to remedy the problem.

What is a Lemon Car in Arizona?

Arizona lemon law applies only to new automobiles. In the case of motor homes, the AZ lemon law applies only to the vehicle and chassis; it does not protect the section used for habitation. Further, the statute does not protect your purchase if it weighs more than 10,000 lbs. or was purchased at a public auction.

If you find your car is a lemon, you can file a consumer complaint with the Better Business Bureau Auto Line on the BBB website or contact an attorney.

Statute of Limitations

If you have purchased a new vehicle that does not "conform to express warranties," the dealer from whom you purchased the automobile is responsible for repairs to make it do so. However, you must report the defects within the first 2 years or 24,000 miles that you have the car or before the end of the express warranty, whichever comes first.

New Cars

New cars are covered by the Arizona lemon law for whichever of the following comes first:

  • 2 years.
  • 24,000 miles.
  • The end of the manufacturer's warranty.

If your car is defective, you'll need to report it to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.

Used Cars

Under the Arizona lemon law, your used car is covered for the first 15 days or 500 miles after your purchase, whichever comes first.

If your car breaks during this period, you'll need to contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer. You may be required to pay up to $25 for the first 2 repairs required.

Vehicle Manufacturer Responsibilities

Under the Motor Vehicle Warranties Law, the dealer from which you purchased your defective vehicle is allowed a "reasonable number of attempts" to bring your car to the standards defined by the express warranty; 4 attempts to repair or a combined 30 days in the shop qualify as "reasonable."

If after that number of repairs or amount of time the defect has not been corrected, you are entitled to a vehicle replacement or a refund of the purchase price (minus a fair amount for the time the automobile was used successfully).

Protecting Yourself with Paperwork

The guidelines of the Arizona lemon law seem straightforward, but it is always good to cover yourself with documentation if you find yourself with the pink slip to a "lemon." Keep all documents that pertain to the automobile's purchase and repairs, as well as to any communications with the dealer and/or manufacturer regarding the defect. The documents will come in handy if you need to hire an Arizona lemon law lawyer and go to court.

Hiring a Lemon Law Attorney

If you've got a vehicle that qualifies as a lemon, you should consider getting a lemon lawyer. Lemon laws may seem cut and dry, but when you're dealing with major corporations, things can get complicated.

A lemon law attorney can help ensure you have everything you need to prove your vehicle is a lemon and get the proper compensation you deserve.

Benefits of hiring a lemon law lawyer include:

  • Negotiating power – A lemon lawyer can help you push your manufacturer to resolve your issue.
  • Knowledge of the law – Your attorney will understand all the factors of the lemon law and how they affect your case.
  • Trusted advice – Your attorney can explain the lemon law to you and provide advice for you on the best ways to move forward.

It's also important to note that it may not cost you anything to hire a lemon lawyer.

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