Lemon Law in Alabama

Alabama Lemon Law

Lemon laws were created to offer buyers a way to obtain a refund or replacement for a defective motor vehicle. Alabama's Lemon Law covers self-propelled vehicles intended for primary use on highways. This does not include motor homes or vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs.

The lemon law is designed to protect you and other consumers from falling victim to faulty vehicles and the financial struggle that may come with them.

On this page, you'll find an overview of some of the lemon law vehicle qualifications and the choices you have to remedy the problem.

Alabama Lemon Law Qualifications & Remedies

In Alabama, your car may qualify as a lemon if:

  • It has been  24 months or less since date of delivery
  • Has 24,000 miles or less.
  • It has had 3 attempts or more to repair the issue by the manufacturer, a manufacturer's agent or an authorized dealer for the same defect.
  • It has been out of service for at least 30 days and in the possession of the manufacturer, a manufacturer's agent, or an authorized dealer.

Dealers are not considered at fault for lemon cars. Manufacturers must bear the blame for your vehicle troubles.

If you car qualifies as a lemon and the circumstances meet the Alabama lemon law criteria, the manufacturer of your car must either:

  • Replace your defective vehicle with a comparable new car.
    OR
  • Refund the following:
    • Full contract price including any additional charges.
    • The sales tax.
    • Title and registration fees.
    • Any other finance charges you may have accumulated.

Either option above is your choice.

Filing a Lemon Law Consumer Complaint in Alabama

After reporting your lemon to the car dealership or the vehicle's manufacturer, you may want to file a complaint with Alabama's Office of the Attorney General Consumer Affairs department. You can file your complaint online or by mail. You will need to supply the receipts from your purchase and subsequent repairs, as well as documentation of all letters, phone calls, or e-mails trying to resolve the matter.

To file a consumer protection complaint online, visit the Alabama Attorney General's Office website. For more information, please contact the AL Attorney General consumer hotline at (800) 392-5658.

Accurate record-keeping is your best defense with a lemon car. Date and time stamp all documentation relating to repairs, requests, odometer readings, and wait times you must endure because of car problems.

There is a statute of limitations placed on Lemon Laws. Any lawsuit or action must take place within 3 years of delivery from the car manufacturer to the consumer.

Additional information regarding Alabama Lemon Laws can be found in the state's vehicle code or the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Contacting an Alabama Lemon Law Attorney

The next course of action, if you cannot get the matter resolved easily, is to consult with an attorney. Gather up all documentation and make an appointment with a lawyer specializing in consumer affairs.

Benefits of Hiring an Attorney in AL

A lemon law attorney will know all the fine details about the protection laws and can help you get the result you want and deserve. A lawyer can provide help by:

  • Gathering all required documents.
  • Explaining what you're entitled to.
  • Providing guidance throughout the entire process.
  • Negotiating with the manufacturer.

You'll want to find a lawyer that is local to Alabama and has handled similar lemon law cases to yours.

Avoid attorneys who want fees up front. If you truly have a lemon, the attorney will take legal fees when your case is decided.

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