Ah, the joy and excitement of owning a new (or new to you car). The freedom, the open road, that new car smell: all wonderful. That is until your new car starts having old car problems. A broken down car can be heartbreaking, but what can you do about it? Luckily most states, including Arizona, have laws regarding vehicles with seemingly unfixable problems. Here’s is a quick overview of “lemon laws†in Arizona.
State Lemon Laws
A "lemon" is a new automobile that has a recurring problem or defect that the dealer is unable to correct after multiple attempts. Therefore, lemon laws offer protections for consumers who may otherwise be stuck with an inoperable or problematic vehicle. Arizona lemon laws are very similar to lemon laws in other states, in which the dealer must replace or refund a consumer if they are unable to remedy a major problem with an automobile within one year.
Lemon Laws in Arizona
Learn more about Arizona lemon laws in the following table.
| Code Section | 44-1261, et seq. |
| Title of Act | Motor Vehicle Warranties |
| Definition of Defects | Nonconformity to applicable express warranties of any defect/condition which substantially impairs use and value of motor vehicle |
| Time Limit for Manufacturer Repair | Time period of express warranty or the period of 2 yrs. or 24,000 miles, whichever is earlier |
| Remedies | Replacement with new motor vehicle or refund to consumer of full purchase price including all collateral charges, less a reasonable allowance for consumer's use of vehicle; maximum liability of seller is purchase price |
While each state law is different, there are some general lemon law guidelines you can use when trying to figure if your car qualifies as a “lemon:â€
Prospective car buyers should be aware that most lemon laws only cover new vehicle purchases and leases. Arizona law, however, does provide an implied 15-day or 500-mile warranty protection for used cars as well. Â
Related Resources for Lemon Laws
Figuring out if you’ve got a lemon on your hands can be tough. If you want to do your own legal research, you can start with FindLaw's lemon law section for additional articles and resources. You may also want to consult with an experienced lemon law attorney in Arizona about the specifics of your case.
