The Arizona lemon law protects consumers from the financial responsibility that may otherwise befall them, should they purchase a vehicle that is considered a “lemon.” To be defined as a lemon, a vehicle must have substantial mechanical failings that persist, even after numerous repairs have been completed.

While these vehicles are rare, it is important to learn more about the law, and how it can protect you on the purchase of a new vehicle.

Arizona also has a used car lemon law that covers major components of a used vehicle for a period of 15 days or 500 miles; whichever comes first. While this law and its coverage are not nearly extensive as the standard law for new vehicles, a great deal of states do not provide coverage to used vehicle – at all.

Consider a lemon law attorney if you experience a lemon vehicle, especially if receiving pushback from a manufacturer.

What is the Lemon Law in Arizona?

The Arizona car lemon law is an invaluable law that protects buyers from the financial hardship that comes with purchasing a faulty vehicle that is beyond repair, also known as a lemon vehicle.

By the lemon law definition, these vehicles must have significant mechanical failings that affect their overall operation and safety. This is referred to as a nonconformity. Coverage will not be provided for minor defects, such as interior flaws, faulty radios etc.

In order for a vehicle to be considered a lemon, the same problem must persist regardless of repairs. The Arizona lemon car law primarily covers new vehicles:

• Under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Two years from the date of purchase.
• At or under 24,000 miles.

The law for lemon cars protection does not apply to certain cars. These include:

• Mobile homes.
• Vehicles with a gross weight over 10,000 pounds.
• Vehicles that are sold at a public auction.

Furthermore, the law will provide coverage to certain car buyers. They include:

• The individual who purchased the vehicle for any purpose other than resale.
• Any person to whom the vehicle is transferred to during the duration of the manufacturer warranty that is applied to the vehicle.
• Any other person who is entitled by the manufacturer’s warranty.

The AZ lemon law will not provide any form of coverage to lessees of the vehicle, unless the contract for the lease states that the law will apply.

A lemon law buyback may be available if your vehicle fits the above criteria and an acceptable amount of repair attempts has been performed on the vehicle by the manufacturer or manufacturer agent.

The buyback is one of two options that you will have if your vehicle is a lemon, and you complete the processes – as required by law. In this case, the manufacturer will be required to purchase the vehicle from you and effectively refund:

• The purchase price of your vehicle.
• Taxes and vehicle registration
• Other applicable fees.

Alternatively, under AZ lemon laws for cars, you can also request a replacement, in which the manufacturer must replace the faulty lemon vehicle with a new vehicle that is comparable to your previous one.

Does the Arizona Lemon Law apply to used cars?

Arizona 15 day lemon laws on used cars provide some protection to individuals who are purchasing used vehicles from Arizona dealerships. This law works similarly to the standard law that is available for new vehicles, but for a shorter period of time.

Used vehicles are covered under the used car law if there is a major component of the vehicle that breaks down within:

• 15 days from the date of purchase of the vehicle.
• 500 miles after the purchase of the vehicle.

Similarly to the standard law, the manufacturer must be provided with a reasonable amount of repair opportunities before the law will provide coverage. If the vehicle breaks down, you may still be required to pay a small fee for the first two repairs of the vehicle.

If the used car lemon law is applicable, you will be eligible for a refund for the purchase amount that you paid for the vehicle. A replacement vehicle is only an option for new vehicles.

Alternatively, you may be protected under the federal lemon law if you have a warranty on your vehicle through the dealership from which you purchased the vehicle. This law, known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, prevents dealerships from creating warranties that are undeliverable or unlawful in any way.

How does the Lemon Law Work in Arizona?

If the Arizona new car lemon law applies to your vehicle, you can pursue the refund or replacement of your vehicle from the vehicle’s manufacturer, so long as you complete each required step, and the manufacturer is provided with ample opportunity to repair the vehicle.

Therefore, it is important that you keep a detailed record of the vehicle’s mechanical problems, repair attempts and any contact that you have with the manufacturer. By doing so, you can ensure a smoother process.

For the Arizona lemon law to take effect, during the covered period, the manufacturer must be provided with four attempts to repair the vehicle. As stated previously, the repair attempt must be for the same mechanical failing.

If all four attempts prove to be unsuccessful, or if the vehicle is out of service due to repairs for 30 or more cumulative days, the manufacturer will be required to accept the return of the vehicle as a refund, or replace the vehicle with a new car.

For the used car laws, the manufacturer must be given the same four attempts or a cumulative 30 days or more before the manufacturer will be required to accept the return of the vehicle and refund the buyer the purchase price of the vehicle.

If you experience a lemon vehicle, you may also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau Auto Line Program.

Arizona Lemon Law Lawyers

An Arizona lemon law attorney can provide you with numerous benefits if your vehicle is found to be a lemon. Therefore, an attorney that specializes in this law is well-worth your consideration, especially if the vehicle’s manufacturer refuses to refund or replace your vehicle and the case then goes to court.

In a court setting, your attorney will be especially invaluable, as he or she knows the law, and can represent you during the case. An attorney can provide numerous benefits regarding the state lemon law, including:

• Guidance throughout the entire process.
• The ability to gather and submit documentation on your behalf.
• The ability to speak with the vehicle manufacturer on your behalf.
• The ability to represent you in court, should your case go to court.
• The ability to provide you with further details on what you are entitled to from the manufacturer under the current law.

Additional New and Used Car Laws in Arizona

As mentioned previously, you may benefit from a lemon law warranty, also known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, if you purchase a warranty from a dealership and you are experiencing repetitive repair issues, or you are not receiving the services that you were promised. This law covers both new and used vehicles.

How to Tell if Your New Car is a Lemon in Arizona

Even if the Arizona lemon law does not apply to your vehicle, it is important to know how to determine whether or not your vehicle may be a lemon.

If you have experienced the same mechanical failings with your vehicle, even after repeat attempts to repair the vehicle, then the vehicle may, in fact, be a lemon.

While lemons are rare, they do happen, which is why it is important to learn more about the law and consider consulting an attorney, as needed.

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