If you purchased a new or used vehicle that you think is defective, you may be wondering what the Arizona lemon law entails. The state has a set of regulations in place to protect consumers who bought a vehicle that has defects that affect safety and use, and you may be able to take legal action if the manufacturer is not taking the necessary steps to fix the problem.
What Are the Basics of the Arizona Lemon Law?
The Arizona lemon law states that if a vehicle has a significant defect that interferes with the overall safety and operation of the vehicle, the manufacturer or dealership must make the necessary repairs to fix the issue. For new vehicles, the owner must report the problem within the covered period, which is 24,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.
If the manufacturer is unable to repair the car after four attempts, or the vehicle is out of service for 30 cumulative days or more, the owner can accept a replacement or return the car. In lieu of repair, the manufacturer may either replace the vehicle with a new one or accept a full return.
For used vehicles, the coverage period is 500 miles or 15 days, whichever comes first. Even if there are major repairs the manufacturer must make, the vehicle owner must pay $25 each for the first two repair attempts.
What Qualifies as a Lemon in Arizona?
There are certain criteria that a vehicle must meet to qualify as a lemon. According to the Arizona lemon law, the vehicle must be for household, personal, or family use only. Vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, mobile homes, and those sold at an auction do not apply.
A lemon must have a substantial defect that the manufacturer’s warranty covers, and this defect must impair the safety, value, or operation of the vehicle. The manufacturer must also have sufficient opportunity to repair the defect.
What Should You Do if You Have a Lemon?
First, ensure that you report the issue in writing to the manufacturer within the covered period. Next, make sure you give the manufacturer reasonable time and attempts to fix the defect. Keep detailed documents, including dates and details of the issues, of the repair attempts. If the manufacturer is unable to fix the defect and return the vehicle to its proper working form, it must replace the vehicle or allow you to return it for the original price you paid. If not, you should take legal action.
Can an Attorney Help me Better Understand the Arizona Lemon Law?
At Sargon Law Group, our personal injury lawyers in Phoenix help consumers understand legal issues, such as the Arizona lemon law. If the manufacturer of your defective vehicle is not cooperating, we can help you file a claim, and a winning settlement also includes recovery of any attorney fees.
We can also help you in the early stages of reporting a defect within the covered period and ensuring the manufacturer follows up with the necessary repairs in a reasonable time period. Contact us today to get started.