Arizona Lemon Law

Arizona Lemon Laws Provide Protection to Consumers for Defective Vehicles

If you have purchased or leased a car in Arizona and find yourself repeatedly visiting the repair shop for the same problems, the Arizona lemon laws may help you get your money back. Many Arizona consumers seek reliable transportation to meet their everyday needs, whether commuting in Phoenix, traveling between Tucson and Flagstaff, or navigating the state’s diverse terrain.

Unfortunately, some vehicles are defective and fail to perform as expected, leaving consumers frustrated and financially burdened. If you feel that your vehicle is a lemon, do not give up! You have rights under Arizona law!

In Arizona, like most other U.S. states, consumer protection laws provide remedies for those who have purchased or leased vehicles that fail to perform as warranted. These protections are outlined in Arizona’s Lemon Law statutes.

The Arizona Lemon Law Basics

You may be aware that you have rights when purchasing a vehicle with a warranty, but you may be wondering: How does the lemon law work in Arizona?

The Arizona Lemon Law (A.R.S. §§ 44-1261-1267) provides protection primarily for new motor vehicles, with some limited protections for used cars. The law applies to vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use within Arizona.

Important Note: Arizona does NOT have a cooling-off period for motor vehicle purchases. There is no three-day grace period during which you can simply change your mind and void the sales contract.

Arizona lemon law covers many types of vehicles, including:

• Cars
• Pickup trucks
• Vans
• SUVs
• Motorcycles

The law covers leased vehicles, financed vehicles, and applies to both new and qualifying used vehicles under warranty.

What Does the Arizona Lemon Law Do?

The Arizona lemon law mandates that manufacturers and authorized dealers:

• Make necessary repairs to ensure vehicles conform to express warranties
• Replace the vehicle or provide a full refund if unable to repair after a reasonable number of attempts
• Cover repairs even if made after the initial two-year or 24,000-mile reporting period (as long as the problem was reported within the timeframe)
• Pay the full purchase price including collateral charges, minus reasonable allowance for vehicle use

Arizona’s vehicle lemon laws protect consumers who have purchased or leased new motor vehicles under warranty. If a manufacturer or dealer cannot repair the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, they must repurchase or replace the vehicle.

What Counts as a “Lemon” Under Arizona Law?

For your vehicle to qualify as a lemon under Arizona law, several requirements must be met:

For New Vehicles:

• Existing warranty: The vehicle must be covered by an express warranty
• Timely notification: You must inform the manufacturer and/or authorized dealer of the defect within two years or 24,000 miles of original delivery, whichever comes first, or within the warranty term
• Reasonable repair attempts: The manufacturer or dealer must be given adequate opportunity to fix the problem
• Substantial impairment: The problem must substantially impair the use and market value of the vehicle

What constitutes “reasonable number of attempts”:

1. The SAME PROBLEM has been subject to repair FOUR OR MORE TIMES within two years or 24,000 miles, and the problem continues to exist; OR
2. The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a CUMULATIVE TOTAL OF THIRTY OR MORE CALENDAR DAYS during the warranty period or two-year/24,000-mile period

Important exceptions: The manufacturer may have a defense if the problem doesn’t substantially impair the vehicle’s use and market value, or if the problem results from abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications.

Arizona Lemon Law for Used Cars

Arizona provides limited protection for used vehicle purchases through an implied warranty of merchantability. This protection lasts for:

• 15 calendar days after delivery, OR
• First 500 miles, whichever comes first

A used vehicle is considered merchantable if it:

• Functions in a safe condition
• Is substantially free of defects that significantly limit its use for ordinary transportation on public highways

Cost responsibility: Purchasers may pay up to $25 for each of the first two repairs under this warranty.

Warranty waiver: The implied warranty can only be waived if:

1. The dealer fully discloses the specific defect due to unusual business circumstances
2. The purchaser agrees to buy despite knowing about the defect
3. The purchaser signs a specific waiver statement in bold 10-point font on the first page of the sales agreement

Our Rights as Arizona Consumers

Arizona consumers are often uncertain about their rights when dealing with defective vehicles. Some may simply accept the problems and continue paying for expensive repairs, blaming themselves for their purchase decision. Arizona’s Lemon Law exists to protect consumers from defective vehicles and provide monetary compensation.

The Arizona lemon law provides the following remedies:

• Replacement of the defective vehicle with a comparable new vehicle; OR
• Refund of the full purchase price, including all collateral charges, minus reasonable allowance for vehicle use
• Warranty coverage for repairs even beyond the initial reporting period if the problem was timely reported

How Does Arizona Lemon Law Work for New Cars?

When you buy a new car in Arizona, keep detailed records of your vehicle’s warranties and any problems that arise. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report problems promptly: Notify the manufacturer and/or authorized dealer within two years or 24,000 miles of delivery
2. Use authorized repair facilities: Take your vehicle to authorized dealers or manufacturer-approved repair shops
3. Document everything: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, dates, and communications
4. Be persistent: The dealer may make excuses or try to downplay problems, but you have legal rights

If problems persist after reasonable repair attempts, consult with an experienced lemon law attorney.

Is a Used Car Covered by Arizona Lemon Law?

Used cars have limited coverage under Arizona’s Lemon Law through the 15-day/500-mile implied warranty of merchantability. However, this protection is much more limited than new vehicle coverage.

Key considerations for used vehicles:

• The vehicle must be purchased from a dealer (not a private party)
• Coverage is limited to the first 15 days or 500 miles
• The dealer can waive the warranty only under specific disclosure conditions
• A “Buyers Guide” must be posted stating whether the vehicle is sold “as is” or with warranty

Time Limits for Arizona Lemon Law Claims

Arizona has specific time requirements you must follow:

For new vehicles:

• Report defects within two years or 24,000 miles of original delivery
• Repairs must be completed within this timeframe, though warranty coverage may extend beyond it

For used vehicles:

• Implied warranty lasts only 15 days or 500 miles after delivery

What Should I Do If I Think I Have a Lemon Vehicle?

If you suspect your Arizona vehicle may be a lemon:

1. Gather documentation: Collect all repair orders, service records, and warranty information
2. Keep detailed logs: Record dates of service, days out of service, and specific problems reported
3. Save all receipts: Maintain records of all service visits and repairs
4. Contact legal help: Consult with an experienced Arizona lemon law attorney

Don’t let dealers dismiss your concerns or blame you for the vehicle’s problems. You have legal rights under Arizona law.

Protecting Your Rights Under Arizona Lemon Law

Arizona’s Lemon Law provides important protections, but navigating the process can be complex. Manufacturers and dealers have legal teams working to minimize their obligations, so it’s crucial to understand your rights and document your case properly.

Remember that Arizona law specifically requires you to notify manufacturers and dealers within strict timeframes, so don’t delay in taking action if you suspect your vehicle is a lemon.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Lemon Law Attorney

If you or any member of your family have purchased or leased a defective vehicle in Arizona, and the manufacturer or dealer is not cooperating in providing proper repairs, replacement, or refund, you should contact an experienced Arizona lemon law attorney who can evaluate your situation and provide comprehensive guidance.

Don’t get discouraged if your vehicle fails to meet your expectations or continues to have problems. Arizona law provides specific remedies for lemon vehicles, and you deserve to receive the reliable transportation you paid for.

Contact an experienced Arizona lemon law attorney today for a thorough evaluation of your case and to understand your rights under Arizona’s consumer protection laws.