What Do I Need To Do Before I Can Claim That My Car Is A Lemon?

The vehicle must have been taken in for a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect(s). It is already presumed that your vehicle has undergone a reasonable number of attempts in the following situations:

If you have taken the car in for at least three repair attempts—at least one of which occurred within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles for the same defect, and the defect continues to exist;
Or, if the car has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days, including at least one repair within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, while being repaired for any number of defects.

Via certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested, you need to provide written notification to the manufacturer (not your dealer) describing the vehicle, the defect(s), and all previous attempts to correct the defect. In this notification, you need to request that the manufacturer make a final attempt to repair the condition. Be sure to include your name, address, day and evening contact information, the license number and model type of your vehicle, and the date and location purchased.

The manufacturer then has 7 calendar days from receipt of your notice to notify you of a reasonably accessible repair facility, and then 14 calendar days after delivery of your vehicle to the repair facility to make this repair.

Other Alabama Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: This law covers all new or previously untitled vehicles that weigh up to 10,000 pounds; are selfpropelled; are used in substantial part for personal family, or … More
Q: What Is The Lemon Law Term Of Protection?
A: According to Alabama`s Lemon Law term of protection, you need to notify the manufacturer of the defect and establish at least your first repair attempt during the … More
Q: What If My Problem Does Not Fit The Requirements Of My State's Lemon Law?
A: You still may be able to invoke the Lemon Law as long as you can justify that the number of repair attempts or days out of service you encountered were unreasonable. … More
Q: What Are My Options For Action Under The Lemon Law?
A: If the manufacturer does not repair the defect, or if the repairs are unsuccessful, you have the following options: Manufacturer`s Arbitration Program: Although you … More
Q: What Are The Possible Outcomes?
A: If it was decided that your vehicle is a lemon, you may choose either a refund or a replacement of your vehicle with a similarmodel new vehicle. In your refund, … More
Q: Does The Manufacturer Have To Tell Potential Purchasers Of The Car That It Was Deemed A Lemon?
A: Yes, full written disclosure is required by law, including the nature of the nonconformity. The manufacturer must also return the title to the state, which will label … More
Q: Does The State Of Alabama Have A Used Car Lemon Law?
A: No.
Q: Where Can I Get More Information About The Lemon Law?
A: Alabama Office of the Attorney General Consumer Affairs Division 11 South Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130 3342427334 or 8003925658 (from within … More