Under What Conditions Does The State Consider My Vehicle A Lemon?

The law creates what is known in legal terminology as a presumption; the Lemon Law presumes that you are entitled to a refund or replacement if the manufacturer or its dealer has made a certain number of unsuccessful attempts to repair nonconformities that substantially impair the use, value or safety of your vehicle (four or more repair attempts, or more than 30 days out of service).

However, there is an exception (or in legal terminology, the presumption is rebuttable). If the manufacturer can prove that it has not had a reasonable opportunity to repair your car, you may not be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. For example, if the manufacturer can prove that the number of repair attempts was not unreasonable because you did not follow the terms of the warranty, or some event (such as a labor strike) prevented timely repairs, the Lemon Law might not help you. In addition, if you abused the car or damaged it in an accident, the Lemon Law might nor apply.

Dangerously defective vehicles may be returned in an even shorter period of time. If the problem involves a defect that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury (such as brake failure or a steering wheel that locks) the Lemon Law may apply if the problem is not promptly corrected after the second attempt.

Other Arkansas Lemon Law FAQs

Q: Who Is Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: Any consumer who buys or leases, and registers a new motor vehicle in the State of Arkansas is covered by the Lemon Law. If the vehicle is transferred to someone else … More
Q: What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: The following table summarizes what is covered, how many times the vehicle has to be repaired for the same defect and the warranty period. Vehicles Covered Repair … More
Q: Getting Your Vehicle Repaired
A: It is very important that you report any defect or condition directly to the manufacturer or to the dealer immediately. It is also important that you keep all repair … More
Q: Who Pays For The Repairs?
A: Most manufacturers` warranties on purchased vehicles cover repairs for at least the first year following the original delivery date or the first 12,000 miles, … More
Q: How Long Should The Repair Attempt Process Take?
A: The Lemon Law allows the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair or correct the defect. A reasonable number means three (3) repair attempts for the same … More
Q: How Do I Get A Refund Or Replacement From The Manufacturer?
A: Replacement The manufacturer may offer to replace your original vehicle; however, you do not have to accept the offer. You may say NO and demand a refund. If … More
Q: How Can I Assert My Rights?
A: If the manufacturer does not accept your Lemon Law claim and will not refund your money or replace your vehicle, you must file for a hearing through the manufacturer`s … More
Q: Can The Manufacturer Resell Or Re-Lease A Lemon Vehicle?
A: Yes, but the dealer or leasing company must give the consumer who buys such a vehicle a written notice stating that the vehicle was returned to the manufacturer … More
Q: What Is The Law On Odometer Rollbacks?
A: It is illegal to tamper with an odometer. It is also illegal to sell or advertise any device for tampering with an odometer. Additionally, it is unlawful to operate a … 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