Summary of Tennessee Lemon Laws
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-24-101 through 55-24-112
Tennessee’s lemon laws state that if the buyer or lessee of a vehicle finds a major fault in it – which the manufacturers are unable to fix even after 3 valid attempts by the vehicle manufacturer to repair it – the manufacturer is liable to repurchase or replace the faulty vehicle. This law applies to the vehicle throughout its express warranty period, and if the vehicle is still under its warranty period and meets the eligibility criteria as specified by Tennessee’s state laws, the owner of the vehicle can claim their lemon aid and demand the manufacturers to provide them with the necessary reimbursement, in the form of a refund or replacement of the faulty vehicle through arbitration. The repurchase costs will also cover any additional costs the owner underwent while purchasing the vehicle.
Tennessee Lemon Law Time Limits & Eligibility
In order to be eligible under the lemon law, the vehicle must possess a few characteristics bound by the law.
Firstly, it should be a motor-powered passenger vehicle that can run on its own in a high way to do its main purpose. Thus, agricultural equipment and motorized bicycles are not eligible. Nor does the law include special mobile equipment such as jet skis and motor sledges are also not eligible. It also does not cover vehicles that can be used as a dwelling such as recreational vehicles, or those weighing over 10 000 pounds in gross vehicle weight.
Next, the vehicle must possess a certificate of title. Any vehicle without a certificate of title will not be eligible for a lemon law. Meanwhile, snowmobiles can only be eligible for a lemon aid if they possess a warranty sticker placed by the government of Tennessee, which the consumer will acquire once they have applied for its certificate of title. Damage or removal of the said sticker will nullify the vehicle’s eligibility even before the eligibility period ends.
Lastly, the vehicle must belong to a resident of Tennessee. If the vehicle was, instead, bought then gifted to another person who resides in another state, then the lemon law will not apply there.
Tennessee Lemon Law has a term of protection that is equal to the applicable warranty on the vehicle OR the period of one year after the date of the original DELIVERY to the consumer, whichever comes first.
Nonconforming Conditions of Lemon Law in Tennessee
A vehicle’s defect will not invoke the lemon law if it does not significantly affect the vehicle’s operation, safety, or value. The must also not be a direct result of the consumer’s neglect or abuse. Any unauthorized modification may also affect the vehicle’s eligibility. This may not be the case if the vehicle dealer uses parts made by the manufacturer for the particular model or make.
Tennessee Lemon Law Repairs
The lemon law of Tennessee may be invoked if the manufacturer was unable to fix the defect within 30 days. This deadline may be extended in the case of a natural disaster which may affect the manufacturer’s capacity to repair or return the said vehicle.
The consumer can also apply for a lemon aid if the consumer had made 3 valid attempts at repairing the defect; given that the consumer has filed a notice about it.
Tennessee Lemon Law Compensation
A consumer who has successfully filed for a lemon aid will be given the choice between two options. Upon the consumer’s discretion, the manufacturer may replace the vehicle with one that has a similar value, given that the value is convergent toward the consumer’s mileage use. On the other hand, the consumer may opt to have a refund instead. In this case, all expenses including repair costs and attorney fees will be reimbursed by the manufacturer. However, a reasonable allowance for mileage use will be subtracted from the final reimbursed value.
Tennessee Lemon Law Used Vehicles
Tennessee’s lemon law also applies for used vehicles. However, the eligibility period for the vehicle in question will still be based upon the first owner’s usage period of the vehicle. As long as the vehicle meets the eligibility criteria required for it to claim lemon aid, regardless of its ownership, it will be considered for the procedures.
Other Tennessee Laws