What Is the Lemon Law in Tennessee?

For a vehicle to qualify under Tennessee’s Lemon Law, it must have a significant defect that affects its use, safety, or value. The issue must arise within the first year of ownership or within the warranty period, and you must allow the manufacturer three attempts to repair the problem, or the vehicle must be out of service for 30 or more days.

If the defect arises after the first year or after the expiration of the warranty, your vehicle may not be covered under Tennessee’s Lemon Law. However, you may still have legal recourse under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which applies to vehicles that are still under warranty. Consulting an attorney can help you explore your options.

Tennessee’s Lemon Law applies for one year from the vehicle’s original delivery or for the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever occurs first. The statute of limitations for filing a claim is either one year from the expiration of the warranty or two years from the original delivery date, whichever is longer.

Under Tennessee’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer is responsible for covering attorney fees if you win your case. This means you won’t pay out of pocket for legal services, as our attorneys will pursue these costs from the manufacturer as part of the settlement.

Yes, leased vehicles are covered under Tennessee’s Lemon Law if they meet the same qualifications as purchased vehicles. The defect must occur within the warranty period or the first year of ownership, and the manufacturer must be given at least three attempts to repair the issue or the vehicle must be out of service for a cumulative 30 days.

Yes, motorcycles are usually covered under Tennessee's Lemon Law. Under this law, motorcycles are considered motor vehicles and are eligible for repair, replacement, or refund if they experience substantial defects that impair their use, value, or safety within the warranty period. If you suspect your motorcycle qualifies as a "lemon," document the issues and notify the manufacturer promptly to resolve the matter under the law's provisions.

Returning a car to the dealership simply because you’re having issues shortly after purchase is not an option under Tennessee’s Lemon Law. The law requires that the manufacturer or dealer have a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. 

Be sure to document all repair attempts and consult a Lemon Law attorney if the problem persists.

To file a Lemon Law claim in Tennessee, you should document all repair attempts and notify the manufacturer in writing about the defect. If the issue is not resolved after three repair attempts or if the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more days, you can file a claim. Working with an experienced Lemon Law attorney will ensure that your claim is handled properly.

Tennessee law does not provide a specific cooling-off period for vehicle purchases, so you cannot simply return a vehicle. However, if your vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after multiple attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund under the Lemon Law.