Memphis Lemon Law

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Tennessee Lemon Law?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a lemon law claim is six (6) months following the expiration of the express warranty term or one year following the original date of delivery, whichever is later. If you discover a defect and do not pursue a claim within this period, you may lose your right to take action under the lemon law.

How Many Repair Attempts Are "Unreasonable" Under Memphis Lemon Law?

An "unreasonable" number of repair attempts can seem like a gray area under Tennessee lemon law.

1. Generally, the manufacturer has made at least three attempts to repair the defect, and it continues to exist.
2. The defect should have a substantially negative impact on the car's safety, value, or functionality.
3. The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 cumulative days. 

Common Defects That Lead to Lemon Law Complaints in Tennessee

We've seen many vehicle defects in Tennessee lead to lemon law complaints, including:

• Engine Problems
• Electrical System Failures
• Transmission Issues
• Fuel System Defects
• Airbag Defects
• Steering or Brake Problems

These are significant defects that can compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle, making it dangerous to drive. If your vehicle is experiencing any of these issues and cannot be properly repaired, it may qualify as a lemon under Memphis lemon law.

Does Memphis Lemon Law Account for Used Vehicles?

Memphis lemon law primarily covers defective new vehicles. But there are some protections for used cars under different consumer protection laws, such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This federal law provides coverage for used vehicles that are still under a manufacturer's warranty.

Breach of Warranty

Even if your used vehicle is not covered under Tennessee's lemon law, you may have a breach of warranty claim. To qualify for protection:

• The vehicle must have been brought to the dealership for the same issue an unreasonable number of times (typically at least three), or it must have been out of service for a total of 30 days or more.
• The defect must significantly affect the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

If your vehicle qualifies, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle, a refund, or compensation for the decreased value of the vehicle due to the defect.

How Does the Tennessee Lemon Law Process Work?

Simply noticing a defect in your vehicle does not immediately qualify it as a "lemon" under Memphis lemon law. To earn rightful compensation under lemon law, these steps should be followed:

1. Report the Defect to the Dealer or Manufacturer
   Get in touch with the dealership or manufacturer and report the defect. Be sure  to keep a copy of this communication. Document the defect's nature, the date you noticed the defect,  and any repair attempts that have been made.
2. Give the Dealer or Manufacturer a Reasonable Time to Repair
   The manufacturer must be given a "reasonable" opportunity to repair the defect. While the number of attempts depends on the severity of the issue, Tennessee law generally requires at least three repair attempts and it still continues, or a cumulative 30 days for the vehicle to be out of service for repairs.
3. Request a Refund or Replacement Vehicle
   If the defect is not successfully repaired after being subjected to an unreasonable number of repair attempts, you can request a refund or replacement vehicle with the help of a Memphis lemon law lawyer.
4. Request Legal Action
   If the dealer or manufacturer will not provide an adequate settlement through negotiations, you can pursue a legal claim under Tennessee's lemon law.

The Role of a Lemon Law Lawyer in Tennessee

While you can technically manage the lemon law process without an attorney, having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of earning a fair settlement. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, gather necessary documentation, and negotiate for an adequate settlement.

If your case goes to court, your lawyer will advocate for you to get the compensation you deserve.

How Much Do Memphis Lemon Law Lawyers Charge?

Under Memphis lemon law, the manufacturer is required to pay their legal fees and court costs. This means you pay NOTHING to hire a lemon law attorney in Memphis.

What Damages Could You Recover in a Lemon Lawsuit in Memphis?

If you win a lemon law case in Tennessee, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including (but not limited to):

1. A Full Refund
   This includes a refund for the purchase price of the vehicle (minus a mileage offset), including taxes, fees, and any other associated costs.
2. A Replacement Vehicle
   If you would rather have a vehicle from the same manufacturer, you may request a replacement vehicle of equal or greater MSRP. If the replacement vehicle has a higher MSRP, you will be responsible for covering the difference. Reimbursement for Incidental Costs.
   You may be compensated for expenses related to the defective vehicle, such as towing fees or rental cars.
3. Legal Fees
   If you win the case, the manufacturer may be required to cover your attorney's fees and court costs.