Details of the Arizona Lemon Law

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  The Arizona Lemon Law covers new and used cars with persistent mechanical problems, in terms of specific provisions. If you are experiencing problems with a recently purchased car, you should read the law, Arizona Revised Statutes, section 44-1261, then file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau Auto Line Program or consult with an attorney to determine if the car is a lemon.

What the Law Covers

• According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the standards of the Arizona Lemon Law cover:

  - Any "self-propelled vehicles designated primarily for the transportation of persons or property over public highways"

  - Any person who buys a motor vehicle for purposes other than resale

  - Any person "to whom the motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of an express warranty applicable to the motor vehicle"

  - Any person "entitled by the terms of the warranty to enforce its obligations"

What It Does Not Cover

• According to the BBB, the Arizona Lemon Law does not cover:

  - The parts of a motor home used, designed or maintained as a mobile dwelling or office

  - Vehicles with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds

  - A lessee, unless the lessor and lessee have stated in writing that the lessee can "sell the vehicle back to the manufacturer to exercise other remedies"

New Cars

• If a problem significantly impairs the use and value of the vehicle and "does not conform to the express warranty of the manufacturer," the buyer should report it to the manufacturer. The manufacturer can either repair the defect, accept return of the car or replace it with a new one, according to the Arizona Attorney General's website.

Used Cars

• A used car is covered by the law if a major component breaks before 15 days or 500 miles after the car is purchased. The first two repairs will cost $25, and the "recovery for the consumer is the purchase amount paid for the car," again according to the Arizona Attorney General.

Repair Attempts

• If during the covered period the manufacturer does not successfully repair the defect after four attempts, or if the car is out of service because of repair for 30 or more days, the manufacturer must accept the return of the car or must replace the car with a new one.