Tennessee's lemon law and your rights as a buyer

What the lemon law protects, what it doesn't, and what rights you keep when you buy used. With the state's exact deadlines.

This guide summarizes the recorded scope for Tennessee (T.C.A. § 55-24-201 et seq.). Eligibility, deadlines and notice requirements depend on the law and applicable coverage; read the state conditions below, including used-vehicle conditions where relevant.

What it covers

Tennessee Attorney General/Consumer Affairs guidance says a new vehicle, or one still under the manufacturer's warranty, may qualify when a substantial defect cannot be repaired under the law's conditions. A used vehicle's remaining original warranty may matter, but it does not by itself establish eligibility. Confirm the original delivery date, applicable warranty, defect-reporting period, repair history and your consumer status with the Division of Consumer Affairs before relying on this remedy.

Rights period: According to the Attorney General's brochure, a lawsuit must be filed within 6 months after one year from the car's original delivery or the end of the express warranty, whichever is later. Report the problem in writing as early as possible.

When it is presumed a lemon

Three unsuccessful repair attempts, or a total of 30 or more days out of service for repairs.

The presumption does not replace the other requirements. Check the official conditions and procedure for your situation.

The process

Notify the manufacturer of the problem in writing and by certified mail; the Attorney General's brochure requires that before you can get a refund. Keep every repair order. If it is not resolved, ask the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs whether your case is covered; the final claim is filed in court. A new-car dealer is required by state rule 0960-01-.27 to make information about this law available to you, even if only by pointing you to the Motor Vehicle Commission's website.

Who handles it: Tennessee Attorney General — Division of Consumer Affairs.

Hotline: 615-741-4737 · consumer.affairs@ag.tn.gov.

What you get if you win

Return the car and receive a refund of the full purchase price.

What it does not cover

This is not a general guarantee for every used-car purchase. Do not assume a used vehicle qualifies, or is excluded, solely because it is used; the original warranty and the law's other coverage conditions must be checked.

I bought used: what do I have left

More than it seems, even if it isn't the lemon law:

• The Buyers Guide (FTC). The guide states the dealer warranty. "As Is" describes that warranty; it does not by itself resolve other state-law rights or remaining manufacturer coverage. The federal rule applies in 48 states (Maine and Wisconsin have their own equivalent rules). If the sale is conducted in Spanish, the dealer must post a Spanish-language Buyers Guide.
• Remaining manufacturer warranty. Check the warranty contract and its duration and transfer conditions; vehicle age does not guarantee coverage.
• In Tennessee: The dealer must post the federal Buyers Guide on every used car; if it says "As Is", there is no dealer warranty. Get every promised repair or warranty written into the contract. Unfair or deceptive practices go to the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs, and dealer complaints go to the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission ((615) 741-2711), where you can also check the dealer's license and history.