Arizona’s Lemon Law, statute number 44-1262, is fairly brief. It covers “motor vehicles” which the statute defines as “a self-propelled vehicle designated primarily for the transportation of persons or property of the public highways.” This would presumably cover motorcycles, trucks and vans, although the statute does not explicitly say so. It also covers the non-living quarters of a motor home.

The law defines a lemon as follows:

• The vehicle must have a defect or nonconformity which adversely affects the safety or use of the vehicle. The defect may not be the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modification of the vehicle.
• The defect has occurred within the first two years or 24,000 miles of ownership.
• The defect still exists after the manufacturer has been permitted a “reasonable” number of attempts to repair it. The state defines reasonable as four or more attempts to repair the nonconformity without success during the warranty period.
• A vehicle will also qualify if it is out of service for 30 or more days during the warranty period due to repairs. This period will be extended if the manufacturer is unable to repair the problem due to circumstances beyond its control, such as fire, flood, war, invasion, strike, or other natural disaster.

Arizona requires owners of vehicles with defects to submit to an arbitration process, should the manufacturer offer one within the state. Most, if not all, manufacturers do. This process is funded by the auto company, and is designed to expedite the process of settling a lemon law claim. Both sides will appear before a neutral party, who will weigh the evidence and rule in favor of one party or the other. Generally, the ruling of the arbitrator is considered binding only upon the manufacturer. The owner, should he or she choose, will be free to file a lawsuit if the arbitrator’s ruling is not in the owner’s favor..

Relief to the owner of the vehicle will come in the form of a suitable and acceptable replacement vehicle of comparable style and value. The owner, at his or her option, may also elect to receive a refund of the purchase price, including “all collateral charges.” This is generally understood to include, taxes, transportation and dealer preparation charges, and any additional fees normally associated with the purchase of a new vehicle

Arizona law also requires those who sell used vehicles to provide a fifteen day, 500 mile warranty with the sale of used vehicles. There are some consumer protections in place during this period.

Information on the Arizona state Website is rather sketchy; owners of vehicles who suspect that their vehicle may qualify under the state’s lemon law are advised to contact the Attorney General’s office:

Attorney General
Terry Goddard
Office of the Attorney General
Department of Law
1275 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-5025
Fax: 602-542-4085
E-mail: ag.inquiries@azag.gov

If you are going through trouble with your car, truck or van, you may find that you need the help of a competent attorney. LegalMatch can help find an experienced attorney in your city. Confidentiality is guaranteed, all lawyers are licensed, and there is no charge to inquire.

Details can be found the Arizona Lemon Law page