How does the lemon law process work in Alabama?
Alabama's lemon law process is enforced through civil court, preceded by manufacturer informal dispute resolution where certified.
1. Governing Statute
Ala. Code §§ 8-20A-1 through 8-20A-6 (Motor Vehicle Lemon Law). Consumer assistance through the Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Affairs Section.
2. Coverage
Covers new motor vehicles purchased and registered in Alabama for personal, family, or household use, with a manufacturer's GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less. Demonstrators included. Leased vehicles covered. Excludes motor homes' living quarters, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and used vehicles.
3. Lemon Presumption
Under § 8-20A-3, a reasonable number of attempts is presumed if within 1 year from delivery or 12,000 miles, whichever first: (a) the same nonconformity has been subject to repair 3 or more times, or (b) the vehicle is out of service for repair 30+ cumulative calendar days.
4. Notice to Manufacturer
The consumer must give the manufacturer written notice by certified mail of the alleged defect and a final opportunity to cure of up to 14 calendar days (§ 8-20A-2(c)).
5. Manufacturer's Buy-Back / Replacement
At the consumer's option, manufacturer must replace with a comparable new vehicle or refund the full purchase price (including collateral charges: taxes, license, registration, dealer add-ons, finance charges) minus a reasonable allowance for use (statutory formula based on miles to first report).
6. Arbitration
If the manufacturer has a state-certified informal dispute settlement procedure (e.g., BBB AUTO LINE), the consumer must first resort to it (§ 8-20A-4). Decision binds only the manufacturer.
7. Lawsuit & Fee-Shifting
A prevailing consumer in court is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and expert witness fees (§ 8-20A-5). Parallel claims under Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)) and the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act (Ala. Code § 8-19-1) are commonly added.
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- Defect surfaced near 12-month / 12,000-mile cutoff
- Manufacturer's certified arbitration produced an unfavorable result
- Deceptive Trade Practices Act claim for additional remedies
- Ala. Code §§ 8-20A-1 to 8-20A-6 (Motor Vehicle Lemon Law)
- Ala. Code § 8-19-1 (Deceptive Trade Practices Act)
- 15 U.S.C. § 2301 (Magnuson-Moss)
- 16 CFR Part 703
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.