Arkansas Lemon Laws

Lemon Law in Arkansas

The state of Arkansas states laws in regard to lemon vehicles. These vehicles are those that have defects that alter the market value of the motor vehicle or alter the safety of the driver or passenger. These normally include brake problems, engine problems, and seatbelt defects.

The state of Arkansas calls the Lemon Law the Arkansas New Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act. This act is number 297 and came into effect in 1993.

All lemon cases are to pass through a third party for efficiency. A third party often includes an attorney at law. Because paperwork can be so extensive, an attorney is required under a majority of circumstances. Under this law the manufacturer, dealer, or agent if legally required to compensate and repair the motor vehicle.

Covered Vehicles

Only certain motor vehicles qualify for lemon compensation in Arkansas. These include motor vehicles that have been leased or purchased in the state of Arkansas as well as those that are registered in the state of Arkansas. All other motor vehicles will not be covered by Arkansas lemon law.

All motor vehicles must be under the manufacturer’s express warranty of two years or be under the first twenty-four thousand miles of use. Whichever occurs last will be considered.

When a vehicle is leased or purchased by someone other than the original consumer that leaser or purchaser will also be covered by lemon laws. Vehicles that exceed ten thousand pounds will not qualify for lemon compensation. This means that some recreational vehicles are excluded though motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, and other consumer appliances will qualify.

Qualification

In order to qualify motor vehicles must first undergo a reasonable number of repair attempts. This number usually includes three or four attempts; however, if a motor vehicle has been out of commission or is under repair for thirty days or more then the attempted repairs are waived. These thirty days are not required to be consecutive and can be added up while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s express warranty.

If the motor vehicle can be proven to have a reasonable number of repair attempts the consumer is subject to a repair by the dealer, agent, or manufacturer. This repair must restore the vehicle to its market standard. If the manufacturer, agent, or dealer cannot restore the vehicle to this condition then the consumer is open for compensation.

Also if the manufacturer, dealer, or agent cannot repair the motor vehicle within thirty calendar days, the consumer is also open to compensation.

Compensation

Compensation will include either a replacement vehicle or cash compensation. A replacement vehicle will be of the same market value as the “lemon”. If the consumer declines a replacement vehicle, he or she is open to cash compensation. This kind of compensation is to be the full purchasing price of the vehicle, any registration fees, taxes, and licensing fees.

If the motor vehicle has been subject to abuse outside of the lemon defect then the amount will be deducted from the purchasing price. All cosmetic additions will not be compensated.

FAQs About Arkansas Lemon Laws

Is there a lemon law for used cars in Arkansas?

Yes, the state of Arkansas has enacted a Lemon Law to protect consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles from experiencing ongoing issues with their vehicles. According to the Lemon Law, if your vehicle has been subject to four repair attempts or out of service for 30 days in a 12-month period without resolving an issue, you may qualify for relief under the law. It is important to keep all records of servicing and repairs in order to file a claim should you need to.

What qualifies a car as a lemon in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a car may qualify as a “lemon” if it experiences issues resulting in four attempted repairs or more within one year of being purchased or leased, or having been out of service for at least 30 days. If these criteria are met and the problem cannot be fixed despite multiple attempts, then the consumer may have grounds for a lemon law claim.

How long is the lemon law in Arkansas for used cars?

The Arkansas Lemon Law applies to both new and used cars that are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. However, the length of coverage provided may vary depending on the age, make, and model of the vehicle. Generally speaking, used cars that have been driven fewer than 18,000 miles in the two years before their purchase are eligible for protection under Arkansas’ Lemon Law.

What is the law on returning a used car in Arkansas?

As per Arkansas legal statutes, most dealerships will not accept returned used cars unless they were misrepresented or damaged prior to purchase. To ensure that you are legally protected in such cases, it is important to read any contract paperwork carefully and thoroughly prior to agreeing to any terms.

How long can a dealership hold your car for repair in Arkansas?

According to the Arkansas Lemon Law, a dealership must begin work on any repairs requested by the customer within two business days of receiving authorization from them. If they fail to do so, then the customer may be entitled to compensation.

Can you return a car after buying it Arkansas?

Generally speaking, once you have bought a car in Arkansas, it becomes non-refundable and non-returnable. This is true even if you find that the car was misrepresented or damaged prior to purchase. By signing any contracts during the purchase process, you are essentially entering into a legally binding agreement that makes any returns impossible under normal circumstances.

What do most lemon laws define a lemon as a car?

Most Lemon Laws consider a car to be a “lemon” when it meets certain criteria. Generally, this includes situations where the vehicle has undergone four attempted repairs or has been out of service for at least 30 days due to issues that cannot be resolved. Depending on the state, other additional criteria may apply.

What is ‘unauthorized use of a vehicle’ in Arkansas?

Unauthorized use of a vehicle in Arkansas refers to any instance where an individual uses another person’s vehicle without their express permission. This could include taking someone else’s car for a joyride, using it as collateral for money, or simply driving without permission. All instances of unauthorized use of a vehicle are considered criminal offenses and can result in severe penalties.

What are lemon laws the problem in the used car market?

While Lemon Laws are designed to protect consumers from faulty vehicles, they can present some challenges in the used car market. For example, unscrupulous sellers may take advantage of unaware buyers by selling them cars that would fall under Lemon Laws protection if sold as new. Additionally, some sellers may lack adequate documentation needed to prove ownership and establish when any necessary repairs occurred. Therefore, it is essential for buyers to take all necessary steps to ensure that they are purchasing safe and reliable used vehicles.

What is the Lemon Law in Arkansas for used car dealerships?

The Lemon Law in Arkansas applies to all used car dealerships. Under this law, licensed used car dealers must adhere to certain standards when selling vehicles, including providing accurate information about the vehicles’ history, condition, and mechanical condition. If any issues arise with a used vehicle that falls under Lemon Law regulations, dealers must take responsibility for fixing them or provide compensation to consumers according to each case’s specifics.