What Alabama Drivers Need to Know About Lemon Law Protections

Buying a new car should be exciting, but for some Alabama residents, the excitement can turn to frustration when persistent defects keep their vehicle off the road. While most vehicles live up to expectations, it’s important to be informed in case yours doesn’t.

Alabama’s Lemon Law offers protection for new vehicle owners when their cars experience significant issues that affect safety, use, or value. If your car has been in and out of the shop repeatedly, you may be entitled to relief.

In this article, we’ll guide you through:
  • What qualifies as a lemon in Alabama
  • Who is covered under the law
  • The steps to take if your vehicle may qualify
 

What Is the Alabama Lemon Law?

Alabama’s Lemon Law offers protection for buyers of vehicles when a defect significantly affects the vehicle’s use, safety, or market value, and the problem cannot be resolved after a reasonable number of attempts. 

Specifically, it applies to new passenger vehicles bought for personal, family, or household use. The law does not cover used vehicles, motor homes, or vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more.

If a vehicle has a nonconforming condition (a defect that impairs its use, value, or safety) the manufacturer must repair the issue, and in some cases, replace or refund the vehicle.
 

Who Is Covered Under Alabama’s Lemon Law?

You're covered if you are:
  • The original purchaser (not for resale) of a new or previously untitled vehicle used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
  • Someone entitled to enforce the manufacturer’s express warranty.

Important to note: Alabama’s law does not clearly extend coverage to lessees, and it excludes commercial vehicles.
 

When Does the Lemon Law Apply?

To qualify, the problem must be reported during the lemon law rights period, which ends one year after the vehicle is delivered or after 12,000 miles of operation- whichever comes first.

Even if repairs take place after that period, the vehicle may still be covered if the first notice of the defect was made during that window.
 

What Is Considered a “Lemon” in Alabama?

A vehicle may be presumed to be a lemon if, within 24 months or 24,000 miles of delivery, one of the following occurs:
  • The same defect has been subject to three or more repairs, including a final repair attempt, and the issue still exists.
  • The vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative calendar days due to repair attempts for the same issue.

The manufacturer must be given a final opportunity to repair the vehicle after receiving certified notice from the consumer. They must respond within 7 days and complete the repair within 14 days of receiving the vehicle.
 

What Are Your Rights If Your Vehicle Qualifies?

If the manufacturer cannot fix the issue after a reasonable number of attempts, you have the right to a refund or replacement.

Refunds include:
  • The full contract price, including dealer fees and nonrefundable portions of warranties and service contracts
  • Sales tax, license, and registration fees
  • Finance charges and the cost of alternative transportation
  • Minus a reasonable use allowance, calculated using the number of miles before the first report of the issue

Replacements:
  • Must be a comparable new vehicle
  • Are not subject to a deduction for usage
 

What Else Should You Know?

  • Deadline to File: You must bring a claim within three years of original delivery.
  • Dispute Resolution: Before filing a lawsuit, you must use the manufacturer’s dispute resolution program if it complies with federal regulations.
  • Dealer Liability: The law applies only to manufacturers. Dealers cannot be held liable or added to the lawsuit.
  • Resale Restrictions: Returned lemons cannot be resold in Alabama unless the buyer is notified in writing and the vehicle title is branded accordingly.
 

How BBB AUTO LINE Can Help 

If you believe your vehicle may qualify under Alabama’s Lemon Law, BBB AUTO LINE offers a no-cost, independent dispute resolution program that can help you avoid the hassle of going to court. 
 
We can help you: 
  • File a claim against the manufacturer 
  • Connect you with a dedicated Dispute Resolution Specialist who will guide you through each step, answer questions, and help keep the process on track.
  • Understand your eligibility 
  • Resolve your complaint efficiently through mediation and arbitration 
 

Ready to Take Action? 

Don’t let a defective vehicle leave you stranded. If your manufacturer participates in the program, you can file a claim today.