The Alaska Lemon Law

Alaska Lemon Law Summary

Alaska’s Lemon Law offers protection for buyers of new passenger 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. It covers self-propelled motor vehicles with four or more wheels, normally used for personal, family, or household purposes, and the vehicle is required to be registered in Alaska. It does not apply to used vehicles, off-road vehicles, tractors, or farm equipment.

Who is covered?

The law applies to the original purchaser of a new vehicle for personal use, not for resale. Ownership must be transferred to the individual. Leased vehicles are not covered, and neither are commercial purchases.

When does the Lemon Law apply?

To qualify, the defect must:
  • Occur during the manufacturer’s express warranty period or within one year of the vehicle’s delivery to the original owner, whichever comes first.
  • Remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

What is a “reasonable” number of repair attempts?

The law presumes a reasonable number of attempts if:
  • The same problem was repaired three or more times but still persists, or
  • The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more business days due to repair attempts.

What happens if my car qualifies?

Before you can request a refund or replacement, you must provide certified written notice to the manufacturer and the dealer within 60 days of the end of the warranty period or the one-year mark (whichever ends first). The manufacturer then has 30 days to make a final repair attempt.

If the issue isn’t resolved, the manufacturer must offer you a choice:
  • Full refund (minus a reasonable allowance for use), or
  • Replacement vehicle of comparable value.

The refund must include:
  • Purchase price,
  • Original registration, transportation, dealer fees, and installed options,
  • Minus an allowance for mileage/use and any owner-caused damage or neglect.

How can BBB AUTO LINE help me?

If you have an unresolved dispute involving a defect that is covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty, BBB AUTO LINE may be able to assist you. BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court mediation and arbitration dispute resolution process in which many automobile manufacturers participate.

File a Complaint

Are you having problems with your auto warranty?  Let BBB AUTO LINE help you resolve your warranty dispute without a lawyer and at no cost to you.

Please gather the following information: 

  • Owner’s (or Lessee's) name and address 
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) 
  • Make, model and year 
  • Description of the problem 
  • Current mileage