The Arkansas Lemon Law
The Arkansas lemon law covers motor vehicles that are licensed, purchased, or leased in Arkansas and primarily designed for transportation of persons or property over public streets and highways. The lemon law does not cover mopeds, motorcycles, or the living facilities of motor homes. Except for motor homes, the lemon law does not cover vehicles with a G.V.W. rating of over 10,000 pounds. Used vehicles might be covered if transferred during the MVQA period.
What vehicles are covered?
The Arkansas Lemon Law applies to most new self-propelled vehicles licensed, purchased, or leased in the state for personal or property transportation on public streets and highways. It does not cover:
Used vehicles may be covered if they are transferred during the Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance period.
- Mopeds or motorcycles
- The living space of a motor home
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds
- Vehicles over 10,000 pounds that have been substantially altered after sale
Used vehicles may be covered if they are transferred during the Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance period.
Who is covered?
The law covers:
Guidance from the Arkansas Attorney General clarifies that even subsequent owners may be covered if the transfer happens during the Quality Assurance period.
- Purchasers or lessees of a new or previously untitled vehicle (not for resale or sublease)
- Anyone entitled to enforce the manufacturer’s warranty during the coverage period
Guidance from the Arkansas Attorney General clarifies that even subsequent owners may be covered if the transfer happens during the Quality Assurance period.
When does the lemon law apply?
The Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance period is the later of:
A defect, called a nonconformity, must be reported during this period.
- 24 months after delivery to the first consumer, or
- The first 24,000 miles of operation
A defect, called a nonconformity, must be reported during this period.
What is considered a “lemon” in Arkansas?
A rebuttable presumption of a “lemon” arises if, during the coverage period:
- The same issue has been repaired three times with no success and the manufacturer is given a final repair attempt,
- The defect is likely to cause death or serious injury and remains after one repair attempt plus a final attempt,
- The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more calendar days due to repairs, or
- Five or more attempts have been made to repair different problems that together impair use and value.
What is the manufacturer's responsibility?
If the defect is not fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either:
- Repurchase the vehicle. A refund includes the purchase price, collateral charges (such as taxes and title fees), and incidental costs like towing or alternative transportation, minus a reasonable offset for use.
- Replace the vehicle. The replacement must be identical or reasonably equivalent to the original and include coverage for collateral and incidental charges.
What should I do if my car qualifies?
- Keep detailed records of all repair attempts.
- Utilize the customer assistance process as outlined in the manufacturers’ warranty manual.
- Provide written notice to the manufacturer by certified or registered mail after three failed attempts or after one attempt if the defect poses serious safety risks.
- Give the manufacturer a final opportunity to repair the issue.
If the manufacturer does not respond within 10 days or fails to complete repairs within 10 days after receiving the vehicle, the law provides stronger protections for consumers.
How can BBB AUTO LINE help?
If you believe your vehicle may qualify under Arkansas’ 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:
We can help you:
- File a claim against the manufacturer
- Resolve eligible complaints efficiently through mediation and arbitration
- Connect you with a knowledgeable Dispute Resolution Specialist who will help you understand your eligibility, guide you through each step, answer questions, and help keep the process on track.
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