Leased Vehicle Lemon Law in Arkansas

Arkansas Lemon Law covers leased passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds that are within two years or 24,000 miles of the original purchase (whichever comes last). In order to be considered a "lemon," the vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Does not conform to the manufacturer's express warranty
• Has substantial defects affecting the use, safety or value of the vehicle
• Has manufacturer's defects that occurred during the first two years from the original owner's delivery date or the first 24,000 miles on the odometer (whichever period ends last)
• Has been taken in three times for the same problem, has been taken in five times for a variety of problems, or if it has been out of service for 30 days due to a series of unrelated problems; if the defect is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, the Lemon Law applies after the first repair attempt
• After the dealer has tried to repair the vehicle three times (or once in the event of a dangerous defect), the manufacturer has been notified and given an opportunity to repair the vehicle

Arkansas Lemon Law states that you can receive a full refund for any leasing fees, less a reasonable allowance for vehicle use. Under the Lemon Law, your lease agreement ends when you return the vehicle. You cannot be charged any penalties for ending the lease early.

Before you file a Lemon Law claim and after the third repair attempt, you must first send a letter to the manufacturer, and give the manufacturer a final opportunity to fix the vehicle. The letter must be sent by certified mail, with a return receipt requested. Sample demand letter.

After receiving your letter, the manufacturer has 10 calendar days to schedule a final repair attempt, and 10 calendar days to repair your vehicle once it is in the shop. If the repair is not made, you can demand a replacement vehicle or refund. You must participate in the manufacturer's informal dispute procedure (although it is not binding for you) before you can file a Lemon Law claim.