Business Vehicles — Lemon Law in Tennessee

Tennessee Lemon Law covers business passenger vehicles, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, and trucks that are purchased in Tennessee and that weight less than 10,000 pounds, providing the business registers fewer than three vehicles. 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 safety or value of the vehicle
• Has manufacturer's defects that occurred during the first year from the delivery date or the expiration of the warranty (whichever period ends first)
• Has been taken in four times for the same problem or has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 calendar days
• The manufacturer has been notified in writing of the defect within one year from the delivery date or the expiration of the warranty (whichever period ends first), and has had a final opportunity to repair the vehicle
• You have participated in the manufacturer's informal arbitration program, if one exists

Under Tennessee Lemon Law, within one year after the delivery date of the vehicle or the expiration of the warranty (whichever comes first), you must notify the manufacturer in writing of the problem, and give them a final opportunity to repair it. Sample demand letter.

You must also participate in the manufacturer's informal dispute resolution process (if one exists) before you are eligible to file a Lemon Law claim in court.

Tennessee Lemon Law provides several options for a successful Lemon Law claimant. First, you may be awarded a replacement vehicle of the same year, make, and model. You may also qualify for a monetary award, which can include:

• The full purchase price
• Manufacturer- or dealer-installed options
• Credit life and disability insurance charges
• Sales taxes
• Title charges
• License fees
• Registration fees
• Other reasonable expenses
• Attorney's fees

The amount of the monetary reward may be reduced by a deduction for your use of the vehicle, which is calculated at a rate of one-half of the amount allowed per mile by the Internal Revenue Service for any miles driven, plus any damage exceeding that of normal wear and tear.

Wherever you are in the Lemon Law claim process, it is generally in your best interest to have an attorney represent you. After all, vehicle manufacturers have teams of lawyers that do nothing but fight Lemon Law claims. As you consider your options, imagine the difference between going up against a team of lawyers on your own, versus having a Lemon Law attorney speak on your behalf. Also keep in mind that being represented by a Lemon Law attorney won't cost you a dime if you go to court; the law says that the car manufacturer has to pay your attorney's fees in successful Lemon Law claims.