Lemon Law in Tennessee
In 2025, Tennessee’s car buyers are facing a challenging market. The average price of a new car has reached $48,699 nationally, while used car prices in Tennessee average $34,658.
Tennessee is a significant player in the automotive industry, hosting major manufacturing plants like Nissan’s in Smyrna, Volkswagen’s in Chattanooga, and the upcoming Ford’s BlueOval City in Stanton. Despite this robust manufacturing presence, local buyers are not insulated from national pricing trends.
With the substantial financial commitment involved in purchasing a vehicle, it’s crucial to ensure that your investment is protected. Understanding your rights and the steps to take if you find yourself with a “lemon” is essential to your investment.
If you’re dealing with a defective vehicle in Tennessee, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Consulting with an experienced Lemon Law attorney can provide you with the advice and support needed to pursue a fair resolution.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Tennessee’s lemon laws were created to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase a defective vehicle. For these protections to apply, the issue must be significant and stem from the manufacturer—not the result of driver error or normal wear and tear.
The defect must also persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. In other words, if the dealership or manufacturer has had fair opportunities to fix the problem, Tennessee law may entitle you to a refund or replacement.
When Do Tennessee Lemon Laws Apply?
Tennessee lemon law protections extend to new vehicles, including demonstrator models and certified pre-owned cars that come with an express written warranty. While state and federal laws work together to offer relief, certain criteria must be met for your vehicle to qualify as a lemon. These protections are designed to hold manufacturers accountable when they can’t deliver a vehicle that functions as promised.
To pursue a lemon law claim in Tennessee, the following conditions typically apply:
- Multiple Repair Attempts – The manufacturer or authorized dealer must have made several reasonable attempts to fix the defect without success.
- Early Defect Reporting – The problem must arise and be reported within the first year after purchase or before the odometer hits 12,000 miles—whichever comes first.
- Extended Time in the Shop – The vehicle must be out of service for 30 cumulative days or more due to repair efforts. These days do not have to be consecutive.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
If you think your car qualifies as a lemon in Tennessee, there are steps you can take to strengthen your case from the start. How and where you handle the repairs can directly affect your eligibility under the law. That’s why it’s important to document your efforts and follow the proper procedure—otherwise, your claim may be dismissed before it begins.
To stay on solid legal ground in Tennessee, make sure you:
- Use the Manufacturer’s Authorized Dealer – Always return to the dealership or manufacturer-authorized repair facility. If you go elsewhere, the automaker isn’t liable for any work performed.
- Keep Every Record – Maintain clear and complete documentation of each service visit. This includes dates, mileage, what was repaired, and the name of the technician. These records create a paper trail that’s essential if your case goes to arbitration or court.
- Understand State-Specific Rules – Tennessee’s lemon law kicks in if:
- The vehicle has been in for repairs four or more times,
- Or has been out of service for 30 total days,
- All within the first year or during the manufacturer’s warranty period.
- Give Proper Notice – You must notify the manufacturer in writing via certified mail and give them a final 10-day window to fix the defect (ConsumerAffairs, “Tennessee Lemon Law Guide”).
By following these guidelines, you’re not only protecting your investment—you’re building the foundation for a potential refund or replacement under Tennessee lemon law.
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Tennessee law, you have the right to pursue a refund or a replacement vehicle. However, the manufacturer may deduct a fee based on your mileage before the defect makes the vehicle unusable. This “reasonable use” deduction is calculated using the number of miles driven before the first repair attempt.
Assuming your claim qualifies, your compensation may cover the following out-of-pocket costs:
- Down payment – The amount you initially paid when financing or leasing the car.
- Vehicle registration – Reimbursement for the fees paid to register the car in Tennessee.
- Sales tax – A return of the taxes paid at the time of purchase.
- Rental car expenses – Costs you incurred for alternative transportation while your car was in the shop.
- Monthly payments – A refund of payments made during the period the car was not functional.
- Towing costs – Fees for transporting the vehicle for service due to recurring defects.
- Attorney’s fees – In most successful lemon law cases, the manufacturer is required to pay your legal fees.
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?
Tennessee lemon law protections are generally limited to new vehicles, but that doesn’t mean used cars are entirely excluded. If your used vehicle comes with a written manufacturer’s warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty, you may still be covered. These warranties often extend protections beyond the original sale, allowing consumers to pursue a claim if the vehicle experiences recurring, unfixable defects during the coverage period.
When Should You Hire a Qualified Tennessee Lemon Law Attorney?
If your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times and still isn’t fixed, or if it’s been out of commission for a total of 30 days or more, it’s time to get legal help.
Don’t wait for the warranty clock to run out. A qualified Tennessee lemon law attorney can step in to evaluate your case, help you understand your rights, and determine whether you qualify for compensation.
How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?
When you bring in an experienced Tennessee lemon law attorney, you’re not just hiring someone to fill out forms—you’re putting legal pressure on the manufacturer to do what’s right. A good lawyer understands the process from start to finish and helps you avoid common missteps that could cost you time or money. Here’s what you can typically expect when working with a Tennessee lemon law attorney:
- Free Case Review: Most Tennessee lemon law firms offer complimentary evaluations to see if your situation meets the legal requirements.
- Claim Preparation and Filing: Once your claim has merit, your attorney will gather documentation, notify the manufacturer, and formally file the claim on your behalf.
- Escalation if Necessary: If the manufacturer refuses to cooperate, your attorney can escalate the matter—whether through arbitration or a lawsuit—depending on your case details.
- Settlement or Trial: If the claim is resolved before court, the manufacturer typically covers legal fees. If not, your attorney may pursue full compensation through litigation.
- No Upfront Legal Fees: Reputable Tennessee attorneys often work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay unless you win—and even then, the manufacturer typically covers the legal costs.
In Tennessee, lemon law disputes can be heard in General Sessions Court, and cases seeking smaller damages may qualify for small claims court.
According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, lemon law protections apply to new vehicles purchased or leased in Tennessee and used for personal purposes. The state’s law requires that owners allow at least three repair attempts or one attempt for serious safety issues before seeking legal recourse.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Tennessee
Need answers now? Our experienced Tennessee lemon law attorneys are ready to guide you through every step of the legal process. Whether you’re stuck with a defective vehicle or getting nowhere with the manufacturer, we can help. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Tennessee state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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