The Lemon Law
Ala. Code § 8-20A-2 — three repair attempts plus a final one, or 30 days out of service, within 24 months or 24,000 miles
When a new motor vehicle does not conform to an express warranty and the consumer reports the problem during the lemon law rights period, the manufacturer makes the repairs needed, even after the period ends, for up to 24 months after delivery or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama Attorney General, Consumer Interest Division and Alabama Public Service Commission, Consumer Services; and legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
The lemon law rights period ends one year after the original delivery to the consumer or after the first 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. A motor home, or a vehicle rated at 10,000 pounds or more, is not covered.
- The same problem has had three or more repair attempts, at least one in the rights period, plus a final attempt by the manufacturer, and it continues.
- Or the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 calendar days, outside events like a strike or flood aside.
Either one, within 24 months or 24,000 miles, raises a presumption that reasonable attempts were made. If the problem still is not fixed, the manufacturer, at the consumer's choice, replaces the vehicle or takes it back and refunds the price, taxes, fees and finance charges, less a reasonable allowance for use.
Certified mail first. Before suing, the consumer notifies the manufacturer of the problem by certified mail and demands repair. The manufacturer gets a final chance and names a repair facility within seven calendar days. A consumer who wins recovers reasonable attorney's fees too.
Sources for this section (3)
- Ala. Code § 8-20A-1 — Definitions
- Ala. Code § 8-20A-2 — Obligations of Manufacturer
- Ala. Code § 8-20A-3 — Cause of Action Against Manufacturer
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.