When Is a Car a Lemon in Arizona?

A vehicle qualifies as a “lemon” under Arizona’s A.R.S. § 44-1263 when:

The thresholds

Test	Threshold
Same nonconformity, repair attempts	4 or more
Cumulative calendar days out of service	30 or more

PLUS:

• Defect substantially impairs use or market value.
• Within the 2-year / 24,000-mile Rights Period from delivery (or end of express warranty).
• Written notice sent to manufacturer with final repair opportunity.

What counts as a “repair attempt”

• Vehicle was at an authorized service facility.
• Consumer reported the defect.
• Repair order documents the visit.
• “No problem found” visits count.
• Different symptoms in the same visit can count separately.
• Independent-mechanic visits don’t count.
• Routine maintenance doesn’t count.

What “substantially impairs” means

Two-prong test (use OR market value) — typical examples that qualify:

• Stalling.
• Brake failure.
• Steering failure.
• Transmission slipping.
• Engine fires.
• Phantom braking.
• HVAC AC system failure (critical in Arizona heat).

No separate serious safety defect threshold

Arizona doesn’t have a lower repair-attempt threshold for serious safety defects like Virginia, Georgia, or Washington. All defects use the same 4-attempt or 30-calendar-day rules.

Bottom line

If you’ve had four repair attempts on the same defect or 30+ cumulative calendar days out of service — and you’re within the 2-year / 24,000-mile window — you likely qualify. Watch the 1-year CFA SOL for related misrepresentation claims. Get a free case review to confirm.

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