When Is a Car a Lemon in Tennessee?

A car is a “lemon” under Tennessee law (§ 55-24-101 et seq.) when:

1. The vehicle has a nonconformity that substantially impairs its use, market value, or safety.
2. The defect has not been fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
3. The thresholds are met within the 1-year Rights Period.

The two thresholds

Under § 55-24-105:

• 3 or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, OR
• 30 or more cumulative calendar days out of service.

The 3-attempt threshold is more consumer-favorable than the standard 4-attempt presumption in most states.

See our repair-attempt presumption article.

What “substantially impair” means

Tennessee courts interpret “substantially impair” broadly:

• Use — the vehicle can’t be driven safely or reliably.
• Market value — the defect significantly diminishes resale value.
• Safety — the defect creates a safety risk.

A defect can qualify on any one of these prongs.

Examples that qualify

• Transmission shudders / slips repeatedly (Nissan CVT, Ford 10R80, etc.).
• Engine stalls in traffic.
• Brakes fail / pulse violently.
• Electrical warning lights / phantom drain.
• Steering wander or EPS failure (death wobble in pickups).
• Infotainment locks up or won’t boot.
• EV charging won’t work.
• Battery degradation beyond manufacturer’s curve.

Examples that typically DON’T qualify

• Cosmetic issues (paint, trim — unless safety-related).
• Wear items (tires, brakes pads after normal use).
• Consumer-modified parts.
• Issues outside the 1-year Rights Period.
• Damage from tornado/hail (TN exposure).

The written notice requirement

§ 55-24-106 requires written notice to the manufacturer with a final repair opportunity before Lemon Law applies. Send via certified mail. See our how to file guide.

Bottom line

If your TN vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs use, market value, or safety AND has been to the manufacturer’s authorized dealer 3+ times OR 30+ days OOS within the 1-year Rights Period, you likely have a Lemon Law case. Move quickly — the 1-year window is tight.

Related

Article

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Tennessee Lemon Law Claim?

BBB Auto Line is consumer-friendly without counsel; court action with TCPA requires representation. Mandatory fees make either path no-cost.

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How Long Do I Have to File a Tennessee Lemon Law Claim?

Tennessee's tight 1-year Rights Period + dangerous 1-year TCPA SOL + 4-year Magnuson-Moss / UCC backstop.

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How Much Does a Tennessee Lemon Law Claim Cost?

Tennessee Lemon Law costs — $0 BBB Auto Line; court action with mandatory triple fee shifting typically zero out-of-pocket.

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The Manufacturer Denied My Tennessee Lemon Law Claim — Now What?

What to do when the manufacturer denies your claim — proceed to BBB Auto Line or court action with TCPA + Magnuson-Moss.

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Are Used Vehicles Covered Under Tennessee Lemon Law?

No — Tennessee's § 55-24-101 Lemon Law does not cover used vehicles. Magnuson-Moss, TCPA, and UCC remain available.

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Does It Matter Which Repair Shop I Use in Tennessee?

Yes — Tennessee Lemon Law requires repairs at a manufacturer-authorized service facility. Independent-mechanic visits don't count.

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