How to File a Tennessee Lemon Law Claim

Filing a Tennessee Lemon Law claim is structured — documented repair attempts, written notice, manufacturer-certified IDS (typically BBB Auto Line), then court action. The 1-year Rights Period demands fast action.

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility

• Vehicle covered: new, GVWR under 10,000 lbs, personal/family/household use.
• Within 1-year Rights Period.
• Repair attempts documented (3+ attempts or 30+ days OOS).

Step 2 — Document repair attempts

See our documenting evidence guide. Critical items:

• Repair orders (printed, with VIN, mileage, complaint, technician notes).
• Loaner / rental receipts (proves OOS days).
• Communications with dealer service manager.
• Photos / videos of defects.

Step 3 — Send written notice

§ 55-24-106 requires written notice to the manufacturer with a final repair opportunity. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested:

Sample notice elements:

[Date]

[Manufacturer’s executive customer relations address]

Re: [Year/Make/Model], VIN […]

I am the consumer of the above-described vehicle, purchased on [date] from [dealer]. The vehicle has been subject to repeated repair attempts for the following nonconformity: [description]. The defect substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle.

Repair attempts: [list dates and ROs].

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-24-106, I hereby provide this written notice and request a final opportunity for repair within a reasonable time. If the nonconformity is not corrected, I will pursue my rights under § 55-24-101 et seq. and the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

Sincerely, [Consumer name + address]

Step 4 — Manufacturer’s response window

Manufacturer typically has 30 days to respond. Three scenarios:

• Offers refund/replacement — accept or negotiate (consult an attorney).
• Schedules final repair — bring vehicle in for the final attempt.
• Denies the claim — proceed to BBB Auto Line / IDS or court action.

Step 5 — File BBB Auto Line (or manufacturer’s certified IDS)

If still unresolved, file with the manufacturer’s certified IDS — typically BBB Auto Line. Required first under § 55-24-106 if certified:

• Filing: BBB Auto Line online (bbbprograms.org/programs/all-programs/bbbautoline).
• Filing fee: $0 (manufacturer pays).
• Decision timeline: 40-60 days.

Step 6 — Court action (after IDS or where no certified IDS)

For cases with TCPA exposure or after rejecting BBB Auto Line:

• Tennessee Circuit Court — Davidson County (Nashville), Knox County (Knoxville), Shelby County (Memphis), Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Davidson County is venue for Nissan / GM Spring Hill cases.
• D. Tenn. federal court — Magnuson-Moss + diversity jurisdiction (>$50K). E.D. Tenn. (Chattanooga, Knoxville), M.D. Tenn. (Nashville), W.D. Tenn. (Memphis, Jackson).

Court action with parallel TCPA + Magnuson-Moss claims maximizes recovery and fee leverage.

Bottom line

Tennessee’s process: document, written notice with final opportunity, BBB Auto Line if required, then court action. The § 55-24-108 (permissive) plus mandatory TCPA § 47-18-109(e)(1) and Magnuson-Moss § 2310(d)(2) fees mean attorney representation is typically free out-of-pocket. Move quickly — the 1-year Rights Period and 1-year TCPA SOL are unforgiving.

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Documenting Evidence for a Tennessee Lemon Law Claim

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