Tennessee's Repair-Attempt Presumption (3 Attempts / 30 Days OOS)

Under Tennessee Lemon Law (§ 55-24-105), the manufacturer has had a “reasonable number of attempts” to repair when statutory thresholds are met. Once met, the burden shifts to the manufacturer to prove the vehicle is not a lemon.

The two thresholds

Either threshold satisfies the presumption:

1. Three or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity within the Rights Period; OR
2. 30 or more cumulative calendar days out of service for any nonconformity.

Both apply within the 1-year Rights Period.

The 3-attempt rule — distinctively low

§ 55-24-105 sets a 3-attempt threshold — one attempt fewer than the standard 4-attempt presumption in most states. This makes Tennessee more consumer-favorable than peer states.

Each “attempt” must be:

• At a manufacturer-authorized service facility.
• Documented in a repair order.
• For the same nonconformity (consistent complaint language).
• Within the 1-year Rights Period.

The 30-day OOS rule

§ 55-24-105 provides for 30 or more cumulative calendar days out of service. Counts:

• Days at the authorized dealer for repair.
• Days awaiting parts.
• Days the vehicle was unsafe to drive (with documentation).

Excludes:

• Days the vehicle was driven.
• Days for routine maintenance.

Written notice requirement

§ 55-24-106 requires the consumer to give the manufacturer written notice of the defect and at least one final opportunity to repair before the Lemon Law applies. The notice should:

• Identify the nonconformity.
• Reference the prior repair attempts.
• Demand a final repair opportunity.
• Be sent via certified mail (return receipt requested).

See our how to file a claim guide for the notice template.

Tennessee vs. peer-state thresholds

State	Attempts	OOS Days
Tennessee	3	30 calendar
Massachusetts	3	15 business
Georgia	1 (safety) / 3	30
Virginia	1 (safety) / 3	30
Minnesota	1 (safety) / 4	30 business
Connecticut	4	30 calendar
North Carolina	4	20 business
Colorado	4	30 business
Wisconsin	4	30
California	2 (safety) / 4	30
Washington	4 / 2 (safety)	30

Tennessee’s 3-attempt threshold is among the more consumer-favorable. Joins GA, VA, MA at the 3-attempt tier (with GA and VA having even stronger 1-attempt safety rules).

Bottom line

Tennessee requires 3 attempts or 30 calendar days OOS within the 1-year Rights Period plus written notice of a final repair opportunity. The 3-attempt threshold is consumer-friendly — but the 1-year window forces fast action. Document everything in writing.

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