Alaska Lemon Law Summary
STANDARDS OF THE ALASKA LEMON LAW
Alaska Motor Vehicle Warranties Act
The following is a brief explanation of most relevant provisions of the Alaska lemon law.
The complete text of the lemon law can be found at Alaska Stats. 45.45.300 et seq.
VEHICLES COVERED
The Alaska lemon law covers motor vehicles that are (1) normally used for personal,
family, or household purposes, and (2) required to be registered in Alaska.
The lemon law does not cover tractors, farm vehicles and vehicles designed primarily for
off-road use. Guidance from the Attorney General’s Office indicates the lemon law does
not cover used vehicles.
CONSUMERS COVERED
The lemon law covers the purchaser of a new motor vehicle, other than for resale, and a
person to whom ownership of the motor vehicle is transferred. The lemon law does not
cover a lessee.
PROBLEMS COVERED
The lemon law covers any nonconformity, which is defined as a defect or condition in a
motor vehicle caused by a manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or repairing agent that
substantially impairs the use or market value of a motor vehicle. The nonconformity
must also cause the vehicle to not conform to an applicable manufacturer written
warranty.
“Substantially impairs the use” mean a nonconformity that prevents a motor vehicle
from being operated or makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. “Substantially impairs the
market value” means a nonconformity that substantially decreases the dollar value of a
vehicle to the owner when compared to the dollar value of a similar vehicle that does not
have the nonconformity.
The lemon law does not apply if the manufacturer or distributor can show that the
alleged nonconformity is the result of:
1. Alteration of the vehicle by the owner or a person other than a dealer or repairing
agent that is not authorized by the manufacturer or distributor; or
2. Abuse or neglect by the owner or a person other than the dealer or repairing
agent.
MANUFACTURER’S DUTY TO REPAIR
If a motor vehicle does not conform to the manufacturer’s express written warranty and
the owner reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s or
distributor’s dealer during the term of the warranty, then the manufacturer, distributor,
More at: bbb.org/us/auto-line/state-lemon-laws/
