New car keeps breaking down in Arkansas: what to do

If you answered “Yes” to “Is the problem a safety risk (brakes, steering, stalling, fire)?”

If the problem affects safety, stop driving the car if it is unsafe and have it towed to the dealer.

Why: Your safety matters more than the claim.

If you answered “Yes” to “Is the problem a safety risk (brakes, steering, stalling, fire)?”

Check for open recalls using your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Why: Recall repairs are done by dealers, and a recall can support your claim.

Every time you take the car in, describe the problem in writing and get a repair order showing the date in, date out, mileage and what was done, even if they find nothing.

Why: Lemon laws count repair attempts and days out of service; the repair orders are your proof.

Look up your state's lemon law: who is covered, the coverage period, how many attempts count, and whether you must notify the manufacturer or use arbitration first (link below).

Why: Each state's rules are different and some require steps before you can claim.

If you answered “4 or more, or 30+ days in the shop” to “How many times has the dealer tried to fix the same problem?”

Send written notice of the defect to the manufacturer at the address in your warranty or owner's manual, and keep proof of mailing.

Why: Many states require direct notice to the manufacturer, and it gives them a final chance to repair.

If you answered “Yes” to “Is the problem a safety risk (brakes, steering, stalling, fire)?”

File a safety complaint with NHTSA if the defect is a safety risk.

Why: NHTSA uses complaints to spot defects that may lead to recalls.

If you answered “Used” to “Was the car new or used when you got it?”

If the car was used, check whether it is still under the manufacturer's warranty and what your state's used-car rules say.

Why: Some state lemon laws cover later owners during the warranty, and some states require dealer warranties on used cars.

If your state uses a manufacturer or state arbitration program, file your claim there.

Why: Some states require arbitration before you can go to court; it is usually free to you.

If the manufacturer still refuses, note your state's lemon law deadline to sue and talk to a lemon law lawyer.

Why: In many states the manufacturer pays your attorney fees if you win, so many lawyers take these cases without upfront cost.

Federal warranty law (Magnuson-Moss) can also help when a written warranty is not honored, including for used cars sold with a warranty.

Why: It is an extra option when your state's lemon law does not fit.