55-24-106 - Informal dispute settlement procedure. - Tennessee Statutes

55-24-106. Informal dispute settlement procedure.

(a)  If a manufacturer has established or participates in an informal dispute settlement procedure that complies with the provisions of 16 CFR part 703, as those provisions read on November 3, 1983, and of this chapter, and causes the consumer to be notified of the procedure, the provisions of § 55-24-103 concerning refunds or replacement shall not apply to any consumer who has not first resorted to the procedure. The attorney general and reporter shall, upon application, issue a determination whether an informal dispute resolution mechanism qualifies under this section.

(b)  (1)  The informal dispute settlement panel shall determine whether the motor vehicle does or does not conform to all applicable express warranties.

     (2)  If the motor vehicle does not conform to all applicable express warranties, the informal dispute settlement panel shall then determine whether the nonconformity substantially impairs the motor vehicle.

     (3)  If the nonconformity does substantially impair the motor vehicle, the informal dispute settlement panel shall then determine, in accordance with this chapter, whether a reasonable number of attempts have been made to correct the nonconformity.

     (4)  If a reasonable number of attempts have been made to correct the nonconformity, the informal dispute settlement panel shall determine whether the manufacturer has been given an opportunity to repair the motor vehicle as provided in § 55-24-102.

     (5)  If the manufacturer has been given an opportunity to repair the motor vehicle as provided in § 55-24-102, the panel shall find that the consumer is entitled to refund or replacement as provided in § 55-24-103(a).

     (6)  The informal dispute settlement panel shall determine the amount of collateral charges, where appropriate.

[Acts 1986, ch. 857, § 6; T.C.A. § 55-24-206.]