Maryland Lemon Law may help if you buy or lease a new vehicle for personal use and it has a serious problem that affects how it works, its safety, or its value. The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem.
The law generally applies if the problem starts within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your vehicle qualifies, you may be able to get a replacement vehicle or a refund, including certain taxes and fees.
Keep all repair orders and receipts. Give the manufacturer written notice about the problem, and consider arbitration or speaking with a lawyer if the issue is not resolved.
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Key Takeaways
- Maryland’s Lemon Law may apply to new vehicles purchased or leased in Maryland for personal, family, or household use.
- In most cases, the problem must first appear within 24 months or 18,000 miles, although different rules may apply depending on the vehicle and warranty.
- Save all repair orders, invoices, warranty papers, emails or letters, photos, and notes showing dates, mileage, and how long the vehicle was in the repair shop.
- You may qualify if the dealer or manufacturer has tried and failed to fix the same problem four times, failed once to fix a serious safety problem, or kept the vehicle out of service for a total of 30 days.
- Possible remedies may include a refund, a replacement vehicle, and repayment of certain taxes, title fees, registration fees, and related expenses.
Does Your Vehicle Qualify Under Maryland Lemon Law?
Your vehicle may qualify under Maryland’s Lemon Law if it has a serious defect that affects how it works, how safe it is, or how much it’s worth, and the manufacturer can’t fix the problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
A serious defect affecting your vehicle’s use, safety, or value may qualify it for protection under Maryland’s Lemon Law.
In general, you must have bought or leased the vehicle in Maryland for personal, family, or household use. The vehicle must also be covered by the law when the problem happens.
Save all repair orders, receipts, warranty papers, and messages with the dealer or manufacturer. These documents can help prove your claim and protect your rights.
Pay close attention to eligibility rules, deadlines, and notice requirements. If the manufacturer doesn’t follow the law, you may be able to seek legal remedies.
What Defects Does Maryland Lemon Law Cover?
Maryland Lemon Law may cover serious vehicle problems that affect how your car works, its safety, or its resale value. In most cases, you must give the manufacturer a reasonable chance to fix the problem.
Issues caused by misuse, poor maintenance, accidents, neglect, or unauthorized changes usually aren’t covered.
Covered Vehicle Defects
Maryland’s lemon law may cover vehicle defects that seriously affect the vehicle’s use, safety, reliability, or resale value and occur during the warranty period.
A problem may be covered if it involves important systems, such as the brakes, steering, transmission, engine, electrical system, fuel system, airbags, or recurring warning lights. The defect doesn’t have to make the vehicle impossible to drive, but it must be more serious than minor cosmetic damage or normal wear and tear.
Keep records of the problem. Service invoices, repair orders, diagnostic reports, photos, and videos can help show what happened and how often it occurred. Evidence that the defect makes the vehicle harder to sell or lowers its value may also support your claim.
Qualifying Repair Issues
Qualifying Repair Problems
Under Maryland’s lemon law, a vehicle problem may qualify if it:
- Makes the vehicle hard or unsafe to use,
- Significantly lowers its value, or
- Creates a serious safety risk.
The manufacturer must also have a fair chance to fix the problem while the vehicle is still under warranty.
| Problem | May qualify? | Helpful proof |
|---|---|---|
| Brake failure | Yes — serious safety concern | Repair orders and invoices |
| Vehicle repeatedly stalls | Yes — affects normal use | Service records and repair orders |
| Small cosmetic defect | Usually not | Warranty and service documents |
Report the same problem as soon as possible and keep copies of every repair order, invoice, and service record. Issues unrelated to the vehicle or its repairs generally do not support a lemon-law claim. If the manufacturer cannot fix a qualifying problem after reasonable repair attempts, you may be able to seek remedies under the law.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
Under Maryland’s Lemon Law, the number of repair attempts depends on the problem.
- Most serious defects: The manufacturer usually gets up to four chances to fix the same problem. If it still isn’t fixed, your vehicle may be considered a lemon.
- Safety defects: If the problem could cause death or serious injury, one failed repair attempt may be enough.
- Too much time in the shop: Your vehicle may also qualify if it has been in the repair shop for 30 or more total days for warranty repairs.
Keep copies of every repair order, invoice, and written complaint. These documents can show that the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the problem.
Maryland Lemon Law Coverage Periods and Deadlines
Your vehicle must develop a qualifying defect during Maryland’s Lemon Law coverage period. In most cases, that means within 24 months after you receive the vehicle or before it reaches 18,000 miles—whichever happens first.
The defect must seriously affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. You may still have Lemon Law rights if repairs continue after the coverage deadline, as long as the problem first appeared during the coverage period.
Some vehicle types and warranties may have different deadlines. Check your purchase paperwork and warranty, and act quickly to protect your rights.
Document Repairs and Notify the Manufacturer
Keep copies of every repair visit. Write down the date, mileage, problem you reported, work the repair shop performed, and any repair orders or receipts.
These records can help show that the defect exists and that the manufacturer had chances to fix it. If required, send the manufacturer a written notice describing the problem. Keep proof that you sent the notice, such as a certified mail receipt or email confirmation.
Keep Detailed Repair Records
Detailed repair records can help show whether your vehicle qualifies under Maryland Lemon Law. Save every document related to the problem, repair attempts, dates, mileage, and the time your vehicle was out of service.
These records can protect your rights and show whether the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the issue.
- Keep all repair orders, invoices, and diagnostic reports.
- Write down the date, mileage, and symptoms for every repair visit.
- Track how many days your vehicle stays at the dealership or repair shop.
- Save emails, text messages, warranty documents, and receipts in one place.
Before you leave the repair shop, ask for a complete copy of the repair order. Don’t rely only on what someone tells you verbally. Written records are much stronger evidence.
Provide Written Manufacturer Notice
After each repair attempt, send the manufacturer a written notice explaining that the problem hasn’t been fixed. Include copies of your repair orders and service records.
In your letter, include:
- Your vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN
- A clear description of the ongoing problem
- The dates the vehicle was taken in for repairs
- A statement that the defect is still not fixed
Send the notice to the manufacturer’s customer-service or dispute-resolution address. Use a delivery method with tracking, such as certified mail or another service that provides proof of delivery. Keep a copy of the letter, all records you send, and proof that you mailed it.
Do not rely only on conversations with the dealer. Written notice helps show that the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix the problem and can support a Maryland lemon law claim.
Use Arbitration or File a Lemon Law Claim
If the manufacturer can’t fix a qualifying defect, you may be able to use arbitration or file a Maryland lemon law claim. Before deciding, review your warranty and keep copies of all repair and communication records.
Arbitration is usually faster and less formal than going to court. A court claim may give you more time and opportunity to present evidence.
Arbitration may be faster and less formal, while a court claim can provide more time to present evidence.
- Compare your options. Arbitration may be quicker and involve fewer formal rules.
- Check whether the manufacturer offers or requires an arbitration program.
- Gather your documents, including repair orders, warranty papers, notices, and emails or letters with the manufacturer.
- Make sure you meet Maryland’s filing deadlines. Consider speaking with a lemon law attorney before signing a settlement or other agreement.
Refunds, Replacements, and Reimbursable Costs
If your vehicle qualifies under Maryland’s Lemon Law, you may be able to get a replacement vehicle or a refund instead of continuing with unsuccessful repairs. You may also be able to recover certain costs, minus a reasonable amount for the time you used the vehicle.
| Remedy | What you may receive |
|---|---|
| Refund | The purchase price and certain related charges |
| Replacement | A similar new vehicle |
| Taxes | Eligible taxes you paid |
| Fees | Title and registration fees |
Keep records of all payments, repair bills, towing charges, and rental car costs. These documents can help support your claim. Whether you can recover these costs depends on your warranty coverage and whether the vehicle has a problem covered by the Lemon Law.
When to Speak With a Maryland Lemon Law Attorney
You may want to speak with a Maryland lemon law attorney if repeated repair visits aren’t fixing your vehicle or if the manufacturer is making your claim difficult. A lawyer can review your records, explain your options, and help protect your rights.
Consider talking to an attorney if:
If repeated repairs fail or deadlines are approaching, speaking with a Maryland lemon law attorney may help protect your rights.
- Your vehicle is still unsafe or has a serious problem after several repair attempts.
- The dealer won’t fix the problem, keeps delaying repairs, or says the issue isn’t covered.
- The manufacturer offers you money, a replacement vehicle, or a refund that you don’t fully understand.
- You’re close to a warranty, notice, or filing deadline.
An attorney can review your repair orders, help save important evidence, speak with the manufacturer for you, and determine whether you may qualify for a refund, replacement, or other relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland Lemon Law Apply to Leased Vehicles?
Yes. Maryland’s Lemon Law generally covers qualifying new leased vehicles. If your vehicle has a serious defect that the dealer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund of certain lease payments and costs.
Are Motorcycles Covered by Maryland Lemon Law?
No. Maryland’s Lemon Law generally does not cover motorcycles. However, you may still have rights under the manufacturer’s warranty, your sales contract, or other consumer-protection laws. Keep records of the problems, repair visits, receipts, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
Can Used Cars Qualify Under Maryland Lemon Law?
Used cars usually do not qualify under Maryland’s Lemon Law. However, you may have rights if the car is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. It’s important to understand the difference between warranty coverage and Lemon Law protection before making a claim.
Does the Law Cover Vehicles Purchased Outside Maryland?
A vehicle purchased outside Maryland may be covered if you register it in Maryland and the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid. You may have legal options if the warranty applies and other requirements are met.
Are Commercial Vehicles Protected Under Maryland Lemon Law?
Commercial vehicles usually are not covered by Maryland’s Lemon Law. However, you may qualify if the vehicle meets the law’s weight limits and is mainly used for personal, family, or household purposes. Leased vehicles may also be covered in some cases. Review your lease or purchase contract and check the eligibility rules.
Conclusion
Your vehicle should not keep going back to the repair shop for the same serious problem. If the defect cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, Maryland Lemon Law may help you get a refund, a replacement vehicle, or other compensation.
Keep copies of repair orders, receipts, emails, and notes about each problem. Report the issue to the manufacturer and follow any required deadlines. If the manufacturer cannot fix the vehicle, you may be able to use arbitration or file a legal claim.
Do not assume repeated repairs are acceptable. Take steps to protect your vehicle and your rights.
