How do I file a Lemon Law complaint?
To apply for State Lemon Law Arbitration, your vehicle must be purchased or leased in Maine less than 2 years ago, and covered by the original warranty from the manufacturer.
If your vehicle has been repaired 3 times for the same serious problem, or your vehicle has been out of service for 15 business days for repairs of one or more problems (does not have to be consecutive days), then:
- Obtain repair records from the dealer for each repair. All repairs on problems claimed to make your vehicle a Lemon must be done before 18,000 miles.
- Contact the State Lemon Law Arbitration Program for a Lemon Law Application and Final Opportunity to Repair Notice: Telephone (207) 6268848.
- Notify the manufacturer in writing by Certified (Return Receipt) mail that you are applying for Lemon law Arbitration and that you are giving the manufacturer a final opportunity to repair existing problems. A form letter for this purpose will be sent to you with the application.
- Allow the manufacturer at least 7 business days after receipt of your Final Opportunity to Repair letter to make the necessary repair. (You may withdraw your vehicle after this 7 day period has ended.)
- If the defect was not corrected by the final repair attempt, or if the defect recurs, complete and file your Lemon Law application before your vehicle is two years old and before the manufacturer`s warranty expires.
- You must prove to an arbitrator that:
- you reported the vehicle`s defect(s) to the manufacturer before its express warranty expired.
- the vehicle`s defect(s) is substantial and it impairs the vehicle`s use, safety or value.
- the vehicle`s defect(s) has not been repaired.
- the manufacturer has been given adequate opportunity to repair the vehicle.
- you gave the manufacturer a Final Opportunity to Repair.
The Maine Lemon Law allows consumers with a severely defective new vehicle to have their cases heard by a state arbitrator, free of charge. Hearings take place and a written decision is issued within 45 days of acceptance of the completed Lemon Law application. If the arbitrator finds in favor of the consumer, the consumer may received a replacement of the vehicle or refund (consumer`s option).
Other Maine Lemon Law FAQs
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What is the Maine Lemon Law?
The Maine Lemon Law, 10 M.R.S.A. §§ 11611169, protects consumers who have serious defects in their new vehicles. The law defines a lemon as a vehicle … more -
What vehicles are covered under the Lemon Law?
Any new or used car, motorcycle, van, truck, or recreational vehicle (RV) bought or leased by a consumer in Maine from a dealer and which is still within the Lemon … more -
What problems are NOT covered by the Lemon Law?
The Lemon Law does not cover vehicles with the following types of problems: defects which do not substantially impair the vehicle`s use, value, or safety; defects … more -
What is the Lemon Law Term of Protection?
The Lemon Law term of protection is the time period during which your vehicle can qualify as a lemon. This lemon protection period is defined as the length of the … more -
What is considered a substantial impairment?
The Lemon Law only covers serious defects—those which substantially impair the use, safety or value of the vehicle. However, the law does not list specific … more -
How many repair attempts must be made before your vehicle is considered a Lemon?
The Lemon Law gives the manufacturer, its agent or authorized dealer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the substantial defect. The Lemon Law creates a … more -
What is the Final Opportunity To Repair Requirement?
Once the manufacturer or authorized dealer has not been able to repair the substantial defect, and the problem continues or recurs, you must contact the manufacturer … more -
How can I prove my vehicle is a Lemon?
If you have a serious problem with your new vehicle, it is very important that you keep complete and accurate records of all contacts with the manufacturer or dealer, … more -
Am I only entitled to a replacement vehicle?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer must offer you a refund or replacement vehicle. If the manufacturer offers a replacement vehicle, it must be one … more -
How Much of a Refund Am I Entitled To?
If you choose to get a refund, you will receive the contract price of the vehicle including all credits and allowances for any tradein vehicle. If you leased your … more
Lemon Law Sub-categories
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