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 presumption that a reasonable number of attempts has been allowed if either of the following happens within the law`s term of protection (the manufacturer`s express warranty, two years after delivery to the original buyer, or 18,000 miles of use, whichever comes first):

(1) a repair is attempted three or more times for the same substantial defect (at least two of the repair attempts must be by the same dealer or the manufacturer);

(2) repair attempts for any substantial defect or combination of defects results in the vehicle being out of service for a cumulative total of 15 or more business days.

NOTE: A business day is any day that the service department of an authorized dealer is open for business.

If the defect continues or recurs despite the repair attempts and still substantially impairs your vehicle, then you can take the next step in the Lemon Law process—offering the manufacturer a final repair opportunity.

If your defect is so serious that you cannot wait (e.g., a safety problem) you do not necessarily have to meet the 3 repair attempts/out of service 15 days standard. However, you must give the manufacturer at least one opportunity to repair and then a final opportunity to repair.

Other Maine Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Maine Lemon Law?
A: 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
Q: What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: 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
Q: What Problems Are Not Covered By The Lemon Law?
A: 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
Q: What Is The Lemon Law Term Of Protection?
A: 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
Q: What Is Considered A Substantial Impairment?
A: 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
Q: What Is The Final Opportunity To Repair Requirement?
A: 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
Q: How Can I Prove My Vehicle Is A Lemon?
A: 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
Q: Am I Only Entitled To A Replacement Vehicle?
A: 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
Q: How Much Of A Refund Am I Entitled To?
A: 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
Q: How Do I File A Lemon Law Complaint?
A: 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 … More

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