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 defects which are considered substantial. You must be able to demonstrate how your vehicle has been substantially impaired. For example, to prove substantial value impairment, you could show that the retail value of your vehicle is significantly less than it would be without the defect. Although a defect may be annoying, it is not necessarily substantial.

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: How Many Repair Attempts Must Be Made Before Your Vehicle Is Considered A Lemon?
A: 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
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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