What can I expect if I choose to have the manufacturer give me a replacement vehicle?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon and the manufacturer offers you a replacement vehicle, it must be one that is acceptable to you. You are free to reject a replacement vehicle and demand a refund. However, you cannot reject a refund and demand a replacement. If you are given a replacement vehicle under the Lemon Law, a new one year or 15,000 mile term of protection starts from the date of delivery of that replacement vehicle.
If the manufacturer issues a replacement vehicle, it must reimburse you for the following costs:
transfer of registration fees;
sales tax resulting from the replacement; and
unreimbursed towing or rental charges resulting from the defect.
If you financed your car through the manufacturer and you accept a replacement vehicle, you do not have to enter into any refinancing agreement which would create any financial obligations beyond those set forth in the original agreement.
Other Massachusetts Lemon Law FAQs
What is the Lemon Law?
The Massachusetts Lemon Law protects consumers who have serious defects in their new cars. The law defines a lemon as a new or leased motor vehicle that has a defect …
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What vehicles are covered under the Lemon Law?
Any new car, motorcycle, van or truck bought in Massachusetts from a newcar dealer for personal or family purposes is covered by the Lemon Law for the term of …
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What is not covered by the Lemon Law?
autohomes; vehicles built primarily for offroad use; vehicles used primarily for business purposes; vehicles with defects caused by owner negligence, …
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What is the Lemon Law term of protection?
The term of protection is one year or 15,000 miles of use from the date of original delivery, whichever comes first. This means that the defects you are complaining …
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What is considered a substantial impairment?
The Lemon Law only covers serious defects—those which substantially impair the use, marketvalue or safety of the vehicle. The law does not list the defects …
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The problem still exists, what should I do next?
If the substantial defect continues or recurs after the manufacturer or authorized dealer has made a reasonable number of repair attempts to repair the defect, you …
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Where can I get additional information?
For information on your rights under the Lemon Law, to obtain an arbitration application, or case hearing information: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business …
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