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 which substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle, and which has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. (M.G.L. c. 90, §7N1/2)
If your new or leased vehicle has a substantial defect that still exists or recurs after a reasonable number of repair attempts, then you may have the right to a refund or replacement vehicle. Keep in mind that not all car problems are serious enough to qualify under the Lemon Law.
Other Massachusetts Lemon Law FAQs
-
Q:
What Vehicles Are Covered Under The Lemon Law?
A: 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 … More -
Q:
What Is Not Covered By The Lemon Law?
A: autohomes; vehicles built primarily for offroad use; vehicles used primarily for business purposes; vehicles with defects caused by owner negligence, … More -
Q:
What Is The Lemon Law Term Of Protection?
A: 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 … More -
Q:
What Is Considered A Substantial Impairment?
A: 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 … More -
Q:
What Is Considered A Reasonable Number Of Repair Attempts?
A: The Lemon Law gives the manufacturer, its agent or authorized dealer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the substantial defect. This standard is met if, within … More -
Q:
The Problem Still Exists, What Should I Do Next?
A: 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 … More -
Q:
What Can I Expect If I Choose To Have The Manufacturer Give Me A Replacement Vehicle?
A: 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 … More -
Q:
What Can I Expect If I Choose To Have The Manufacturer Give Me A Refund?
A: New Vehicles: If you choose to get a refund, you will receive the full contract price of the vehicle including all credits and allowances for any tradein … More -
Q:
What Are My Options If The Manufacturer Does Not Replace The Vehicle Or Offer A Refund?
A: If the manufacturer will not refund your money or replace the vehicle, you have several options. You may seek mediation, arbitration, or file suite in court. … More -
Q:
Where Can I Get Additional Information?
A: For information on your rights under the Lemon Law, to obtain an arbitration application, or case hearing information: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business … More
