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What Is Considered A Reasonable Number Of Repair Attempts?

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 the term of protection (1 year or 15,000 miles):

a repair is attempted 3 or more times for the same substantial defect, and the problem continues or recurs within the term of protection;

repair attempts for any substantial defect or combination of defects total 15 or more business days, not necessarily all at one time.

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

Be sure to keep complete and accurate records of all contacts with the manufacturer and dealer, and all receipts. You have a right to a dated, itemized bill for any repair work, including warranty repair work, under the Attorney General`s Motor Vehicle Regulations (940 CMR 5.00). Examine the bills to be sure the problem you complained about is listed.

The defect must continue or recur after a reasonable number of repair attempts and still substantially impair your vehicle before you can take the next step in the Lemon Law process.

Other Massachusetts Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Lemon Law?
A: 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 … More
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: 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

Lemon Law Sub-categories

Lemon Law Attorney