MA Lemon Law Statutes

Massachusetts Lemon Law Qualifications

Vehicles Covered By The Lemon Law:

Any new car, motorcycle, van or truck bought in Massachusetts from a new-car dealer for personal or family purposes is covered by the Lemon Law for the "term of protection" of one year or 15,000 miles of use from the date of original delivery, whichever comes first. The law also covers vehicles that are resold during the one year or 15,000-mile term-of-protection, and new vehicles leased after July 1, 1997.

Vehicles Not Covered By The Lemon Law:

  • auto-homes;
  • vehicles built primarily for off-road use;
  • vehicles used primarily for business purposes;
  • vehicles with defects caused by owner negligence, accidents, vandalism, or unauthorized repair of the vehicle by a person other than the manufacturer or authorized agent; or
  • vehicles leased before July 1, 1997.

The Lemon Law only covers serious defects- those which substantially impair the use, market-value or safety of the vehicle. The law does not list the defects which are considered substantial. You must be able to demonstrate specifically how the use, safety or market value of your vehicle is substantially impaired by the defect. For example, to prove market value impairment, you must show that your vehicle is worth at least 10 percent less than it would be without the defect. Although a defect may be annoying, it is not necessarily substantial.

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; or
  • 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.

Massachusetts Arbitration Requirements

In arbitration, the consumer and the manufacturer present evidence about the condition of the vehicle to an impartial person or persons. There are two types of arbitration: state-run and manufacturer-sponsored.

  • State-run Arbitration:

    The state-run Lemon Law Arbitration Program hears only Lemon Law cases. To qualify for state-certified arbitration, your vehicle must meet the criteria outlined in this pamphlet. The purpose of the arbitration hearing is to determine whether or not your vehicle qualifies for refund or replacement under the Lemon Law. State-run arbitration is "all or nothing." If the arbitrator determines that your vehicle meets the Lemon Law standards, you will be awarded a full refund (less the use allowance and the amount of any previous settlement from the manufacturer) or replacement. If the arbitrator decides that your vehicle is not a "lemon," there will be no award, although you may have rights to different remedies under other laws. The arbitrator cannot order the manufacturer to make a partial refund, attempt additional repairs, or extend the terms of the express warranty.

    Consumer Affairs must receive your request for arbitration within 18 months of the date your vehicle was delivered to you to require the manufacturer's participation. The request must be made on an official application. You can request state-certified arbitration even if you have already used the manufacturer's own arbitration program. Contact Consumer Affairs for an application, or visit our web site.

    A neutral arbitrator will hear both sides of the case and will generally issue a formal decision within 45 days of acceptance of a request for arbitration. Within 21 days of the decision, manufacturers must either issue the award or file an appeal. Late payment of awards or frivolous appeals can result in a judge awarding double damages to the consumer.

  • Manufacturer-sponsored Arbitration:

    You may request manufacturer-sponsored arbitration for Lemon Law defects, as well as other less serious problems. A manufacturer cannot require you to use its arbitration program, but if you choose to use it, the arbitrator or panel does not have to apply the Lemon Law standards. The arbitrator can order partial refunds as well as full ones. Most manufacturers are bound by the decisions of their arbitration programs. For specific information on your manufacturer's arbitration program, contact its zone or regional office.

You have the right to proceed to court if you have met the Lemon Law's requirements and the manufacturer refuses to refund your money or replace your vehicle with one that is acceptable to you, or if you are not satisfied with your arbitration decision.

Failure to comply with the Lemon Law is an unfair and deceptive act under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, c. 93A, which may entitle you to double or treble damages, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. If you are considering court action, you should consult an attorney. You or your attorney must begin by sending the manufacturer a 30-Day Demand Letter.

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