Understanding the Lemon Law in Maryland

Vehicles Covered

The Maryland Lemon Law applies to new and leased vehicles registered in Maryland.

Maryland’s lemon law covers any passenger car or truck with a rated capacity of one ton or less.

Vehicles covered include:

• Passenger cars
• SUVs
• Vans
• Trucks (up to 3/4 ton)
• Motorcycles

The vehicle must have been purchased or leased primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Additionally, the coverage extends to the original owner or lessee and subsequent owners who acquire the vehicle within the warranty period.

Repair Interval and Coverage Period

For braking or steering system issues, the vehicle requires one repair attempt. For other problems, the vehicle needs four repair attempts or must be out of service for a total of 30 calendar days. The coverage period extends to 15 months or 15,000 miles for purchased vehicles and 12 months or 12,000 miles for leased vehicles.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify as a lemon under Maryland law, the vehicle must meet specific criteria:

Defect Occurrence

The defect must occur within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Reasonable Repair Attempts

The manufacturer or dealer must have made at least four attempts to repair the same defect.

Out of Service

If the vehicle remains out of service for a total of 30 days or more due to repairs, it qualifies as a lemon.

Significant Defect

The defect must significantly impair the vehicle’s use, market value, or safety.

Documenting the Defects

You must document everything properly when dealing with a potential lemon.

Here’s what you should keep track of:

• Repair Records: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, including dates, the nature of the defect, and the repairs performed.
• Communication: Save copies of all communication with the dealer or manufacturer regarding the defect and repair attempts.
• Warranty Information: Keep the warranty information and any documentation related to the purchase or lease of the vehicle.

Steps to Take if You Have a Lemon

1. Repair Attempts: Visit the dealership for the required number of repair attempts or duration as explained above.
2. Notify the Manufacturer: If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, notify the manufacturer. Outline the defects and repair attempts in a certified letter.
3. Request a Refund or Replacement: If the manufacturer cannot fix the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you can request a replacement vehicle or a refund. Therefore, the refund should cover the purchase price minus a reasonable allowance for use.
4. File a Complaint: If the manufacturer denies your request, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office or seek legal assistance.

Alternatives to Litigation

Going to court can resolve a lemon law claim. However, you do have options that might prove faster and less costly than court.

• Settlement: Many lemon law cases settle out of court. Both parties can negotiate a settlement at any time during the litigation process. In addition, courts often have procedures to assist with settlement discussions.
• Arbitration: In arbitration, both sides select a neutral third party to resolve their dispute. However, arbitration can be binding or non-binding, depending on state rules and the terms agreed upon by both parties.
• Mediation: Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both sides negotiate a settlement. However, the mediator does not make a binding decision but facilitates discussions to help reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

Understanding the MD Lemon Law

Maryland’s Lemon Law provides remedies for consumers who buy or lease new cars that turn out to have significant defects.

In Maryland, lemon vehicles fall under the Maryland Lemon Law, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal lemon law), or both. Transitioning to these laws can provide various forms of relief, including a refund, replacement, or compensation for diminished value, as well as incidental and consequential damages. In addition, qualified consumers can receive representation from Maryland lemon law attorneys at no cost because the law covers attorneys’ fees.

On the other hand, if your vehicle is too old or has too many miles to qualify under these lemon laws, other legal avenues exist. In the same way, you’ll want to check out the Truth In Lending Act or related car buying laws to help you recover cash damages. Without a doubt, this can assist in trading out your vehicle or paying for necessary repairs.

How Lemberg Law Can Help

Lemberg Law specializes in lemon law cases, offering comprehensive legal support to consumers facing vehicle defects. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Free Case Evaluation: Lemberg Law offers a no-obligation case evaluation to determine if your vehicle qualifies under the Maryland Lemon Law.
• Expert Guidance: Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
• No Cost to You: Lemberg Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win your case.
• Proven Track Record: With a history of successful lemon law cases, Lemberg Law has the expertise to handle even the most complex claims.

Why Choose Lemberg Law

Choosing the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your lemon law case. Here’s why Lemberg Law stands out:

• Consumer-Focused: Lemberg Law is dedicated to protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair treatment.
• Experienced Team: Our team of attorneys has extensive experience handling lemon law cases across various states.
• Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to final resolution, Lemberg Law provides unwavering support throughout the process.

If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, don’t hesitate to contact Lemberg Law for a free consultation. Our team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.

The Maryland Lemon Law was designed to protect consumers from the financial and safety risks associated with defective vehicles. By understanding your rights and taking the appropriate steps, you can secure a replacement or a refund for your lemon.

Lemberg Law offers expert legal assistance to help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Therefore, with our support, you can turn a frustrating experience into a successful resolution. If you think you have a lemon, reach out to Lemberg Law today for a no-obligation consultation.