Massachusetts Lemon Laws

Lemon Law in Massachusetts

The federal law and Massachusetts state law in relation to lemon products are also called the Magnuson-Moss Warrant Act. The lemon law was created to allow consumers to be compensated for defective motor vehicles when still under the manufacturer’s express warranty. Lemon laws also cover motorcycles, trucks, recreational vehicles, boats, computers, and any other product or appliance that is considered consumer.

Motor vehicles are the most common lemon products. When a motor vehicle is deemed a lemon, the consumer can be compensated in reimbursement or replacement. In order to qualify for lemon compensation a motor vehicle must first undergo several attempted repairs on the same defect. By law, the manufacturer, dealer, or agent is required to attempt a repair prior to providing compensation.

Repairs

When a repair is attempted, by another facility other than the agent, dealer, or manufacturer, the consumer is required to keep the proper documentation. Such documents will be required when filing for lemon compensation. If enough repair attempts have been made, normally between three and four attempts, the manufacturer, agent, or dealer is lawfully required to first attempt their own repair.

If the manufacturer, dealer, or agent cannot complete the repair within thirty calendar days, the consumer is automatically entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. If the dealer, manufacturer, or agent cannot repair the defect at all, the consumer is also entitled to replacement or compensation.

All repairs are required to restore the motor vehicle to its market value as stated in the express warranty. If the vehicle is out of use and in an attempt of repair for more than thirty days, the reasonable number of repair attempts will be waived.

Warranties

Motor vehicles are only eligible for lemon repair attempts if still under the manufacturer’s express warranty. All attempted repairs are also required to take place while under the warranty. However, if the consumer reports the lemon vehicle to the manufacturer, dealer, or agent following the express warranty’s expiration, the manufacturer, dealer, or agent is required to still attempt a restoring repair. If reported following the express warranty’s expiration, the manufacturer may decline to repair the vehicle.

Defects

Only certain defects are eligible for lemon compensation. Defects are required to hinder driver safety or alter the market value of the vehicle. Such defects may include seatbelt problems or engine problems. However cosmetic issues and stereo issues are not eligible for compensation.

Refunds

When an agent, manufacturer, or dealer is unable to repair a vehicle, the consumer is eligible for compensation or replacement. When a motor vehicle is to be replaced the replacement vehicle is required to be of the same market value as the lemon vehicle. A consumer sometimes may have the option of declining a replacement vehicle and may opt for cash compensation through a refund. Refunds are required by law to include the purchasing price, registration fees, licensing fees, taxes, government fees, collateral charges, and all other purchasing fees.

When a motor vehicle is to be refunded all cosmetic additions, like stereo systems or paint, will not be compensated. Any neglect or abuse of a motor vehicle will be subtracted from the purchasing price.

FAQs about Massachusetts Lemon Laws

Does Massachusetts have a Lemon Law on used cars?

Yes, Massachusetts does have a Lemon Law that applies to used cars. The law is designed to protect consumers from purchasing a defective car and provides them with certain remedies if their vehicle qualifies as a ‘lemon’.

What qualifies as a lemon in Massachusetts?

To qualify as a lemon in Massachusetts, the used car must have had significant defects that cannot be fixed after being taken to an authorized repair facility. The defect must be substantial enough to significantly reduce the use, value, or safety of the car.

How long do you have to return a used car in Massachusetts?

Consumers are allowed 30 days from the date of delivery to return the car for a full refund or replacement under the Lemon Law. Additionally, if the used car has been taken for repairs four times without the defects being successfully remedied, they may be able to return it within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) of ownership.

Is there a Lemon Law in Massachusetts for private sales?

No, the Lemon Law in Massachusetts only applies to dealer-purchased cars. For private sales, consumers should carefully inspect the car before purchasing and review any applicable warranties provided by the seller.

How many days is the lemon law in Mass?

Under the Lemon Law, consumers are allowed up to 30 days from the date of delivery to return the car for a full refund or replacement. If the used car was taken for repairs four times without the problems being fixed, consumers are allowed 1 year/12,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date of purchase.

What is the time limit for the lemon law in Massachusetts?

The Lemon Law in Massachusetts gives consumers 30 days from date of delivery to return their car for a full refund or replacement. If their used car was taken four times for repair but still has unresolved defects, they may be able to return it within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) of ownership.

Can I back out of car purchase in Massachusetts?

Depending on whether or not you purchased your car at a dealership, the answer varies. If you purchased your car from a dealership, then you could possibly be eligible for either a return or replacement depending on how long it has been since the date of delivery and if it falls within the 30-day window required by the Lemon Law. However, if you made a private sale, then you are generally not entitled to any kind of remedy unless an applicable warranty was expressly offered by the seller.

What are lemon laws the problem in the used car market?

Lemon laws help protect used car buyers from buying faulty vehicles that cannot be properly fixed. By providing remedies such as refunds and replacements when warranted, these laws give purchasers peace of mind knowing that they are protected from incurring unnecessary costs due to unrepairable defects.

What is the warranty law in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, dealers are required to provide written warranties on all new and used cars sold. The warranty must include provisions covering both parts and labor and must last at least one year/12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Private sales are not covered by this warranty requirement, so make sure to thoroughly inspect any car you intend to purchase outside of a dealership and read any applicable warranties provided by the seller.