If you’ve leased or purchased a vehicle registered in Maryland and it has a significant defect, the Maryland Lemon Law is here to protect you. These laws ensure that if you’re stuck with a faulty vehicle, you may be eligible for a refund of the purchase price or a replacement vehicle of equal or greater value. However, certain conditions must be met, making it crucial to seek legal guidance.
Maryland’s Lemon Law also covers attorney fees and legal costs if you win your case. That means there’s no reason to delay—contact our experienced Baltimore Lemon Law attorneys today for a free consultation.
Baltimore Maryland Lemon Law Requirements: What Defines a Lemon Car
Under Maryland lemon laws, a leased or new car may qualify as a lemon if it meets the following requirements. As such, used cars are not covered. However, if your new motor vehicle does not technically meet the definition for all requirements, you still may be able to seek compensation if it is defective. Read the full list of lemon law requirements below.
New Car Lemon Law
- You may qualify if you buy or lease a car, light-duty truck or motorcycle
- The defect must arise within the first two years or eighteen thousand miles. Whichever occurs first, extinguishes your lemon law rights.
- The defect must be unable to be repaired within a reasonable amount of time or a reasonable number of attempts.
- It is presumed that it has been an unreasonable amount of time to repair a car if it is out of service a cumulative total of 30 days or greater.
- An unreasonable number of attempts is four visits to the dealership and the problem continues to exist.
- If a defect arises related to a brake or steering failure that causes the vehicle to fail Maryland state inspection, the manufacturer has one chance to fix the defect.
- The vehicle’s use and value must be substantially impaired by the problem.
- All repairs must be performed at an authorized dealership.
- A letter via certified mail, return receipt requested must be sent to the manufacturer to notify them of the lemon law claim.
Breach of Warranty
- Breach of Warranty is very similar to lemon law; however, the requirements are less strict.
- The defect is only required to arise within the manufacturer’s original warranty period.
- The defect must be unable to be repaired within a reasonable amount of time or number of attempts.
- There is no real definition of either, but it is generally considered to be 30 cumulative days out of service or 3 or more visits to the dealership.
- The nonconformity can be anything – it does not have to impair the vehicle’s safety – it simply has to be a warrantable defect that either cannot be or was not repaired in a reasonable amount of time.
- Even if the problem is ultimately fixed, you may still have a claim if it took them too long to repair it.
Exceptions to Maryland State Lemon Law and Breach of Warranty
- Commercial vehicles, motor homes and fleet vehicles are not included under lemon law, but may be covered under breach of warranty.
- Extended warranties and service contracts are excluded from breach of warranty claims. The issue must be covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- A consumer has three years from the date of the vehicle’s original delivery to bring a claim.
- Action on a leased vehicle must be commenced within one year after the termination of the lease.
Baltimore Maryland Lemon Law Cases in Baltimore
At the Robison Lemon Law Group, we’ve helped countless consumers secure refunds or replacement vehicles due to defects such as electrical issues, engine malfunctions, power steering failures, transmission problems, and suspension defects. Each case is different, but our seasoned Baltimore attorneys are prepared to assess your situation and determine the legal strategy that offers the best chance of compensation under Maryland Lemon Law.
Get a FREE Case Evaluation with a Baltimore Lemon Law Attorney
Navigating Maryland’s Lemon Law can be tricky, especially when it comes to timing your dealership visits for defect repairs. Ensuring that you meet all the legal requirements can be challenging without expert advice. Speak with an experienced Baltimore Lemon Law attorney today for a free case evaluation and make sure your rights are fully protected.
Robison Lemon Law Group LLC
11210S Ridgeway Ave South
Timonium, MD 21093
443-785-5347
Discover Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is a bustling city with plenty to offer. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Inner Harbor, a bustling waterfront district, and Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the national anthem. With zip codes such as 21201, 21202, 21218, and 21230, Baltimore residents are part of a city with a dynamic economy and a diverse community. For those experiencing issues with their vehicles, Maryland Lemon Law provides essential protection to ensure local residents can drive without worrying about faulty cars.
Top Car Dealerships in Baltimore, MD
- Browse a wide selection of new and used vehicles at Heritage Toyota Owings Mills, known for its excellent customer service and expert vehicle maintenance.
- Find your next Nissan at Nissan of Owings Mills, offering a large inventory and personalized assistance to meet all your automotive needs.
- Discover a variety of new and pre-owned Ford vehicles at Koons Ford of Baltimore, a trusted dealership with a commitment to customer satisfaction and top-tier service.
Top Attractions in Baltimore, MD
- Explore the bustling Inner Harbor, a waterfront district filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It’s a must-visit spot to enjoy Baltimore’s vibrant city life.
- Visit Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the iconic site where the national anthem was inspired during the War of 1812, offering a deep dive into American history.
- Catch a baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles, where fans can experience a classic ballpark atmosphere in a historic setting.
- Discover world-class art collections at The Walters Art Museum, a premier cultural institution offering free admission and showcasing artwork from across the globe.
- Explore the unique exhibits at The American Visionary Art Museum, where self-taught artists display colorful, thought-provoking creations that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you live in Baltimore and have leased or purchased a vehicle with defects, you're not alone. Baltimore’s busy roads require reliable transportation, whether commuting through the city or exploring the surrounding areas. Our Lemon Law services are here to help residents secure compensation or a replacement vehicle when their car doesn’t meet Maryland’s standards for safety and performance. Let us protect your rights and help you get back on the road with confidence.
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