Maryland's lemon law and your rights as a buyer

What the lemon law protects, what it doesn't, and what rights you keep when you buy used. With the state's exact deadlines.

This guide summarizes the recorded scope for Maryland (Md. Code, Com. Law §§ 14-1501 a 14-1504). Eligibility, deadlines and notice requirements depend on the law and applicable coverage; read the state conditions below, including used-vehicle conditions where relevant.

What it covers

New or leased cars, light trucks (up to 3/4 ton), multipurpose vehicles and motorcycles registered in Maryland, with a defect that substantially impairs their use and market value.

Rights period: The first 18,000 miles or 24 months from original delivery, whichever comes first. If you buy the car used within that period, the protection carries over to you. A lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of original delivery.

When it is presumed a lemon

The same defect repaired 4 or more times without success; or 30 or more cumulative days out of service; or a brake or steering failure not fixed on the first attempt that makes the car fail the safety inspection. First you must notify the maker in writing, by certified mail, return receipt requested, and give it 30 days to fix it.

The presumption does not replace the other requirements. Check the official conditions and procedure for your situation.

The process

Written notice to the maker (with a copy and complaint form to the Consumer Protection Division). The maker has 30 days to repair. If it fails, it must buy back or replace the car. The maker's arbitration is optional and its decision binds only the maker. The Consumer Protection Division can help you negotiate, and you can always sue in court; the judge may award your attorney fees.

Who handles it: Attorney General of Maryland — Consumer Protection Division.

Hotline: 410-528-8662 (Consumer Hotline) · 1-888-743-0023 (gratis) · 410-230-1712 (en español).

What you get if you win

Replacement with a comparable car or refund of the full price including license and registration fees, at your choice, minus up to 15% of the price for use and any damage beyond normal wear. The MVA refunds the titling tax.

What it does not cover

Motor homes; fleet purchases of 5 or more vehicles; trucks over 3/4 ton; defects that do not substantially impair use and value; defects from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications; cars past 18,000 miles or 24 months.

I bought used: what do I have left

More than it seems, even if it isn't the lemon law:

• The Buyers Guide (FTC). The guide states the dealer warranty. "As Is" describes that warranty; it does not by itself resolve other state-law rights or remaining manufacturer coverage. The federal rule applies in 48 states (Maine and Wisconsin have their own equivalent rules). If the sale is conducted in Spanish, the dealer must post a Spanish-language Buyers Guide.
• Remaining manufacturer warranty. Check the warranty contract and its duration and transfer conditions; vehicle age does not guarantee coverage.
• In Maryland: A dealer cannot sell "as is" or drop the implied warranty unless the car is over 6 model years old with more than 60,000 miles and you sign form CS-019 (Com. Law § 2-316.1). Every used car must pass the safety inspection before it is titled (Transp. § 23-107). The documentation fee is capped. Deceptive practices, such as hiding a material fact, are illegal (Com. Law § 13-301) and can be reported to the Consumer Protection Division. Maryland has no used-car lemon law.