Maine'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 Maine (10 M.R.S., chapter 203-A, §§ 1161–1169). 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

Cars sold or leased in Maine, bought for your own use (not for resale), with a defect covered by the maker's warranty that substantially impairs use, safety or value. It also protects anyone who gets the car while the warranty is still running. The Attorney General states the law applies to any new or used car, motorcycle, van, truck or RV still covered by an express warranty.

Rights period: You must report the defect within the warranty and within 3 years from first delivery or the first 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you buy used within that window, it protects you.

When it is presumed a lemon

Three or more unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect; or one attempt if the defect caused a serious brake or steering failure; or 15 or more cumulative business days in the shop. Then you notify the maker or dealer in writing, and the maker gets 7 business days for a final attempt.

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

The process

If the maker has a dispute program that meets the federal rule (16 CFR 703), you can go there first or straight to state arbitration; the requirement is met after 40 days. State arbitration is run by the Attorney General: request it within 3 years from delivery or during the warranty, whichever comes first, and the decision comes within 45 days. The maker has 21 days to comply or appeal in Superior Court; you can also appeal within 21 days.

Who handles it: Maine Attorney General — Lemon Law arbitration program.

Hotline: Lemon Law Arbitration Program: 207-626-8848 · lemon.law@maine.gov · Consumer Protection (quejas y mediación): 207-626-8849 o 1-800-436-2131, lun–jue 9 a.m.–12 p.m..

What you get if you win

Replacement or refund; you can reject the replacement and take the refund. It includes the full price, sales tax, registration and other government charges, and towing, storage and alternate transportation, minus an allowance for use, which can never be more than 10% of the purchase price.

What it does not cover

Government and businesses that register 3 or more vehicles; mainly commercial vehicles of 8,500 lb or more; defects that do not substantially impair use, safety or value; defects from owner negligence, an accident, vandalism, or repair or alteration by someone other than the maker, its agents or an authorized dealer. The dealer is not liable under this law, except for its own written warranty.

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 Maine: Every used car sold by a dealer carries a warranty that it passed the state inspection, and that warranty cannot be excluded (10 M.R.S. § 1474). A mandatory disclosure sheet lists known defects and damage (§ 1475). In consumer sales, language excluding implied warranties is unenforceable (11 M.R.S. § 2-316(5)). Deceptive practices are barred by the Unfair Trade Practices Act (5 M.R.S. § 207). The Attorney General offers mediation for used-car disputes (10 M.R.S. § 1169(11)).