Minnesota'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 Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 325F.665). 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 cars, pickups and vans bought or leased in Minnesota, and used ones still under the original manufacturer's warranty; also the chassis or van portion of an RV. The car must be used at least 40% of the time for personal or family use (leases longer than 4 months).

Rights period: The defect must be reported during the warranty or within 2 years of original delivery, whichever comes first. If you reported it in time and it continues, you can make a claim until the end of the third year.

When it is presumed a lemon

Four or more unsuccessful attempts to fix the same defect; or one failed attempt if the defect causes a complete failure of brakes or steering and is likely to cause death or serious injury; or 30 cumulative business days out of service. You must notify the manufacturer in writing, and it gets one last chance to fix it.

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

The process

Every manufacturer must offer an arbitration program in Minnesota and may require you to use it before suing. The decision does not bind you: the manufacturer has 30 days to take it to district court and you have 6 months from the decision to do the same. A lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of original delivery, or within 6 months after the arbitration decision (§ 325F.665, subds. 7 and 10).

Who handles it: Minnesota Attorney General — Consumer Division (no state arbitration board; manufacturer arbitration programs).

Hotline: 651-296-3353 (Twin Cities) · 800-657-3787 (fuera de las Twin Cities).

What you get if you win

Replacement or a full refund (you can choose a refund even if offered a replacement), with taxes, license, registration, towing and rental costs, minus a use allowance of no more than 10 cents per mile or 10% of the price, whichever is less. If you win, you can recover costs and attorney fees.

What it does not cover

Defects that do not substantially impair use or value; damage from abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications; the living areas and add-ons of an RV; cars used less than 40% of the time for personal use.

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 Minnesota: Mandatory dealer warranty on used cars (§ 325F.662): under 36,000 miles, 60 days or 2,500 miles; 36,000 to 74,999, 30 days or 1,000 miles; 75,000 to 199,999, 15 days or 500 miles (this last tier does not apply when a new-car dealer is the seller). It covers engine, transmission, drive axle, brakes, steering, water pump, mechanical fuel pump and more; the dealer cannot remove it with a blanket "As Is", and if the dealer does not hand it to you in writing the law gives it anyway. Out: a total cash sale price under $3,000; a diesel engine; gross weight over 9,000 pounds; cars built or modified for show or racing; cars 8 years old or older; makes that never built more than 10,000 vehicles in a year; 200,000 miles or more; and cars whose title bears a "salvage" brand. But the under-$3,000 and 8-years-or-older exclusions do NOT apply to the 75,000 to 199,999 mile tier: there the warranty still stands even on an old, cheap car. Also mandatory disclosure of damage over 80% (§ 325F.6641) and the flood brand (§ 325F.6642).