September 27, 2019

All About MA Lemon Law

Buying a car is an expensive and significant decision, and whether you are purchasing a new or used car, or even leasing a vehicle, it is important that you know your rights as a consumer.

In general, a vehicle is classified as a “lemon” if there is a substantial defect that:

  • compromises safety
  • hinders the ability for the vehicle to be properly driven and operated
  • impacts the market value of the car and/or
  • is unable to be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts

Used Car Lemon Law

Under MA Law, you may be eligible for compensation if the used vehicle:

  • was purchased from a licensed Massachusetts dealer for personal/family use only
  • has at least one of the qualifying defects related to use or safety

New/Leased New Car Lemon Law

Under MA Law, you may be eligible for compensation for your new/new leased vehicle if:

  • was purchased from a licensed Massachusetts dealer for personal/family use only
  • has at least one of the qualifying defects related to use or safety or market value.
  • defects must be discovered and addressed by a reasonable number of attempts to repair during the term of protection which is either 1 year or until the vehicle accumulates 15,000 miles.

Private Party Sales Lemon Law

For vehicles purchased by a private seller that have been found to have substantial defects, you have 30 days to be eligible to return it for a refund, if you can prove that the seller was aware of the defect but failed to disclose it.

Not all vehicles or defects are covered under the Lemon Law, and not all issues will guarantee that a car will qualify for repurchase. For more information on Lemon Law protections is Massachusetts, please view Massachusetts Lemon Laws.

If you believe you have purchased a “Lemon” car and are looking for legal representation, please call the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 617-742-0625 or connect with an area attorney online.