State lemon laws help consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles and have repeated problems getting their vehicles properly repaired under the manufacturer’s original warranty.

Lemon laws can help a consumer get the vehicle repurchased, replaced, or repaired through a process that is less complicated and expensive than filing a lawsuit and going to court.

A car is a “lemon” when it is determined that the vehicle is defective beyond repair. Most states have some form of a lemon law to protect car buyers. These laws generally only apply to new cars purchased or leased by consumers and small businesses.

But a used car may also be covered if it is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty (not an extended service contract), or if the defect started and was reported to the dealer while under the manufacturer’s original warranty, and the defect continues to exist.

Lemon laws often do not cover repossessed vehicles, non-travel trailers, boats, or farm equipment.

Lemon laws only cover defects that substantially impair the use or market value of the vehicle—which does not include issues like minor rattles, noises, and car audio imperfections.

Each state has its own requirements, but common factors to qualify as a lemon include:

• The vehicle has a substantial manufacturing defect

• The defect is covered by a manufacturer’s written warranty

• The owner reports the defect to the dealer or manufacturer within the warranty term

• The owner gives the dealer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect or condition

• The owner gives the manufacturer written notice (preferably by certified mail) of the defect and at least one opportunity to fix the defect

• The defect persists and substantially impairs the vehicle’s use or market value or creates a serious safety hazard

Lemon laws are usually located in a state’s statutes and are often administered by the state’s department of motor vehicles or a specified consumer protection agency.

In Maine, the Lemon Law applies to new vehicles that are within the express warranty period and have a substantial defect that has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The law covers new cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks that are bought or leased in Maine and are used for personal, family, or household purposes. To qualify as a lemon, the vehicle must have a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the defect must occur and be reported to the dealer within the warranty period. The owner must also allow the dealer a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue. If the problem persists, the owner must notify the manufacturer in writing, giving them a final opportunity to repair the defect. If the vehicle still cannot be fixed, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund. Maine's Lemon Law does not cover used cars unless they are still under the original manufacturer's warranty and the defect began and was reported during that period. The law also excludes vehicles such as repossessed vehicles, non-travel trailers, boats, or farm equipment, and does not cover minor imperfections that do not substantially impair the vehicle's use or market value. The Maine Attorney General's Office administers the Lemon Law and provides resources for consumers seeking relief under this statute.