Lemon Law in Maryland
Did the price of your recent vehicle purchase make your eyes water?
As of May 2025, the average price for a new car in the U.S. stands at $48,699. For used cars, Maryland’s average price is approximately $33,377.
Given these numbers, it’s even more important than ever not to accept a lemon for a vehicle. Ask us for a referral today to a local lemon law attorney and get the resolution you deserve.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Lemon laws in Maryland are designed to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase a defective vehicle. To qualify, the defect must be significant and fall outside the buyer’s control—typically something rooted in a manufacturer’s fault.
Maryland law applies once the vehicle has undergone a reasonable number of repair attempts without success. The idea is simple: if a dealership or manufacturer cannot fix a substantial issue after being given the chance, you may have legal grounds to seek a replacement or refund.
When Do Maryland Lemon Laws Apply?
Maryland’s lemon law primarily applies to new vehicles, including demonstrator models and those sold as certified pre-owned with a written warranty. While the law provides important protection at the state level, federal lemon law standards also come into play. To build a valid claim under federal guidelines, several conditions must be satisfied:
- Multiple Repair Attempts: The manufacturer must have been given a fair opportunity to fix the defect—typically at least four tries, though courts may weigh other factors.
- Early Timeline: The defect must occur and efforts to resolve it must begin within the first 24 months of ownership or the first 18,000 miles—whichever comes first.
- Extended Downtime: The vehicle must be out of service due to repairs for at least 30 cumulative days, even if those days are non-consecutive.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
If you’re preparing to file a lemon law claim in Maryland, certain steps can make your case stronger from the outset. These practical actions can establish a clearer paper trail and ensure your rights remain protected throughout the process.
First, make sure to bring your vehicle exclusively to an authorized dealership for repairs. Independent mechanics might do good work, but manufacturers typically won’t be held accountable for repairs done outside their network. By using the dealer, you confirm that the manufacturer had a fair chance to resolve the issue.
Next, keep detailed records of every repair visit. This includes service orders, receipts, and written descriptions of the issue. Documenting each attempt helps show how many opportunities were given and how long your vehicle was out of commission.
Finally, understand the specifics of Maryland’s lemon law. Requirements can vary from state to state, and it’s important to stay within Maryland’s legal framework.
The Maryland Attorney General offers a formal complaint process for lemon law claims. These laws cover personal vehicles that meet the following criteria:
- Registered in Maryland
- Owned or leased for less than 24 months
- Driven fewer than 18,000 miles
In addition, the vehicle must meet one of the following conditions:
- A serious issue with the braking or steering system that was not fixed after the first repair attempt
- Any defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use or market value and remains unresolved after four repair attempts
- A defect or issue that causes the vehicle to be out of service for 30 cumulative days or more
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
If your vehicle qualifies under Maryland’s lemon law, you may be legally entitled to receive a replacement vehicle or a full refund. However, the law allows manufacturers to deduct a reasonable usage fee based on the number of miles you drove.
A proper refund or settlement in Maryland typically includes reimbursement for:
- Your original down payment
- Vehicle registration fees
- Sales taxes paid at the time of purchase
- Rental car expenses while your vehicle was unavailable
- Monthly loan or lease payments already made
- Towing fees tied to the defect
- Reasonable attorney’s fees if legal action was required
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?
Maryland’s lemon law generally applies to new vehicles, but that doesn’t mean all used cars are excluded. If a certified pre-owned vehicle is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty or covered by a dealer-issued warranty, the law may still offer protection. That’s why it’s critical to verify whether any remaining warranty coverage applies before you make a purchase.
When Should You Hire a Qualified Maryland Lemon Law Attorney?
If your vehicle has been in and out of the dealership and still isn’t fixed, don’t wait. Once the defect has persisted after multiple repair attempts or your car has been out of service for 30 days or more, it’s time to speak with an experienced Maryland lemon law attorney. Legal guidance can be the key to unlocking compensation you may already be entitled to under state law.
How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?
When you bring in a qualified Maryland lemon law attorney, you’re not just hiring legal help—you’re getting an advocate who understands how to move your case forward. From the initial review to a possible court battle, your attorney will take steps to protect your rights and hold the manufacturer accountable under state and federal law.
Here’s what you can typically expect when working with a Maryland lemon law attorney:
- Free Case Review – Most lemon law attorneys offer a no-cost consultation to evaluate whether your vehicle qualifies under Maryland law.
- Claim Filing – If your case has merit, your lawyer will formally notify the manufacturer or dealer and handle all legal filings on your behalf.
- Manufacturer Pushback – If the manufacturer refuses to comply, your attorney can escalate the case by filing suit to recover what you’re owed.
- Settlement Efforts – In many cases, a favorable settlement is reached before trial. This may include reimbursement for repair costs, fees, and more.
- No Upfront Fees – Lemon law attorneys in Maryland typically work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay unless your case succeeds—and if it does, the manufacturer covers the legal costs.
Under Maryland law, consumers must file a lemon law claim within three years of the vehicle’s delivery date. You’ll also need to prove that the defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the car—and that reasonable repair attempts have failed. If you’re at this point, hiring an attorney may be the most effective way to protect your investment and resolve the issue.
Work With an Experienced Maryland Lemon Law Lawyer
Need legal help now? Our Maryland-based team is here to walk you through the Lemon Law process step by step. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Maryland state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced Maryland lemon law lawyer!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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