Lemon Law in Massachusetts
Massachusetts drivers face some of the highest vehicle prices in the country. As of May 2025, the average cost of a new car in the U.S. stands at $48,699, while the average price of a used car in Massachusetts is $33,232.
These elevated prices can strain your budget, especially when unexpected defects arise. If you purchase a vehicle that turns out to be a “lemon,” Massachusetts has protections to help you seek a refund or replacement.
If you believe you’ve purchased a lemon, contact us today. We will get you in touch with a qualified Massachusetts lemon law attorney to explore your options.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Lemon laws in Massachusetts serve as a safeguard for consumers who end up with defective vehicles. To qualify under state law, the car must have a serious issue that wasn’t caused by the owner—typically a manufacturer-related defect.
In addition, the law only applies if the problem persists despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. If your vehicle keeps breaking down and the dealer can’t fix it after multiple tries, you may have a valid lemon law claim in Massachusetts.
When Do Massachusetts Lemon Laws Apply?
In Massachusetts, lemon law protections extend to new, leased, and demonstrator vehicles—but not to used vehicles without a manufacturer’s warranty. Certified pre-owned vehicles may qualify, depending on the terms of their warranty coverage.
Here are the typical qualifying conditions:
- Repeated Repairs: The manufacturer or dealer has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to fix the same substantial defect.
- Timeframe: These repair attempts occurred within the first two years from the delivery date or before reaching 18,000 miles—whichever comes first.
- Inoperable Vehicle: The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for at least 30 days total, even if those days are not consecutive.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
To give yourself the best chance at a successful lemon law claim in Massachusetts, there are a few key steps you should take. These actions not only strengthen your case but also demonstrate that you gave the dealer or manufacturer a fair opportunity to fix the issue.
Here are some best practices:
- Stick with the Dealership: Always bring the vehicle to an authorized dealership for repairs. Taking it to an independent mechanic could undermine your claim, as the manufacturer may not be held accountable for third-party work.
- Document Everything: Keep a written log of every service visit, including dates, issues reported, and repair attempts. Include copies of invoices and work orders. This paper trail becomes crucial if your case escalates.
- Know the Law: Massachusetts has specific lemon law criteria, including strict mileage and time limits. Make sure you understand what applies so you don’t miss key deadlines.
According to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, a vehicle may be considered a lemon if a defect substantially impairs its use, safety, or market value and arises within the first 12 months or 15,000 miles—whichever comes first. The manufacturer or dealer must also be given a reasonable number of attempts to fix the problem before legal remedies are available.
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Massachusetts law, you may be legally entitled to either a replacement vehicle or a full refund. This protection ensures that consumers aren’t left bearing the cost of a defective product. However, manufacturers are allowed to apply a mileage-based deduction that reflects the use of the vehicle before the defect made it unusable.
When calculating your reimbursement, qualifying compensation may include:
- Your original down payment
- Vehicle registration fees
- Sales tax paid at purchase
- Rental car expenses during repair periods
- Monthly loan or lease payments
- Towing fees related to the defect
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?
Certified pre-owned cars from dealerships usually come with some level of coverage. Private party sales, however, are generally not covered. To qualify under Massachusetts law, the used vehicle must have fewer than 125,000 miles at the time of sale and meet additional conditions outlined by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
When Should You Hire a Qualified Massachusetts Lemon Law Attorney?
If your car keeps going back to the shop with no clear resolution, it may be time to speak with an attorney. Once a defect keeps your car out of service for 15 business days or more—or if the dealer has attempted multiple repairs without success—you may have grounds for a claim.
How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?
If you’ve exhausted your efforts with the dealership or manufacturer, bringing in a qualified Massachusetts lemon law attorney can change the outcome. Legal guidance ensures your claim is properly documented, deadlines are met, and your rights are fully protected.
Here’s what you can typically expect from the process:
- Free Case Review – A reputable attorney will evaluate your situation at no charge, letting you know upfront whether your claim meets the state’s lemon law criteria.
- Filing the Claim – Your lawyer will prepare and submit all necessary documentation to the manufacturer or dealership and begin formal negotiations.
- Escalating the Dispute – If the manufacturer fails to cooperate, your attorney may initiate a formal lawsuit under state or federal law to seek compensation.
- Pre-Trial Settlement – Many cases are resolved before court. If a settlement is reached, the manufacturer is typically responsible for covering legal fees.
- No Out-of-Pocket Fees – In most Massachusetts lemon law cases, legal fees are paid by the manufacturer—even if the case settles early. This protects you from unnecessary financial risk.
Massachusetts courts have strengthened consumer protections in recent years. In Delsignore v. Honda North, Inc., the Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled that expert testimony is not required to prove a lemon law case, simplifying the path for consumers to seek justice. Still, legal proceedings can be nuanced. If you’re preparing for arbitration or litigation, it’s wise to have an experienced Massachusetts lemon law attorney by your side.
Work With an Experienced Massachusetts Lemon Law Attorney
Need answers fast? If you’re dealing with a defective car in Massachusetts, our team can help you take the next step. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Massachusetts state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced Massachusetts lemon law attorney!
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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