MD Lemon Law FAQ
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- How does this Lemon Law work?
- Does the MD Lemon Law cover vehicles both purchased and leased?
- Does a problem always need to occur three times to be considered a lemon?
- What happens if I fall outside the Lemon Law period before my first problem exists? Does this mean I do not have a claim?
- How does the Lemon Law in MD offer cost-free representation?
- Are motorcycles covered under the MD Lemon Law?
- I have had my car for only a few days and already I am having problems with it. Can I just return it to the dealership?
- Are used cars covered under the MD Lemon Law?
- I have so many more questions. Who can I ask?
How does the Maryland Lemon Law work?
The Maryland Lemon Law offers cost-free legal help to drivers whose vehicles suffer a nonconformity or defect that can't be repaired after repeated attempts (normally 4) by the manufacturers authorized dealership. Review the statute and a summary of the law: MD Lemon Law.
Review the statute and a summary of the law: Maryland Lemon Law.
Does the Lemon Law cover vehicles both purchased and leased?
Yes, the law provides protection for both buyers and lessess. If you purchase OR lease your car, the problem must first occur in the first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first, to qualify for Lemon Law protection.
Does a problem always need to occur three times to be considered a lemon?
Not necessarily. If your car is in the shop for 30 days or more in the first 24 months, consecutive or not, we can file a claim under the Law.
If you are experiencing paint problems, a similar type of problem repeatedly (electrical, water leak in the back versus water leak in the front, front brakes and then back brakes and then front brakes again), or a significant problem in steering or braking, please submit your information for our consideration. We handle each case separately and we have made exceptions in the past.
What happens if I fall outside the Lemon Law period before my first problem exists? Does this mean I do not have a claim?
No. If you are having continuous problems and your car is under a manufacturer's warranty, we can still help under the Federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. Please let us know about your repairs, and we will have someone from our firm contact you and explain your rights. The representation is still completely cost-free.
How does the Lemon Law offer cost-free representation?
Like Lemon Laws in other states, The Maryland Lemon Law Statute contains a fee-shifting provision which means that, if the consumer prevails, the manufacturer must pay all attorney fees and legal costs on top of what you receive.
If you submit a claim to Kimmel & Silverman and we accept your case, you will not pay anything out of pocket, win or lose. The fee-shifting provision gives you equal footing when battling against a multi-billion dollar automobile manufacturer.
Are motorcycles covered under the Lemon Law?
Yes! Motorcycles are covered under the MD Lemon Law.
I have had my car for only a few days and already I am having problems with it. Can I just return it to the dealership?
No. Problems can occur immediately, but if you are interested in opening a Lemon Law claim, you must follow proper procedures. That means making an appointment to have your car examined and repaired, and securing a repair invoice when you pick up your car. Make sure the invoice properly outlines all of the problems you disclosed to the service manager.
We also suggest you keep a personal log of your repair visits and PLEASE HOLD ON TO THE INVOICES. This does not mean that we can't help you if you don't have the invoices (we can subpoena them if necessary) but it does make your case move along smoother.
DO NOT JUST DROP OFF YOUR CAR AND KEYS AT A DEALER AND SAY "I DON'T WANT THIS CAR ANYMORE." THEY COULD COUNT IT AS A VOLUNTARY REPOSSESION AND IT COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOUR CREDIT! IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS, CONSULT A CONSUMER ATTORNEY, BE IT US OR SOMEONE ELSE.
Are used cars covered under the Maryland Lemon Law?
This is the #1 question we receive at Kimmel & Silverman. Unfortunately, used cars are not covered under the Lemon Law, but hold on – don't get discouraged yet! If you have a manufacturer's warranty, original or extended, we can still help you under the aforementioned Magnuson–Moss Act.
Also, if a dealer misrepresents a car at the time of sale, you may have rights under the Unfair Trade Practices Act. We encourage you to contact us to find out if and how we can be of assistance in these matters.
I have so many more questions. Who can I ask?
For more information on the Maryland Lemon Law, please call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652 ) or email us, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Read about the Maryland Lemon Law.
- Review the Maryland Lemon Law Statute.