Car complaints, car problems and defect information

Massachusetts Lemon Law Information

The Massachusetts Lemon Law applies when, during the first one-year period or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first, following delivery of the vehicle:

• the dealer has attempted to repair the same problem three (3) or more times, or
• the vehicle has been at the dealership & out of service for repair of a substantial defect or combination of defects, for a cumulative total of 15 or more business days. A business day is defined as any day that the service department of an authorized dealer is open for business.

The Massachusetts Lemon Law only covers serious defects- those which substantially impair the use, market-value or safety of the vehicle. The law does not list the defects which are considered substantial. You must be able to demonstrate specifically how the use, safety or market value of your vehicle is substantially impaired by the defect. For example, to prove market value impairment, you must show that your vehicle is worth at least 10 percent less than it would be without the defect. Although a defect may be annoying, it is not necessarily substantial.

Also not covered are vehicles used primarily for business purposes, or ehicles with defects caused by owner negligence, accidents, vandalism, or unauthorized repair of the vehicle by a person other than the manufacturer or authorized agent.

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