If you’ve purchased or leased a defective vehicle in Maine, Maine Lemon Law provides protection. If the vehicle’s defect cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you are entitled to compensation.
This could include a replacement vehicle, a full refund, cash settlement, and in some cases, civil penalties if the manufacturer fails to comply.
Your Rights Under Maine Lemon Law
If your vehicle has a defect that affects its safety, value, or use, and it cannot be repaired after multiple attempts, Maine Lemon Law guarantees your right to:
- Replacement: A new vehicle of the same make and model.
- Repurchase: A full refund, including taxes and fees, minus a mileage deduction.
- Cash Settlement: Compensation for the defect’s impact on the vehicle’s value, with possible civil penalties up to three times the original amount.
Maine law also ensures that attorney fees are covered, allowing you to pursue your claim without additional financial burdens.
What Vehicles Are Covered by Maine Lemon Law?
Maine Lemon Law applies to:
- New and certified pre-owned vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Used vehicles that are sold with remaining factory warranties.
- Vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, and certain business vehicles (under 10,000 lbs).
Exclusions may apply for minor defects, issues caused by misuse, or unauthorized alterations.
How to Qualify for Maine Lemon Law?
To qualify for Maine Lemon Law, the defect must:
- Be reported within 3 years of original delivery, or 18,000 miles of operation, whichever comes first (10 M.R.S.A. § 1161) — a longer window than most states.
- Survive a reasonable number of repair attempts. Maine presumes that standard is met with 3 repair attempts, just 1 attempt for a serious braking or steering failure, or 15 or more business days out of service (§ 1163(3)).
- Written notice to the manufacturer is required, triggering a final 7-business-day opportunity to repair (§ 1163(6)).
- After arbitration, an appeal to Superior Court must be filed within 21 days of the decision (§ 1169(4)).
Types of Defects Covered by Maine Lemon Law
Maine Lemon Law covers a variety of defects that impact the vehicle’s functionality or safety, including:
- Engine failure
- Transmission issues
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Brake system failure
- Faulty airbags
- Steering or suspension defects
These defects must persist despite multiple repair attempts and should be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Lemon Law for Used Cars in Maine
Maine Lemon Law applies to used vehicles under specific conditions:
- The defect must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect must significantly impact the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
- The defect must remain unresolved after reasonable repair attempts.
If your used vehicle qualifies, we will assist in securing compensation for you.
Why Choose Us for Your Lemon Law Case in Maine?
Maine Lemon Law Specialists: We understand state laws and how to win these cases.
- Proven Expertise: Over 10 years of experience successfully handling Lemon Law cases in Maine.
- No Win, No Fee: We charge no upfront fees and only get paid if we win your case.
- Available 24/7: We are here to assist and answer your questions whenever needed.
- Full-Service Legal Help: From filing your claim to negotiating a resolution, we manage everything.
- Civil Penalties: We fight for you to secure the maximum possible compensation, including civil penalties.
No Upfront Fees.
You won’t pay anything upfront. Your agreement explains any costs.