What is a Lemon Under Maine Lemon Law?

Maine Lemon Law covers new, used, and leased cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs that are purchased in Maine from a new car dealer. Covered vehicles are those with defects that occur within the manufacturer's express warranty, three years from the original owner's date of delivery, or 18,000 miles on the odometer, whichever comes first. In order to be considered a "lemon," the vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Does not conform to the manufacturer's express warranty
• Has substantial defects affecting the use, safety or value of the vehicle
• Has manufacturer's defects that occurred during the first three years from the original owner's delivery date, before the expiration of the manufacturer's warranty, or before there are 18,000 miles on the odometer (whichever period ends first)
• Has been taken in three times for the same problem, one time for a serious failure of the braking or steering system, or if it has been out of service for 15 business days due to a series of unrelated problems
• Is for personal use or is owned by a business that registers fewer than three vehicles
• The manufacturer has been notified and has been given a final attempt at repairing the vehicle
• You have participated in the manufacturer's informal dispute resolution process or the Maine Lemon Law Arbitration Program.

There are a number of other Maine laws that can be helpful if your vehicle doesn't meet the definitions of a lemon, including:

• If your brand new car is seriously defective, you can reject it using the Maine Uniform Commercial Code. The Main Attorney General recommends that you consult an attorney in order to properly reject a vehicle.
• Maine's implied warranty law states that you can initiate a court action within four years of purchase.
• Eligibility for damages if the dealer made substantial repairs to a "new" vehicle before selling it to you.
• You can participate in the Maine Lemon Law Arbitration Program if you apply within two years from the date your vehicle was originally sold and if the vehicle is within the manufacturer's warranty period.