When Is a Car a Lemon in Maryland?

A car is a “lemon” under Maryland law (§ 14-1501) when:

1. The vehicle has a nonconformity that substantially impairs its use and market value, or use and safety.
2. The defect has not been fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
3. The thresholds are met within the 24-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period.

The two thresholds

Under § 14-1502(c):

• 4 or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity, OR
• 30 or more cumulative calendar days out of service.

What “substantially impair” means

Maryland courts interpret “substantially impair” broadly: use and market value, or use and safety.

Examples that qualify

• Transmission shudders / slips repeatedly.
• Engine stalls in traffic.
• Brakes fail / pulse violently.
• Electrical warning lights / phantom drain.
• Steering wander or EPS failure.
• Infotainment locks up.
• EV charging won’t work.
• Battery degradation beyond manufacturer’s curve.

Examples that typically DON’T qualify

• Cosmetic issues.
• Wear items (tires, brake pads after normal use).
• Consumer-modified parts.
• Issues outside the 24-month / 18,000-mile Period.
• Damage from hail / flood.

The written notice requirement

§ 14-1502(d) requires written notice to the manufacturer with a final repair opportunity.

Bottom line

If your MD vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs use and market value (or use and safety) AND has been to the manufacturer’s authorized dealer 4+ times OR 30+ days OOS within the 24-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period, you likely have a Lemon Law case.

Related

Article

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Maryland Lemon Law Claim?

BBB Auto Line is consumer-friendly without counsel; court action with CPA requires representation. Mandatory fees make either path no-cost.

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How Long Do I Have to File a Maryland Lemon Law Claim?

Maryland's 24-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period + 3-year CPA SOL + 4-year Magnuson-Moss / UCC backstop.

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How Much Does a Maryland Lemon Law Claim Cost?

Maryland Lemon Law costs — $0 BBB Auto Line; court action with mandatory triple fee shifting typically zero out-of-pocket.

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The Manufacturer Denied My Maryland Lemon Law Claim — Now What?

What to do when the manufacturer denies your claim — proceed to BBB Auto Line or court action with CPA + Magnuson-Moss.

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Are Used Vehicles Covered Under Maryland Lemon Law?

No — Maryland's § 14-1501 Lemon Law does not cover used vehicles. Magnuson-Moss, CPA, and UCC remain available.

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Does It Matter Which Repair Shop I Use in Maryland?

Yes — Maryland Lemon Law requires repairs at a manufacturer-authorized service facility.

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