Qualifying Defects: What Counts as a Lemon in Maryland

Maryland’s Lemon Law (§ 14-1502) covers any “nonconformity” — a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use and market value or use and safety of the vehicle and is not the result of consumer abuse.

The “substantially impair” test

Under § 14-1502, a “nonconformity” must:

1. Substantially impair the use and market value, or use and safety of the vehicle.
2. Persist after a reasonable number of repair attempts (4 attempts or 30 days OOS).
3. Be covered under the express manufacturer warranty at the time of the first report.
4. Not be caused by consumer abuse, alteration, or unauthorized modification.

The seven defect categories most often qualifying

1. Transmission — Hard shifts, slipping, fluid leaks, total failure.
2. Engine — Stalling, misfires, excessive oil consumption, knocking, failure.
3. Brakes — Pulsation, dragging, ABS failure, soft pedal, premature wear.
4. Electrical — Battery drain, electrical-system warning lights, module failures.
5. Steering & suspension — Pulling, drift, EPS failure, shock failure, alignment failure.
6. Infotainment — Head unit lockup, Bluetooth/CarPlay failure, backup camera failure.
7. EV-specific — Battery degradation, charging failures, regen brake failures.

What does NOT typically qualify

• Cosmetic — paint, trim, leather (unless safety-related).
• Tires, batteries, wear items — not covered under express warranty.
• Modifications by consumer or unauthorized installers.
• Damage from accidents or environmental (hail, flood).
• Issues outside the 24-month / 18,000-mile Rights Period.

Maryland climate / geography factors

• Coastal salt-air corrosion — Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Shore, Atlantic coast (Ocean City). Electrical-connector, brake-line, body-corrosion exposure.
• Hot humid summers — DC metro creates HVAC stress.
• Cold winters with ice / snow — battery, ignition, fluid viscosity issues. I-95, I-83, I-70 winter exposure.
• Heavy DC-Baltimore commuter traffic — stop-and-go brake/transmission stress.
• Hilly terrain in western MD (I-68) — moderate brake/transmission stress.

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