Used Vehicles Under Maryland Lemon Law

Maryland’s Lemon Law (§ 14-1501) does NOT cover used vehicles. Maryland relies on Magnuson-Moss + CPA + UCC for used-vehicle defect cases.

Why used vehicles are excluded

§ 14-1501 defines a covered vehicle as a “new motor vehicle” — explicitly excluding used vehicles.

Alternative protections for used-vehicle buyers

For used-car defect cases, Maryland consumers rely on:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — applies where factory or dealer warranty is in place. 4-year UCC SOL.
• Maryland CPA (§ 13-101) — applies to deceptive used-car practices. 3-year SOL.
• UCC § 2-313 / § 2-314 — express and implied warranties under Maryland UCC. 4-year SOL.
• Common-law fraud — for willful concealment.

CPA in used-vehicle cases

Maryland CPA covers used-vehicle deceptive practices:

• Misrepresentation of vehicle condition / history.
• Failure to disclose salvage history, prior accidents, odometer rollback.
• Deceptive warranty representations.
• F&I deceptive add-ons.

Actual damages + mandatory § 13-408(b) fees.

Magnuson-Moss for used vehicles

If the used vehicle has a remaining factory warranty OR a dealer-provided written warranty, Magnuson-Moss applies.

”As-is” sales

Maryland permits “as-is” used-vehicle sales — typically with disclaimer in the buyer’s guide.

Practical advice for used-car buyers

• Get pre-sale inspection by independent mechanic.
• Check Carfax / AutoCheck for prior damage.
• Confirm warranty in writing.
• Save the buyer’s guide required by FTC.
• Document any defects immediately.

Bottom line

Maryland’s Lemon Law doesn’t cover used vehicles. Used-car claims rely on Magnuson-Moss + CPA + UCC.

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