When Is a Car a Lemon in Massachusetts?

A vehicle qualifies as a “lemon” under Massachusetts’s § 7N½ when:

The thresholds

Test	Threshold
Same nonconformity, repair attempts	3 or more
Cumulative business days out of service	15 or more (shortest in country)

PLUS:

• Defect substantially impairs use, market value, or safety.
• Within the 1-year / 15,000-mile Rights Period from delivery (tightest combined of any state).
• Written notice sent to manufacturer with final repair opportunity.

What counts as a “repair attempt”

• Vehicle was at an authorized service facility.
• Consumer reported the defect.
• Repair order documents the visit.
• “No problem found” visits count.
• Different symptoms in the same visit can count separately.
• Independent-mechanic visits don’t count.
• Routine maintenance doesn’t count.

What “substantially impairs” means

Three-prong test (use OR market value OR safety) — typical examples that qualify:

• Stalling.
• Brake failure.
• Steering failure.
• Transmission slipping.
• Engine fires.
• Phantom braking.
• Loss of HVAC defroster (critical in MA winter).

No separate serious safety defect threshold

Unlike Virginia, Georgia, or Washington, Massachusetts doesn’t have a lower repair-attempt threshold for serious safety defects. All defects use the same 3-attempt or 15-business-day rules.

Bottom line

If you’ve had three repair attempts on the same defect or 15+ cumulative business days out of service — and you’re within the tight 1-year / 15,000-mile window — you likely qualify. Get a free case review to confirm.

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Does It Matter Which Repair Shop I Use in Massachusetts?

Yes — Massachusetts Lemon Law requires repairs at an authorized service facility. Independent-mechanic visits don't count toward the repair-attempt threshold.

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