Massachusetts Lemon Law Guide
Buyer rights, coverage thresholds, and how to file a claim in Massachusetts.
1 yr
Coverage Period
15,000
Miles
3
Repair Attempts
15
Days Out of Service
What Massachusetts Lemon Law Covers
New and leased motor vehicles (G.L. c. 90 § 7N½); used cars, vans, and trucks sold by dealers with 125,000 miles or less on the odometer at time of sale, for personal or family use (G.L. c. 90 § 7N¼). Motorcycles, auto homes, and vehicles built primarily for off-road use are excluded from used-car coverage.. The law protects buyers when a vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.
Used Car Coverage in Massachusetts
Yes — Massachusetts has a dedicated Used Vehicle Warranty Law (G.L. c. 90 § 7N¼) substantially broader than most states. Coverage is tiered by odometer reading at sale: under 40,000 miles gets 90 days or 3,750 miles; 40,000–80,000 miles gets 60 days or 2,500 miles; 80,000–125,000 miles gets 30 days or 1,250 miles. Consumer repair cost is capped at $100 total for all covered defect repairs. 3 repair attempts or 10 cumulative business days out of service triggers the dealer's repurchase obligation. Mileage deduction at repurchase is $0.15 per mile driven between sale and repurchase. Private-party sales are not covered.
Qualifying Criteria
To qualify under Massachusetts lemon law, a vehicle must meet at least one of the following thresholds within the coverage window:
| Criterion | Massachusetts Threshold |
|---|---|
| Same defect repair attempts | 3 attempts |
| Out-of-service days (cumulative) | 15 days |
| Coverage window — time | 1 year from original delivery |
| Coverage window — mileage | 15,000 miles |
Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Massachusetts requires you to go through an arbitration or dispute resolution program before filing a lawsuit.
State-certified arbitration through the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is required. New-car filing deadline: within 18 months of delivery. Used-car filing deadline: within 6 months from the date of original delivery. Arbitrators issue written findings within 45 days; manufacturers/dealers have 21 days to comply or appeal.
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Massachusetts
- 1
Document every repair attempt
Keep all repair orders with dates, mileage, and defect descriptions. You need written proof the same issue was reported and repaired multiple times.
- 2
Track out-of-service days
Record every day the vehicle was at the dealer for repairs. A cumulative total of 15 or more days can independently qualify the vehicle.
- 3
Send written notice to the manufacturer
Mail a certified letter to the manufacturer (not the dealer) describing the unresolved defect and requesting a final repair opportunity.
- 4
Use the dispute resolution program
State-certified arbitration through the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is required. New-car filing deadline: within 18 months of delivery. Used-car filing deadline: within 6 months from the date of original delivery. Arbitrators issue written findings within 45 days; manufacturers/dealers have 21 days to comply or appeal.
- 5
File with the state agency or court
Contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) or file in Massachusetts civil court. Bring all repair orders, purchase documents, and correspondence.
- 6
Collect your remedy
A successful claim results in a full refund or replacement vehicle. The manufacturer pays attorney fees in most states.
Lemon Law and Bill of Sale
If your vehicle was repurchased under lemon law, the title will carry a "Lemon Law Buyback" brand in most states. When selling this vehicle, you must disclose the lemon history on the bill of sale and title. Hiding this information is fraud.
Buyers seeing a "Lemon Law Buyback" brand on a title should expect a significant price reduction and obtain a full mechanical inspection before purchasing.
Massachusetts Lemon Law — FAQ
- Does Massachusetts lemon law cover used cars?
- Yes — Massachusetts has a dedicated Used Vehicle Warranty Law (G.L. c. 90 § 7N¼) substantially broader than most states. Coverage is tiered by odometer reading at sale: under 40,000 miles gets 90 days or 3,750 miles; 40,000–80,000 miles gets 60 days or 2,500 miles; 80,000–125,000 miles gets 30 days or 1,250 miles. Consumer repair cost is capped at $100 total for all covered defect repairs. 3 repair attempts or 10 cumulative business days out of service triggers the dealer's repurchase obligation. Mileage deduction at repurchase is $0.15 per mile driven between sale and repurchase. Private-party sales are not covered.
- How many repair attempts qualify in Massachusetts?
- 3 repair attempts for the same defect, or the vehicle being out of service for 15+ cumulative days within the coverage period.
- Does private party sale trigger lemon law?
- No. Lemon laws in virtually all states apply only to purchases from dealers or manufacturers. Private party sales are buyer beware.
- What remedy can I get?
- A full refund (purchase price minus mileage offset) or a replacement vehicle. The manufacturer must also cover incidental costs and attorney fees in most states.