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Maryland

MARYLAND Lemon Law:

Md. Code Ann., Com. Law §§ 14-1501 to 14-1504 (West)

Vehicles covered: Vehicles registered as passenger vehicles, trucks

that are 3/4 ton or less, and multipurpose vehicles; motorcycles are

explicitly covered; excludes motor homes (§ 14-1501(c)). No

reference to leased vehicles.

Persons covered: Purchasers, transferees during express warranty

period, or any person entitled to enforce the warranty (§ 14-

1501(b)).

Period covered: Whichever comes first: 15,000 miles or fifteen

months from date of delivery (§ 14-501(g)(1)).

Disclosure requirements: Notice of procedure for reporting defect

must be conspicuously disclosed to consumer in writing at time of

sale or delivery of vehicle (§ 14-1502(b)). Dealer must notify the

manufacturer of the existence of a nonconformity, defect, or

condition within seven days after the fourth attempt at the same

repair, or when the vehicle is out of service for one or more

nonconformities for a cumulative total of twenty days (§ 14-

1502(f)(1)).

Required consumer notice: Written notice by certified mail, return

receipt requested, to the manufacturer or factory branch (§ 14-

1502(b)(1)). Note also the dealer’s obligation to report nonconformities

to the manufacturer under § 14-1502(f)(1).

Repair requirements: It is presumed that a reasonable number of

attempts have been made if the same nonconformity is subjected to

four or more repairs, or the vehicle is out of service for a cumulative

total of thirty or more calendar days, or a braking or steering

system failure is subjected to at least one repair attempt which is

not successful (§ 14-1502(d)). Opportunity to cure after required

notice from consumer (§ 14-1502(b)).

Affırmative defenses: The nonconformity does not substantially

impair the use and market value of the vehicle, or is the result of

the consumer’s abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or

alterations (§ 14-1502(c)(3)); statute of limitations (§ 14-1502(k)).

Replace/refund: At the consumer’s option, the manufacturer shall

replace with a comparable vehicle acceptable to the consumer, or

refund the full purchase price less a reasonable use allowance

(§ 14-1502(c)(1), (2)).

Other reimbursement: Collateral costs including taxes and fees

(§ 14-1502(c)(1)(ii)). Attorney fees (§ 14-1502(k)).

Other remedies: There is no limit on other consumer remedies

(§ 14-1502(h)). A violation is an unfair and deceptive trade

practice (§ 14-1504(a)). Punitive damages up to $10,000 (§ 14-

1504(b)).

Informal dispute resolution: For remedies under this section a

consumer may use an informal dispute settlement procedure established

by the manufacturer, provided the procedure complies

with 16 C.F.R. pt. 703 (§ 14-1502(i)).

Resale of lemon: Full disclosure required (§ 14-1502(g)).