The Lemon Law
10 M.R.S. § 1163 — 3 repair attempts or 15 business days out of service, within 3 years or 18,000 miles
When a vehicle does not conform to its express warranty and the defect is reported during the warranty, within 3 years of delivery or within 18,000 miles, the manufacturer or its dealer makes the repairs. If a defect that substantially impairs use, safety or value cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer replaces the vehicle or takes it back and refunds.
Who handles this in Maine: Maine Attorney General, Consumer Protection; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
- A reasonable number is presumed after 3 or more repair attempts on the same defect, or 15 or more business days out of service for repairs, within that period.
- The consumer notifies the manufacturer or dealer in writing of wanting a refund or replacement, after one attempt for a serious brake or steering failure, and the manufacturer has a final chance to repair.
- The state runs an arbitration program for these complaints through the Attorney General's office.
Sources for this section (2)
- 10 M.R.S. § 1161 — Definitions
- 10 M.R.S. § 1163 — Rights and duties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.