Massachusetts auto help: new and used car lemon laws

Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

Massachusetts car rules here come from General Laws chapter 90, sections 7N½ and 7N¼, and the state Lemon Law program.

What Massachusetts rules say

New car protection lasts one year or 15,000 miles from delivery, whichever comes first. (source: Massachusetts Legislature)
Repair efforts are deemed reasonable after three tries on the same defect within that term. (source: Massachusetts Legislature)
The same is true when the car is out of service for 15 or more business days. (source: Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation)
The maker then gets one final chance to fix it, lasting no more than seven business days. (source: Massachusetts Legislature)
To show lost market value, the car must be worth at least 10 percent less because of the defect. (source: Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation)
Makers must take part in state new car arbitration if you ask within 18 months of delivery. (source: Massachusetts Legislature)
The used car law covers dealer sales of at least $700 with under 125,000 miles. (source: Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation)
A used car sold with under 40,000 miles gets a 90 day or 3,750 mile dealer warranty. (source: Massachusetts Legislature)
You pay no more than $100 in total for covered used car repairs. (source: Massachusetts Legislature)
The used car warranty cannot be waived. (source: Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation)
After a state arbitration win, the maker must pay or appeal within 21 days. (source: Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation)

This page covers statewide rules only. Cities and counties can add their own permits and licenses, so check with your local building office too.

Massachusetts Legislature (General Laws): M.G.L. c. 90, § 7N½ (New motor vehicle lemon law) (checked November 2, 2026)
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation: New and Leased Car Lemon Law (checked November 2, 2026)
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation: Used Car Lemon Law (checked November 2, 2026)
Massachusetts Legislature (General Laws): M.G.L. c. 90, § 7N¼ (Used motor vehicle warranties) (checked November 2, 2026)
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation: Apply for Lemon Law Arbitration (checked November 2, 2026)

Last updated: November 2, 2026