When you bought your used car, you probably drove away thinking you got a great deal. But what if that car is now costing you thousands of dollars in repairs? If you’re wondering, “Do lemon laws apply to used cars?” in Minnesota, the answer is: sometimes. It depends on whether the vehicle is still within the original manufacturer’s warranty and how the problem was handled. Here’s how Minnesota law treats defective used vehicles and what you can do next.
Is There a Lemon Law for Used Cars in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s lemon law applies to “new and lightly used” cars, pickups, vans, and the chassis or van portion of certain RVs, as long as the defect is reported within the warranty period or within two years of the original delivery date (whichever comes first), with claims allowed up to the end of year three in some situations.
To qualify, the same defect usually must persist after four repair attempts, or the vehicle must be out of service for 30 or more business days, or there’s a single failed repair involving a complete failure of steering or brakes that creates a serious safety risk.
The vehicle must also be used at least 40% of the time for personal, family, or household purposes, and leased vehicles must have a lease longer than four months. If your used car still carried the manufacturer’s warranty when you bought it and the defect surfaced and was reported in time, the lemon law may apply to you.
Other Consumer Protections for Used Cars
Even if your car doesn’t qualify under the lemon law, Minnesota’s Used Car Warranty Law gives many buyers important protection. Dealers must provide a written warranty on most used cars sold for personal use, with coverage based on mileage at purchase. For example, for cars with under 36,000 miles, the warranty must apply for at least 60 days or 2,500 miles (whichever comes first). The law also spells out exclusions, like vehicles with 200,000+ miles, certain older models, diesel engines, heavy vehicles, salvage-title cars, and some low-price sales.
If your used car is covered, the dealer must repair or replace covered parts or choose to accept a return and provide a refund, minus a limited deduction for use. Importantly, the dealer can’t get around the law by failing to list the warranty on the window sticker or by using an “as‑is” form when the law requires a warranty. Keep every repair order and communicate problems in writing within the warranty window. Promptly reporting issues and returning the vehicle for covered repairs will help preserve your rights.
What is an “As-Is” Sale?
“As‑is” means you pay for all repairs after the sale, and there’s no warranty. Under federal rules, dealers must display a Buyers Guide on every used vehicle showing whether it’s sold with a warranty or “as‑is.” As mentioned previously, in Minnesota, dealers generally cannot sell a car “as‑is” when the Used Car Warranty Law requires them to provide a warranty. “As‑is” sales by dealers typically appear only when the vehicle is excluded from the law, and even then, the Buyers Guide must clearly show the lack of dealer warranty. Always read the Buyers Guide, keep a copy, and get an independent inspection before you commit, especially if the sale is “as‑is.”
What To Do If You Bought a Defective Used Car
Start by figuring out which protections apply. If the car is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty and your repair history fits Minnesota’s lemon law standards, a claim may be possible.
Take these practical steps:
- Document everything. Keep purchase documents, warranty booklets, repair orders, and towing or rental receipts. Make sure each repair order lists the symptom, the date in and date out, and the mileage.
- Notify the right parties. For potential lemon law claims, send written notice to the manufacturer (and copy the dealer). State that the vehicle has a recurring defect and you want a refund or replacement under Minnesota’s lemon law.
- Use the processes available. Many manufacturers require you to try their arbitration program before you can sue under the lemon law. Arbitration is faster and low‑cost, and an award can resolve the dispute or frame the next steps.
- Act within the time limits. Lemon law deadlines turn on the original delivery date and the warranty period. For used‑car dealer warranties, act promptly within the mileage or days listed on your Buyers Guide.
- Don’t ignore safety concerns. If the problem affects steering or braking, stop driving the car and get the defect documented immediately.
- Talk to a lawyer. Because these claims involve strict deadlines, technical notice requirements, and arbitration rules, get legal guidance early so you don’t miss relief you may be entitled to.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle falls under the lemon law or the Used Car Warranty Law, a quick review of your paperwork and repair history can clarify your options.
If Your Used Car is Defective, Ask Hammer Law About Your Options
A defective vehicle disrupts work, family, and finances. If you want a straightforward read on your case, request a free evaluation. We’ll assess whether the Minnesota lemon law or used‑car warranty rules apply. If you have a lemon, our firm can help you take your next steps and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
