What Is the Lemon Law in Minnesota for Used Cars

Minnesota's lemon law, codified as Minnesota Statutes § 325F.665, covers both new and lightly used motor vehicles purchased or leased in Minnesota for personal, family, or household use. Unlike most states, Minnesota extends lemon law protection to used vehicles still under the original manufacturer's express warranty.

For a used vehicle to qualify for lemon law protection, defects must be reported during the warranty period or within two years from original delivery, whichever comes first. Used vehicles qualify when still covered by the manufacturer's original express warranty at the time of purchase, including demonstrator vehicles and other lightly used cars transferred before warranty expiration.

Manufacturers must replace vehicles or refund purchase prices when defects substantially impair use, value, or safety and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The law presumes a reasonable number of attempts when the same defect receives four or more unsuccessful repairs, when a vehicle experiences complete brake or steering failure after one repair attempt, or when a vehicle is out of service for 30 or more business days for warranty repairs. Claims may extend through the third year following original delivery if the defect was first reported within the warranty period or two-year window.

What Protections Do Used Car Buyers Have in Minnesota?

Minnesota establishes consumer protection for used vehicle buyers through mandatory warranty requirements and disclosure obligations, supplemented by federal consumer protection statutes.

Minnesota Used Motor Vehicle Warranties Act

Minnesota enacted the Used Motor Vehicle Warranties Act, requiring dealers to provide express written warranties on qualifying used vehicles sold in Minnesota. Dealers must warrant used motor vehicles meeting specific criteria: vehicles sold for more than $3,000, driven fewer than 75,000 miles, and less than eight years old at the time of sale.

Warranty duration depends on the vehicle's mileage at sale. Vehicles with fewer than 36,000 miles receive coverage for 60 days or 2,500 miles, whichever occurs first. Vehicles with 36,000 to 74,999 miles receive coverage for 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The statutory warranty covers the engine, transmission, drive axle, and brakes. Dealers must repair defects in covered components at no charge during the warranty period.

Minnesota law permits dealers to exclude warranty coverage through conspicuous written disclaimers when vehicles do not meet statutory thresholds. Vehicles priced below $3,000, vehicles with 75,000 miles or more, or vehicles eight years old or older may be sold without mandatory warranty protection.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides federal remedies when dealers or manufacturers breach written warranty terms. This statute applies to written warranties, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness, and service contract obligations. Buyers may recover damages, replacement vehicles, refunds, and attorney fees when warranty obligations are not honored.

FTC Used Car Rule

The FTC Used Car Rule requires dealers to display a Buyer's Guide on every used vehicle offered for sale. The guide must disclose warranty coverage or "as is" status, identify covered systems and warranty duration, specify repair cost division between dealer and buyer, and recommend independent pre-purchase inspections.

Understanding "As Is" Sales in Minnesota

Minnesota permits dealers to sell used vehicles "as is" when those vehicles do not meet the thresholds for mandatory warranty coverage under state law.

What "As Is" Means for Minnesota Buyers

Minnesota dealers may sell vehicles "as is" only when the vehicle does not qualify for mandatory warranty protection under the Used Motor Vehicle Warranties Act. Vehicles priced below $3,000, vehicles with 75,000 miles or more, or vehicles eight years old or older may be sold "as is" without violating warranty requirements. For these vehicles, dealers can disclaim implied warranties through conspicuous written language acknowledged by buyers.

When Minnesota law permits "as is" sales, buyers accept vehicles in their current condition and assume responsibility for all repairs after purchase. Dealers disclaim responsibility for defects not disclosed before sale. However, mandatory disclosure requirements remain in effect regardless of "as is" designations. Dealers cannot use "as is" language to avoid disclosing salvage history, prior use as rental vehicles, or known damage.

For vehicles subject to mandatory warranty requirements, dealers cannot effectively sell "as is." Even if sales contracts contain "as is" language, the statutory warranty remains in effect for covered components during the required warranty period.

Limited Dealer Disclosure Requirements

Minnesota imposes disclosure obligations that dealers cannot eliminate through "as is" disclaimers. Federal odometer disclosure laws require accurate mileage statements on all title transfers. Dealers must complete disclosure statements identifying salvage or rebuilt title brands, prior use as rental vehicles, taxis, or police cars, and flood damage when known.

Minnesota requires dealers to provide accurate title documentation and comply with Department of Commerce regulations. Dealers must maintain records of vehicle acquisition and condition. Written express warranties provided at sale remain enforceable regardless of "as is" language appearing elsewhere in sales documents.

Limited Exceptions to "As Is" Protection

Minnesota buyers retain legal recourse despite "as is" language when dealers engage in prohibited conduct. "As is" disclaimers do not shield dealers from fraudulent misrepresentations about vehicle condition, history, or prior damage. Material misrepresentations that influence buying decisions create liability regardless of contractual disclaimers.

Dealers cannot use "as is" designations to escape responsibility for odometer tampering, failure to disclose salvage history, or concealment of known defects required to be disclosed under Minnesota law. When dealers make oral representations contradicting "as is" disclaimers, buyers may pursue claims for fraud or violation of Minnesota consumer protection statutes. The Minnesota Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act prohibits deceptive practices in consumer transactions, and violations remain actionable even when contracts contain "as is" language.

Filing a Consumer Complaint

Minnesota consumers experiencing disputes with used car dealers may submit complaints to the Office of the Attorney General.

Minnesota Office of the Attorney General
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 600, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 296-3353
Toll-free: (800) 657-3787
Official Website: Office of the Attorney General