Title 14. Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions — Subtitle 14. Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Com. Law § 14-1401 (2026)
Title 14. Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions
Subtitle 14. Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs
§ 14–1401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
(1)
“Adjustment program” means a program or policy:
(i)
That expands or extends a warranty beyond its stated limit; or
(ii)
Under which a manufacturer undertakes or offers to pay or reimburse a consumer, whether directly or indirectly, for all or a part of the cost of repairing a condition that may substantially affect the durability, reliability, or performance of a motor vehicle.
(2)
“Adjustment program” does not include:
(i)
Service provided under a safety or emissions related recall campaign; or
(ii)
Adjustments made by a manufacturer on a case–by–case basis.
(c)
“Consumer” means:
(1)
The purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a new motor vehicle;
(2)
A lessee of a motor vehicle;
(3)
A person to whom a new motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of the warranty applicable to the motor vehicle; or
(4)
A person who is entitled under the terms of the warranty to enforce its obligations.
(d)
“Dealer” means a person who sells or leases motor vehicles under a retail agreement with a manufacturer or distributor, or an agent of a manufacturer or distributor.
(e)
“Lessee” means a consumer who leases a motor vehicle under a written lease that provides that the lessee is responsible for repairs to the motor vehicle.
(f)
“Manufacturer” means a person who:
(1)
Manufactures or assembles new motor vehicles for sale or distribution; or
(2)
Is engaged in the business of importing new motor vehicles for sale or distribution to dealers or through distributors or factory branches.
(g)
“Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that:
(1)
Is used for the private transportation of individuals and their personal belongings; and
(2)
Has a maximum capacity of 10 individuals, including the driver.
Md. Code Ann., Com. Law § 14-1402 (2026)
Title 14. Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions
Subtitle 14. Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs
§ 14–1402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the State shall establish procedures under which each consumer in the State who owns or leases a motor vehicle to which an adjustment program of the manufacturer applies:
(1)
Is notified of the adjustment program;
(2)
On request, is provided with a copy of any service bulletin or any other document issued by the manufacturer pertaining to an adjustment program or to a condition that may substantially affect motor vehicle durability, reliability, or performance; and
(3)
Within 90 days after the establishment of a new adjustment program, is sent written notice by first–class mail of the terms and conditions of the adjustment program.
(b)
(1)
A manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the State shall ensure that the purchaser of a new motor vehicle receives, at the time of purchase, a written notice describing the rights and remedies provided under this section.
(2)
The written notice shall be considered sufficient if stated in substantially the following form:
“Sometimes (insert manufacturer’s name) offers a special adjustment program to pay all or part of the cost of certain repairs beyond the terms of the warranty. Check with your dealer to determine whether any adjustment program is applicable to your motor vehicle.”
(c)
A manufacturer shall provide to its dealers information about each adjustment program of the manufacturer in a format that facilitates the disclosure of the terms and conditions of the adjustment program to a consumer seeking repairs at the dealer’s repair facility.
(d)
(1)
A manufacturer that establishes an adjustment program shall implement procedures to ensure reimbursement of each consumer who:
(i)
Is eligible under the adjustment program; and
(ii)
Incurs expenses for the repair of a condition subject to the adjustment program before the consumer knows about the adjustment program.
(2)
Reimbursement under this subsection shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of the particular adjustment program.
(3)
(i)
A consumer shall make a claim for reimbursement under this subsection in writing to the manufacturer within the later of:
(1)
2 years after the date of the consumer’s payment for the repair of the condition; or
(2)
1 year after the date the manufacturer sends the notice required under subsection (a)(3) of this section.
(ii)
The manufacturer shall notify the consumer within 21 business days after receiving a claim for reimbursement whether the claim will be approved or denied.
(iii)
If the claim is denied, the manufacturer shall state in writing the specific reasons for the denial.
Md. Code Ann., Com. Law § 14-1403 (2026)
Title 14. Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions
Subtitle 14. Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs
§ 14–1403LinkCopy Citation
A violation of this subtitle is:
(1)
An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)
Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.