Buying a car only to discover mechanical problems can be a nightmare. Whether you have legal protections depends on what you bought and how it was sold. Here’s a clear guide for Minnesota consumers.
Used Car Sold “As-Is”
Many used cars in Minnesota are sold “as-is,” with no warranty. If your purchase was truly as-is, your options are limited.
Generally, no coverage for mechanical breakdowns. If the transmission fails a week after purchase, you’re probably stuck with the repair bill.
Two big exceptions:
Dealer warranty or service contract. If the dealer gave you one (in writing), you may have legal rights to enforce it.
Dealer misrepresentation. If the dealer lied about the vehicle’s condition. for example, telling you “no transmission problems” when there was one, you may have fraud or misrepresentation claims. These cases can be fact-intensive and don’t always allow recovery of attorney’s fees, so it’s important to weigh cost vs. benefit.
Key point: A simple mechanical failure in an as-is sale is usually not enough for a lawsuit.
Used Car Sold with a Warranty: Minnesota’s Statutory Protection
Minnesota law is much stronger if the dealer sells you a used car with a warranty. In fact, state law requires dealers to provide a written warranty on most used vehicles:
Coverage period depends on mileage at sale:
Under 36,000 miles → at least 60 days or 2,500 miles.
36,000–75,000 miles → at least 30 days or 1,000 miles.
75,000–200,000 miles → at least 15 days or 500 miles (unless sold by a new car dealer).
What’s covered:
Core systems like the engine, transmission, drive axle, brakes, steering, water pump, fuel pump, radiator, alternator, starter, and more.Dealer’s obligation:
The dealer must repair or replace covered parts. If unable to do so, they must accept the return of the vehicle and give you a refund.Notification matters:
If the problem arises within the warranty period, notify the dealer promptly and arrange to bring the car in. Even if the repair happens after the warranty period ends, you may still be covered as long as the issue was reported in time.Exclusions:
Dealers don’t have to provide this warranty on certain vehicles (e.g., cars with over 200,000 miles, salvage vehicles, very old cars, or those sold under $3,000). Buyers can also waive coverage if the defect is disclosed up front and acknowledged in writing.
What If the Dealer Didn’t Give Me the Written Warranty?
The statute makes clear that if a dealer fails to provide the required warranty, the law treats it as if they did. That means you may have claims even if the dealer tried to avoid responsibility.
Federal Warranty Protections (Magnuson-Moss)
If you bought a vehicle with a written warranty or service contract, federal law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) also applies. This law:
Allows you to sue if the warrantor fails to honor the terms.
Requires the warrantor to pay your attorney’s fees and costs if you win.
Applies even to used cars as long as a written warranty or service contract exists.
To build a strong case, you’ll usually need a mechanic’s inspection and willingness to testify that the defect should have been covered.
What About New Cars?
Minnesota does have a lemon law for new cars with defects that can’t be fixed under warranty. Because most of our clients are dealing with used cars, this post focuses on those rights.
What to Do If You’re Stuck with Mechanical Problems
Review your paperwork — check for a dealer warranty, service contract, or buyer’s guide disclosures.
Check the mileage — see if Minnesota’s used-car warranty law applies to you.
Document the problems — get a mechanic’s written inspection and keep receipts.
Notify the dealer in writing — especially if you’re within the statutory warranty window.
Talk to a lawyer — deadlines are short and your rights depend on the exact facts.
FAQ
1) Can I sue if I bought a car as-is in Minnesota? Usually not for simple mechanical issues. Exceptions include when a dealer gave you a warranty or lied about the car’s condition.
2) What cars qualify for Minnesota’s used-car warranty law? Most dealer sales of cars with under 200,000 miles. The warranty length depends on mileage at the time of sale.
3) What does the dealer have to fix under this law? Covered parts include the engine, transmission, drive axle, brakes, steering, water pump, fuel pump, radiator, alternator, and starter.
4) Can I waive the used-car warranty? Yes, but only if the waiver is clearly disclosed on the buyer’s guide and you acknowledge it in writing.
5) Does federal law help if I bought used? Yes. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects you if you have a written warranty or service contract, even on a used car.
Just bought a vehicle with serious mechanical issues?
Get a consult with auto fraud attorney Todd Murray.
Since 2009, Todd has been helping Minnesotans combat fraudulent auto sales by used car dealers. His work has returned hundreds of thousands of dollars to his clients’ pockets and has improved the legal protections for used car buyers throughout the state. Todd’s clients have described him as “very professional and easy to work with.” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.