Bought Used Car From Out-of-state Dealer With "guaranteed Maryland Inspection" Clause — Car Failed, Now Dealer Says I’m On The Hook. Do I Have A Case?

Location: Maryland

Hi all, I recently bought a used 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance from a dealership in Delaware. I’m a Maryland resident, so I needed the car to pass Maryland safety inspection in order to register it here.

Before finalizing the sale, I raised a concern with the dealer about what would happen if the car didn’t pass inspection. They reassured me that they’d take care of it and added the following language to the sales contract (their wording, not mine):

“Guarantee Maryland State Inspection to be completed at [a dealership-affiliated inspection location].”

I agreed to move forward. The dealer also charged me Maryland state tax and registration fees, which led me to believe the car would be delivered fully compliant with Maryland law and ready to be registered.

The car was then sent to a dealership-affiliated inspection location. The inspection was completed, and the vehicle was found to have a crack in the panoramic glass roof, which I’m told is enough to fail Maryland safety inspection.

Now the dealer is telling me:

• They only agreed to pay for the inspection, not guarantee that the vehicle would pass.
• The contract clause doesn’t say “pass” or “approve,” just “completed.”
• Therefore, I’m responsible for covering any repairs needed for the car to become street-legal in Maryland.

My Question:

Given all of this — the Maryland tax and registration being handled by the dealer, the added “guaranteed inspection” language, the verbal reassurances, and the vehicle ultimately failing Maryland inspection — do I have a legitimate case to push back and hold the dealer responsible for the cost of repairs?

I’m not looking to sue unless I have to, but I want to understand whether I’m on solid footing to demand they cover the cost of making the car compliant. Thanks in advance for your help.