Pennsylvania Lemon Law Info – PA Lemon Law Attorneys

What is the Lemon Law in Pennsylvania?

In the state of Pennsylvania, if your vehicle is determined to be a lemon, you are entitled to a refund of your money minus a deduction for mileage from the mileage at the first repair, and the manufacturer also pays off your loan, and you return the vehicle to the manufacturer. Or in the alternative, you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle. You’d be entitled to a new vehicle in place of your current vehicle, and there’s also the possibility of cash compensation where you keep your vehicle. In all of those instances, the manufacturer’s required to pay the attorney’s fees as well.

What vehicles Are Covered Under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law?

Pennsylvania Lemon Law covers new passenger cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks that are designed to transport up to 15 people, and that are purchased or leased in Pennsylvania. The law also covers used cars that are sold by dealers within one year or 12,000 miles of the original purchase (whichever comes first). In order to be considered a “lemon,” the vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Does not conform to the manufacturer’s express warranty
• Has substantial defects affecting the use, safety or value of the vehicle
• Has substantial defects affecting the use, safety or value of the vehicle
• Has been taken in three times for the same problem or if it has been at the dealership for a total of 30 days during the first year or 12,000 miles
• Is driven for personal use

Under the law, the dealer is required to provide you with a detailed copy of the repair invoice each time you bring your vehicle in for repair. In addition, the dealer must notify the manufacturer of the problem when you bring your vehicle in a second time for the same repair.

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you can demand a replacement vehicle or a refund. An amount can be deducted for your use of the vehicle, but it can’t exceed ten percent of the purchase price or ten cents per mile driven before the first repair.

Most vehicle manufacturers follow the principle of “No lawyer, no money.” In other words, they count on being able to outmaneuver the consumer who hasn’t retained a Lemon Law attorney. While Pennsylvania Lemon Law may allow consumers to represent themselves in manufacturers’ arbitration hearings, you’ll only be on equal footing if you have an advocate at your side. A lemon lawyer can present your case to the arbitrator or go to court and can call and question witnesses. His or her expertise enables your attorney to easily dispute the manufacturer’s testimony.

But perhaps the most important reason to hire a Lemon Law lawyer is that it sends a clear signal to the manufacturer that you are serious about your claim, and are willing to sue them in order to get justice. Vehicle manufacturers have powerful legal teams that are adept at avoiding or stalling Lemon Law claims, and often only obey the law when they’re faced with the threat of a lawsuit by Lemon Law experts. When they are, they usually settle very quickly, since they know that the cost of going to court will be much higher. For these reasons, it’s in your best interest to have an advocate who knows the law and works on your behalf.

Keep in mind that, if you go to court, you shouldn’t have to pay a lemon lawyer to handle your Lemon Law case. That’s because the law says that the manufacturer is responsible for paying the consumer’s attorney’s fees in successful Lemon Law claims.

What Happens When You Hire a Lemon Law Lawyer?

A good lemon lawyer will work on your behalf to get the compensation to which you’re entitled — typically in the form of a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. Your Lemon Law attorney will ask you for all of your records, such as repair orders and correspondence, that pertain to your lemon. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your vehicle’s repair history, then present the manufacturer with a statement outlining your case and demanding full recovery. More often than not, the manufacturer will settle; if not, though, your Lemon Law attorney should be prepared to sue the manufacturer. Your lawyer should be able to resolve your case within one to two months.

Pennsylvania Lemon Law FAQs

Are Leased Vehicles Covered Under Pennsylvania Lemon Law? 

Yes! Leased vehicles are covered under Pennsylvania Lemon Law. If you leased a Lemon from a PA dealer or the car is registered in PA, you may be entitled to compensation by the manufacturer.

Does Pennsylvania Lemon Law Apply to Private Sales?

Unfortunately, the Lemon Law in Pennsylvania does not apply to vehicles purchased through private sales as-is and without a warranty. 

Are Appliances Covered Under New Jersey Lemon Law? 

Pennsylvania Lemon Law only specifically covers vehicles used for personal, family or household purposes. However, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, also known as the “federal lemon law,” can still protect those who have purchased Lemon appliances in Pennsylvania.

Why won’t the dealer or carmaker just refund my money or provide a replacement vehicle if they know Lemon Law exists?

In an ideal world, dealers and manufacturers would easily fix their mistakes and pay back Lemon buyers on their own. However, since it costs them time and money to deal with Lemons, they usually try to avoid refunding and replacing Lemons without legal intervention. They often use delay tactics and alternative “resolution mechanisms” to avoid having to fix the problem until the Lemon Law period expires. This is the reason states passed Lemon Laws in the first place!