Do you own a lemon?
If you own or lease a defective vehicle in Pennsylvania, you could qualify for a refund, cash settlement, or vehicle replacement.
How the Pennsylvania Lemon Law can
help you
The Pennsylvania Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers like you from being stuck with a defective vehicle and taken advantage of by shady car dealerships and manufacturers. This law outlines the specific steps that you can take to get compensation in one of three ways as outlined below.
Refund or Buyback
You get reimbursed for the total cost of your vehicle.
Cash Settlement
You can keep your car but you get paid for the repair problems.
Replacement Vehicle
Your vehicle is replaced with a brand new unit.
Pennsylvania Lemon Law Qualifications
If your vehicle meets any one of these criteria, it could be a lemon!
MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT
At least two repair attempts have been done on the vehicle for a substantial safety defect that can potentially cause serious bodily injury or death.
FOUR REPAIR ATTEMPTS
At least four repair attempts have been done on the new vehicle for the same non-serious safety defect or issue.
30 DAYS IN THE SHOP
The vehicle is in the repair shop and can’t be used for a total of more than 30 days (cumulative) for any combination of defects.
Your Pennsylvania Lemon Law Team
ATTY. JONATHAN S., ESQ.
Managing Partner
ATTY. KEVIN J., ESQ.
Managing Partner
ATTY. NICHOLAS Y., ESQ.
Associate Attorney
Pennsylvania Lemon Law Resources
What Our Clients Say About Us
Jonathan S.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
I've had my car in and out of the dealer for months trying to get the Infotainment system and Check Engine Light issues fixed. I took the chance and got a free consultation with Lemon Lawyers California and after they explained the process to me, it all went smoothly from there.
Kimberly S.
lOS ANGELES, ca
What truly stood out was his unwavering honesty and transparency in providing advice and guidance. I am extremely grateful for the favorable resolution of my case, and I will not hesitate to refer friends and family to Kevin and his team should they ever require similar assistance.
Shane R.
lOS ANGELES, CA
From my initial contact to the final settlement, the process was smooth and easy. Kevin and their legal staff maintained contact throughout my case and got me a settlement that was more than fair. Thank you Lemon Lawyers California for all your help!
Pennsylvania Lemon Law Cases
Pennsylvania Lemon Law FAQs
YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles that are purchased or leased in the state. Used or certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are not covered, even if they come with a dealer or manufacturer warranty.
However, consumers with defective used vehicles may still have legal options under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal Lemon Law) or Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. If a dealer misrepresented the vehicle’s condition, the buyer may also file a fraud claim. Consulting a lemon law attorney can help determine the best course of action.
The defect must substantially impair the use, safety, or value of the vehicle. Covered defects include:
Transmission failure
Engine defects (stalling, overheating)
Faulty braking system
Steering or suspension issues
Electrical malfunctions affecting safety features
Minor cosmetic issues, normal wear and tear (e.g., worn tires or brake pads), and problems caused by owner abuse, neglect, or modifications are not covered under the law.
Read: Eligibility Criteria for Pennsylvania Lemon Law: Full Guide
First, keep detailed records of all repair attempts, invoices, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. If the same defect persists after three (3) repair attempts or the car is out of service for 30 or more days, your car may qualify as a lemon and you can send a written notice to the manufacturer requesting a refund or replacement under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law.
If the manufacturer refuses, you can file for arbitration (if offered) or take legal action. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) gives car owners four years from the discovery of the defect to file a lawsuit. Consulting a lemon law attorney can increase your chances of a successful claim.
No, Pennsylvania does not require arbitration before filing a lawsuit under the Automobile Lemon Law (73 P.S. § 1951 - § 1963). However, some manufacturers offer voluntary arbitration programs to resolve disputes more quickly.
While arbitration is usually free and faster than a court case, it has downsides, such as potential bias since the manufacturer selects the program. If arbitration results in an unfavorable outcome, the car owner can still file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Consulting a lemon law attorney before arbitration can help ensure a fair process.
Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Lemon Law Claim in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law, the defect must appear within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if the manufacturer refuses to comply, car owners can pursue a claim under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which has a four-year statute of limitations from when the defect was discovered. Acting quickly is important, as delaying repairs or legal action could weaken your case. Keeping detailed repair records and consulting a lemon law attorney early can help protect your rights.
Yes, Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law allows manufacturers to apply a mileage offset, but it is capped at 10% of the vehicle’s purchase price. This deduction is based on the miles driven before the first repair attempt for the defect.
For example, if the car cost $40,000 and the defect was reported at 5,000 miles, the maximum deduction would be $4,000. Despite this offset, many consumers still receive significant refunds when their vehicles qualify under the Lemon Law.
If your car does not meet the requirements of Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law, you may still have legal options:
- The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal Lemon Law) provides similar protections for both new and used vehicles with a manufacturer warranty.
- Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law also protects buyers from fraudulent or deceptive practices by dealers.
- Additionally, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) allows consumers to file warranty claims for defective vehicles. Consulting a lemon law attorney can help determine the best legal strategy for your situation.
Consumers can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, which enforces consumer rights under Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also investigates vehicle defects and safety concerns. Here’s how to contact them:
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Consumer Protection
- Phone: (800) 441-2555
- Website: www.attorneygeneral.gov
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Phone: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153)
- Website: www.nhtsa.gov
Filing a complaint can help escalate your case and increase pressure on the manufacturer to comply with Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law.
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