PENNSYLVANIA LEMON LAW

Have you purchased or leased a new vehicle only to have it stop working months later? Does your new vehicle spend more time in the repair shop than on the road? The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf may be able to help you get compensation under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law.

What Is Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law?

 Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law is a statute that protects consumers who have purchased an unsafe or defective automobile. It allows a purchaser to receive a new vehicle or a refund when certain issues arise within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of use.

What Does It Cover?

 The purchase or lease of a new vehicle (registered in Pennsylvania) which is unsafe or defective.

What Does It Not Cover?

  • Used cars
  • Motorcycles, RVs, and off-road vehicles
  • Vehicles bought for commercial purposes

How Can It Help Me?

Under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, the manufacturer must attempt to repair the vehicle free of charge, as long as it was brought in for repair within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles.

What If My Vehicle Is Not Repaired?

If the repairs are unsuccessful and the problem substantially impairs the value, use or safety of the vehicle, you may demand a refund or replacement vehicle. Also, if your vehicle is at the dealership for any repairs for a cumulative total of thirty (30) days or more during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, you may demand a refund or replacement.

  • A refund of the vehicle, offset by no more than 10% of the purchase price due to use.
  • A replacement does not necessarily have to be same make and model, but must be a comparable vehicle of the same value.

What If My Car Doesn’t Qualify?

 If your vehicle does not qualify under the Lemon Law due to being a used car, another type of vehicle, or outside the reporting window, you may still have options under law, such as:

  • The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which covers both new and used vehicles for claims arising under the terms of the manufacturer warranty.
  • Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law which protects consumers when a product does not meet its manufacturers description.
  • A Breach of Warranty claim, arising under the manufacturer warranty.
  • An Implied Warranty of Merchantability claim, which essentially protects a buyer when a product does not work as one would expect it to.

 The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf are experienced in dealing with complex automotive legal issues and can help you evaluate your potential legal claims.

Sauder Schelkopf (sauderschelkopf.com) is a leading national consumer law firm that advances the interests of its clients by recovering the money they have lost, and obtaining the relief to which they are entitled. The lawyers at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of consumers and have earned their reputation as skilled and aggressive veteran litigators.