Lemon Law | Rick Law

Attorneys Protecting Pennsylvania Consumers In Lemon Law Matters

Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law is designed to protect Pennsylvania consumers from unsafe and defective new cars. The law applies to purchases and leases of new vehicles registered in Pennsylvania. If the vehicle is to be used for personal, family or household purposes the law protects you. Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, motor homes and off-road vehicles, however, are not covered by the law.

Do not let an automobile dealership put the squeeze on you! Instead, contact the experienced attorneys at Rick Law to learn how we can protect your rights.

An Overview Of Your Rights And Obligations Under The Law

If there is a problem with a vehicle in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership which substantially impairs the value, use or safety of the vehicle, the law applies. Each time you take your vehicle to the dealer for service or repair, you must be provided with a copy of the repair invoice. Retain these in a safe place. The dealer also has to immediately notify the manufacturer that your vehicle has been brought in for a second time for the same problem. You are covered for any subsequent problems occurring after that point, as long as the first problem occurs during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership,

A manufacturer is given up to three repair attempts for the same problem. If the repairs are unsuccessful and the problem substantially impairs the value, use or safety of the vehicle, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. Also, if your car is at the dealership for any repairs for a total of 30 days during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, you can also demand a refund or replacement.

While manufacturers are allowed to receive a reasonable offset for your use of the vehicle (assuming you are able to use the vehicle!), the refund offset can total no more than 10% of the purchase price of the vehicle or $0.10 for each mile driven before the first reported repair. If the manufacturer is not able to replace your particular model or year, you must be given a comparable vehicle of equal value.

Be mindful that you lose your lemon law rights if the problem you are experiencing is the result of your modification to or your alteration, abuse, or neglect of the vehicle.

To find information on your rights under the Lemon Law, you can first check your owner’s manual. Any purchaser of a new motor vehicle who suffers any loss under this law may always proceed directly to an arbitration program sponsored by the manufacturer. Consumers may also bring a civil action in a common pleas court in an appropriate location and, in addition to other relief, recover reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs. Another resource to help you to understand Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law is the Bureau of Consumer Protection, which can be contacted by dialing 1-800-441-2555.

Schedule A Free Consultation

When you are convinced you are ready to proceed, call one of our Lemon Law attorneys to turn your lemon into a functional vehicle you can rely on. We’d be happy to come to your aid! Your lemon-scented air freshener should be the only lemony thing about your car!