The Pennsylvania lemon law covers most new passenger vehicles sold in the state, including those with a capacity of up to fifteen people. This includes leased and demonstrator vehicles. Motorcycles, motorhomes and vehicles designed for off road use are exempted from coverage.

The law provides coverage for the first year of ownership or the first twelve thousand miles driven, whichever comes first.

The law covers defects which substantially affect the use, safety or value of the vehicle in question and requires that the manufacturer repair such defects within a “reasonable” amount of time if notified during the warranty period.

The Keystone State defines “reasonable” as three or more unsuccessful attempts to repair the defect, or a cumulative time out of service for repairs of thirty or more days. 

If these conditions have been met, then the vehicle may qualify as a lemon.

Pennsylvania law requires that any owner of such a vehicle must first submit to an arbitration program offered by the manufacturer, if one is available. This is a hearing before an ostensibly impartial judge or panel where each side presents their story. The arbitrator will rule in favor of one party or the other. The ruling is binding upon the manufacturer, who must abide by the arbitrator’s decision. The owner, on the other hand, reserves the right to appeal the decision.

Should the owner wish to appeal the arbitrator’s ruling or should the manufacturer not offer an arbitration program, the owner reserves the right to hire a lemon law attorney and file a suit in a court of law.

As with most such laws, this statute provides remedy for the owner in the form of one of the following options:

Replacement of the vehicle with a new one of comparable value or

Refund the purchase price. This refund is to include the full price paid for the vehicle, including all collateral charges, such as taxes, license fees and registration fees. An allowance may be made for any use of the vehicle by the owner prior to notifying the manufacturer of the defect. The manufacturer must provide this refund within 30 days of a ruling by a judge or arbitrator.

The owner is not entitled to compensation if the defect is the result of neglect, abuse, or any alteration or modification of the vehicle by the owner.

Manufacturers may resell defective vehicles in the state, provided that they meet the following requirements:

The vehicle must be offered with an identical warranty as when the vehicle was new.

The buyer must be presented with a statement, in writing, that specifically states that the vehicle was returned to the manufacturer under the rules of the state’s lemon law.

Vehicles returned to the manufacturer as a result of a defect in the steering system or braking system that is likely to injure or kill the driver or passengers if the vehicle is used may not be resold in the state.

If you are experiencing problems with your car, SUV or van, you may discover that you need the aid of an experienced lawyer. LegalMatch can help locate an experienced attorney to help you where you live. Confidentiality is secure, all lawyers are licensed, and there is no charge to apply.

Further information can be found on the state’s Pennsylvania Lemon Law page of their Website.