Driving a Lemon? Understanding PA’s Lemon Laws.
Buying a car involves trust. You’re not only relying on the car manufacturer but also on the dealer to sell you a vehicle that is in good, safe-to-drive condition. If this trust is broken, the consequences can be life-threatening.
According to federal statistics , there were over 42,000 automobile deaths in 2022. That’s over 120 deaths per day. This highlights the importance of holding dealers and manufacturers accountable if they sell defective cars. Thankfully, Pennsylvania has enacted laws which protect consumers who have purchased these defective vehicles and, in many cases, covers attorney’s fees. Here’s an overview of your rights under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law from James Beebe, a Pennsylvania consumer protection attorney:
What Is a Lemon?
A “lemon” is a vehicle with a problem that:
- Affects its use, value, or safety
- Needs more than three repair attempts to fix
- Leaves the car out of service for 30 days or more
For the Lemon Law to apply, the car must be a new vehicle that was purchased or leased in Pennsylvania. You can report a defect even years after the purchase under certain conditions.
Your Rights Under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law
In Pennsylvania, the law allows you to file a claim against a dealer or manufacturer if you purchase a defective car that becomes unusable, unsafe, or significantly devalued. The law covers vehicles used for personal, family, or household purposes, but not commercial or off-road vehicles.
Importantly, in many circumstances the law provides that attorney’s fees are covered. That means you may be able to hold the dealership and manufacturer accountable at no cost to you.
You have two options under the Lemon Law :
- A refund equal to the full replacement value of the vehicle, including your down payment, any loan payments, the value of a trade-in (if applicable), and coverage of any outstanding car loan debt.
- A replacement vehicle of equal or greater value from the dealer.
While you can file a claim on your own, doing so with a lawyer can increase your chances of receiving everything you’re entitled to.
For further questions about your rights under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Laws and to see if you may qualify under the law, reach out to Attorney James Beebe for an in-person, telephone, or video consultation.