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Lemon Law Attorneys Pennsylvania
Work with the Top-Rated lemon law and consumer protection lawyers in Pennsylvania
Understanding Pennsylvania Lemon Law
Purpose of the Law: At its core, the lemon law in Pennsylvania is a consumer protection tool crafted to rescue buyers from the headache of owning a defective vehicle. It is a new car lemon law: If your new car has persistent problems that can’t be fixed, you’re entitled to a refund or replacement.
How the law applies in Pennsylvania: The lemon law in Pennsylvania applies specifically to new vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use. It also applies to dealer or demonstrator vehicles that carry up to 15 people.
Please note: As of May 18, 2025, Pennsylvania’s lemon law now covers motorcycles within its new vehicle designation.
The Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law applies to any new vehicle purchased or leased and registered in Pennsylvania or purchased and leased elsewhere as long as it was registered for the first time in the state. The vehicle must be driven on public roads, streets or highways.
Consult a lemon law attorney in Pennsylvania by submitting this quick form.
Pennsylvania’s Criteria for a Lemon Vehicle
What qualifies as a lemon: In Pennsylvania, a vehicle earns the “lemon” label if it has a defect that “substantially impairs” its use, value, or safety—and the issue isn’t fixed after reasonable repair efforts. The required numbers here are three repair attempts for the same problem, or 30 cumulative days out of service due to repairs.
The state’s lemon law covers any vehicle “nonconformity,” which it defines as a “defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a new motor vehicle and does not conform to the manufacturer’s express warranty.” The law does not compel manufacturers to repurchase or replace vehicles if the nonconformity “does not substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the motor vehicle, or the nonconformity is the result of abuse, neglect or modification or alteration of the motor vehicle by the purchaser.”
Is there a used car lemon law in PA? If you are wondering about used car lemon law protection in Pennsylvania, their lemon law does not cover used cars. Please consult your lemon law attorney about federal protections that may be available under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Time and Mileage Restrictions: To be eligible, the defect must show up within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.
Remedies Under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law
- Consumer Options: If your vehicle is officially a lemon, Pennsylvania provides two options: a refund or a replacement.
- Remedy Details: For a refund, you receive the purchase price back, along with associated fees. The manufacturer subtracts a reasonable amount based on the miles you drove before reporting the defect.
For replacements, you’re entitled to a vehicle similar in make, model, and features to the one you originally bought.
Manufacturer Responsibilities: Once the lemon ruling is made, the manufacturer must either refund your money or provide a replacement. Plus, they pay for towing, rental cars, or repair expenses tied to the defect.
Consult an experienced lemon law attorney in Pennsylvania for a free case evaluation.
Filing a Lemon Law Claim in Pennsylvania
Process Overview: Start by notifying the manufacturer in writing about the defect, giving them a final opportunity to repair the problem. If that fails, request your remedy—refund or replacement. Some manufacturers offer arbitration as a next step, which can settle things without a court case. If the manufacturer has established an “informal dispute settlement procedure,” also known as arbitration, the consumer must go through it first before bringing a civil action in court. The arbitration decision is binding on the manufacturer. It is not binding on the consumer. If you are not happy with the arbitration decision, you can sue the manufacturer.
Required Evidence: Gather key documents: repair records showing the defect and attempts to fix it, your warranty, and proof of purchase or lease. These are your ammunition to prove the vehicle’s a lemon under Pennsylvania law.
Key Deadlines: In Pennsylvania, you’ve got 12 months or 12,000 miles from purchase to report the issue. Consult with your attorney on how the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may provide further ability to pursue a claim after this timeframe.
Extra Protections: If you win a lemon law case in court, Pennsylvania lets you recover attorney fees.
Practical Tips
Recommendations from our lemon law lawyers in Pennsylvania: Document everything: repair visits, days your car was sidelined, and all correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer. Report problems ASAP to stay within the law’s timelines.
Allen Stewart, P.C.: Experienced PA Lemon Law Representation
Allen Stewart, P.C. provides the experience you need to win your PA lemon law case. If you’re looking for lemon law lawyers in Pennsylvania who have won maximum compensation for clients, we encourage you to contact us for a free case evaluation.
Unsure if your case falls under a new car lemon law or used car lemon law claim? Please note that the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act can help you in some situations where state laws may fall short. It allows you to pursue claims for up to 4 years from the date of purchase.
A key provision of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is that it requires manufacturers to pay successful claimants’ attorneys fees.
Navigating Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law
State-Specific Resources: Contact the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Pennsylvania Lemon Law FAQs
Does Pennsylvania’s lemon law apply to leased vehicles? -
Yes, it does apply to leased vehicles. They must be new and registered in Pennsylvania for personal, family, or household use.
Can Pennsylvania residents file a lemon law claim for used vehicles? +
No, the law only applies to new leased or purchased vehicles. Check with your attorney about a potential used car lemon law claim using the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
What role does the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office play in lemon law cases? +
It explains Pennsylvania lemon laws and provides general information on how the law protects buyers or lessees of new cars.
How does Pennsylvania’s lemon law compare to federal consumer protection laws? +
Pennsylvania’s lemon law protects new car purchasers or lessees during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows for potential claims for new and used vehicles, even if the warranty time period has expired. A breach of an express or implied warranty is what these claims are usually based on.
Are there specialized lemon law firms in Pennsylvania focusing on EV cases? +
A distinction or specialization in this category isn’t available currently, but consumers can find some firms who have more experience than others in EV cases.
What is the 12-month or 12,000-mile rule in Pennsylvania lemon law? +
It means the timeframe where the manufacturer has to repair or correct substantial vehicle defects. It applies to problems with your vehicle within the first year of ownership or the first 12,000 miles of use, whichever comes first.
Are used, or certified pre-owned vehicles covered under Pennsylvania lemon law? +
No, the law only applies to new leased or purchased vehicles. Consult an attorney about a potential claim using the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
What is considered a “reasonable number of repair attempts” in PA Lemon Law? +
If there were three repair tries without success or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 days or more because of a problem, these are seen as reasonable attempts.
What if my car is out of service for more than 30 days in Pennsylvania—does that qualify? +
The Pennsylvania Attorney General website definitively states regarding lemon vehicle classification: “If your car is at the dealership for any repairs for a cumulative total of thirty days during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, you may demand a refund or replacement.”
Can I sue a manufacturer directly under lemon law in Pennsylvania? +
Yes, you can, and your lemon law attorney can provide the best opportunity to help you navigate the process and to gain maximum compensation.
Can Pennsylvania Lemon Law cover emotional distress or inconvenience? +
Consult your lemon law attorney about this; it may be possible to negotiate a higher settlement if you can prove with documentation that your lemon vehicle caused these issues in your life.
How does Pennsylvania Lemon Law compare to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act? +
Pennsylvania’s lemon law protects new car purchasers or lessees during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides for potential claims for new and used vehicles, even if the warranty time period has expired. A breach of an express or implied warranty is often what these claims are based on.
What percentage of lemon law cases in Pennsylvania settle before court? +
Over 99% settle, and that is usually because manufacturers don’t want to go through the trouble, cost and publicity of a court case. This is in large part due to lemon law attorneys’ aggressive pursuit of their clients’ claims.
What are common reasons lemon law claims get denied in Pennsylvania? +
A number of reasons could cause denial, such as the vehicle’s defect was not serious enough; modifications you made to the vehicle caused the defect in question; or documentation of the problem was incomplete. Working with a lemon law attorney can help you avoid many common pitfalls that can get claims denied.
What happens if a manufacturer refuses to comply with a lemon law ruling? +
Each case is unique, and in this instance, generally, your lemon law attorney would likely pursue a lawsuit for additional damages due to the manufacturer’s inaction.
What is considered a “substantial defect” under PA lemon law? +
This means a defect that severely impacts the use, safety or value of the vehicle. While engine or brake issues can be types of substantial defects, persistent problems that are more minor, but substantially impact the vehicle’s performance, safety or value can potentially be considered.
Are legal fees covered under PA lemon law if I win the case? +
Yes, under Pennsylvania lemon law, you can recover attorney’s fees and all court costs.
Are software issues (e.g., faulty infotainment or safety tech) covered by PA lemon law? +
Your attorney can potentially pursue a claim regarding these issues. Find out more on our general page about this subject, and consult a lemon law attorney regarding your specific circumstances.
What rights do PA consumers have under both state and federal lemon laws? +
New car purchasers or lessees are protected under PA lemon law during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The federal law, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, is not actually a lemon law, but protects consumers who purchase goods, including automobiles, from a breach of an express or implied warranty.