If you buy a new car in PA and you think it might classify as a lemon, the law is there to protect you from a financial loss. Before you reach the point where your only recourse is legal action, make sure you know what protection the law provides. In Pennsylvania, the lemon law gives the vehicle manufacturer several chances to repair the defect before you can ask for a new car or a refund.
What Vehicles Are Covered Under The PA Lemon Law?
Vehicles other than motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and motor homes are covered by the law. A vehicle can be leased or purchased from a dealership in or outside PA as long as it is registered with the PennDOT.
The manufacturer is responsible for rectifying a fault that occurs under any of the following conditions:
* The fault occurs with one year from date of possession
* The fault occurs before the odometer registers 12,000 miles, or
* While the express warranty is still in effect
For the vehicle to be considered a lemon, the fault must be something that impairs the safety, use, or value. If the defect is caused by misuse, neglect, or modifications that were not authorized, the law is not in effect.
There is no way to determine if a car is a lemon or not when you buy it. It is wise to keep detailed records; they will be needed to substantiate a claim.
Filing A Claim:
If it is not possible to fix the fault after a reasonable number of tries or the car has been out of service for a month or more, you may be eligible for a replacement or a refund.
In PA, the lemon law allows the vehicle manufacturer to deduct an amount based on the number of miles you drove before the defect was first identified. If the manufacturer fails to adhere to the letter of the law, you have every right to hire an attorney and sue under civil law.
If you register a new car in PA and it has one or more repetitive problems, rely on the lemon law for help. Visit Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® for more information.
