If you need to consult with an attorney or would like more information on the PA Lemon Law, please contact the Erie County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral & Information Service.

The Pennsylvania Lemon Law applies to any new vehicle leased or purchased and registered in Pennsylvania. It applies only to vehicles leased or purchased for personal or family use and designed to transport up to fifteen persons. Motorcycles, motor homes, and off-road vehicles are not included. There is not Lemon Law protection for used vehicles.

Under the Lemon Law, the manufacturer must repair or correct any defect which substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle which occurs within one year after delivery or 12,000 miles of use, whichever comes first.

If the defect is not repaired after three attempts or if your vehicle is out of service for a total of thirty (30) calendar days for repair, you may be eligible for a replacement vehicle or a refund of purchase price. In the event of a cash refunds, the manufacturer may deduct an allowance of ten cents ($.10) per mile for your use.

If you have such a problem, first contact the manufacturer or zone representative at the telephone number listed in your owner's manual. If the zone representative is not successful in having the defect corrected, you are required to file with the manufacturer's arbitration program if the manufacturer has one. The arbitration decision is binding on the manufacturer, but not on the consumer. Thus, if you are unhappy with the decision of the arbitration program, you have the right to bring a private law suit under the Lemon Law. In addition to obtaining a replacement vehicle or a refund, you may also have the right to collect other expenses incurred in connection with the vehicle and may also be entitled to reimbursement for Court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

Each time your vehicle is repaired, the dealer or repair facility must give you an invoice containing a detailed statement which itemizes all repairs made. You have a right to an invoice, even if the vehicle is being repaired under warranty at no cost to you.

Information is current as of 2/2019.