Pennsylvania Lemon Law
Free Lemon Law Help for PA Drivers from 1-800-LEMON-LAW
What is the Lemon Law in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Lemon Law applies to new passenger vehicles purchased or leased and registered in Pennsylvania, or purchased or leased elsewhere but registered for the first time in the State. To qualify, a vehicle must be back to the shop repeatedly for the same issue or for an extended period of time for any number of issues.
- Free Lemon Law Help for PA Drivers from 1-800-LEMON-LAW
- What is the Lemon Law in Pennsylvania?
- PA Lemon Law Requirements
- Why call a lemon law lawyer in PA?
- PA Lemon Law Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the lemon law requirements in PA?
- How Much Do Lemon Law Attorneys Charge in Pennsylvania?
- Does a Problem Need to Happen Three Times Before I Can File a Claim?
- How does the PA Lemon Law apply when a car won't stay fixed?
- My Vehicle Suffers Issues After The First 12 Months and 12,000 Miles - Can I Still File a PA Lemon Law Claim?
- Is there a lemon law for used cars in PA?
- Can a Pennsylvania lemon law attorney help with leased vehicles?
- Does the Pennsylvania Lemon Law Cover Motorcycles?
- Should I contact a lemon law lawyer if my car has issues right after I buy it?
- What is the proper procedure for making a PA lemon law claim?
- What Should You Do if You Have a PA Lemon Law Claim?
- PA Lemon Law Settlements
PA Lemon Law Requirements
- The PA Lemon Law covers cars and personal trucks with nonconformities that occur in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (usually three or more). “Nonconformity” is defined as a “defect or issue that impairs the use, safety, or value of the vehicle”.
- If your vehicle is in the shop for repair 30 calendar days or more in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), the Pennsylvania Lemon Law may also apply. These days do not have to be consecutive, nor for the same problem.
- Legal representation should always be 100% cost-free, regardless of whether you win or lose. The state law in Pennsylvania says that, if you prevail in your case, the manufacturer is responsible for covering all attorney fees on top of any fair compensation you receive or as mandatory part of any settlement. If you don’t win, you still pay nothing.
- Remedies a Pennsylvania lemon law attorney may be able to secure for you include a complete repurchase of the vehicle, a brand-new car, or significant monetary compensation along with continued ownership of the vehicle.
Think you have a lemon in Pennsylvania? We will be glad to discuss your situation and determine if you have a PA Lemon Law claim. Call 1-800-LEMON-LAW or click below for help.
Get FREE Help Now!If you don’t qualify under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, don’t lose hope! You could still receive monetary remedy under federal law via the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. If your car, truck, ATV or motorcycle has been in the shop three or more times for a single problem under an original or extended manufacturer’s warranty, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may apply, including the same cost-free legal representation. This law will go after the manufacturer for significant compensation to reflect the diminished value of the vehicle as a result of the problem. This federal help is also available for PA motorcycle owners.
Why call a lemon law lawyer in PA?
Kimmel & Silverman has more experienced lawyers on staff than any other law firm and we handle every make and model. We’ve successfully represented more than 150,000 consumers since 1991 and are proud to be the oldest, largest, and most successful lemon law firm in the Keystone State. We have recovered more new cars and buybacks than any other lemon law firm in the state.
Kimmel & Silverman is also the ONLY lemon law firm to be named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers every year since its inception! Founding partners Robert Silverman and Craig Thor Kimmel, along with Managing Attorney Jacqueline Herritt have been repeatedly honored for their work, representing the top 5% of all attorneys in the state. In addition, many of our associates have been honored as Pennsylvania Rising Stars, and we’ve been named “The Best Lemon Law Firm” by Philadelphia Magazine and in a Philadelphia Inquirer Readers’ Choice Poll.
Our efforts as Pennsylvania lemon law lawyers have been featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Scranton Times, the Erie Times, the Allentown Morning Call, and many other newspapers and magazines. Our attorneys have appeared on newscasts, television programs, and radio talk shows throughout the state.
They have not steered me wrong yet. quick honest professional answers to all your questions. Will not lead you wrong. If you have a case they will let you know if not they will advise you on what to do. It cost nothing to make the call...…….actually cost nothing if they take the case...Would recommend over and over again.
~ John D.Our attorneys handle PA Lemon Law cases in every court throughout the Pennsylvania and our ASE-certified experts travel to our clients for inspections as well. With full-service Eastern PA headquarters located in Ambler, PA, right outside Philadelphia, and our Western PA (Pittsburgh Lemon Law) headquarters, almost all work is done over the phone and through email to ensure minimal disruptions for our clients.
PA Lemon Law Frequently Asked Questions
For nearly three decades, Kimmel & Silverman has helped tens of thousands of Pennsylvania drivers through our 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline and here we have collected answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
If you think you’re driving a lemon, contact us now for legal advice related to your specific lemon law claim. We can quickly evaluate your claim, and there are never any costs to you for our services.
If you think you’re driving a lemon, contact us now and find out how we can help. We can quickly evaluate your claim, and there are never any costs to you for our services.
What are the lemon law requirements in PA?
The Pennsylvania Lemon Law covers new automobiles that are purchased or leased and registered in Pennsylvania. It also covers new vehicles that are registered for the first time in Pennsylvania but purchased elsewhere.
It’s important for consumers to be aware that, because of fee-shifting provisions in the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, legal help with claims should always be cost-free to the consumer, regardless of whether the consumer prevails in their claim.
For a vehicle to qualify as a lemon in Pennsylvania, it must satisfy the following criteria:
- The vehicle must be purchased new, and use must be primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Some business use or deduction is allowed, but it can’t be primarily a business-use or deducted vehicle.
- The consumer must allow a manufacturer-authorized dealership a “reasonable number of repair attempts” to correct the condition or defect.
- The problem must first occur and a repair requested within 12 months or 12,000 miles after delivery of the vehicle, whichever comes first.
How Much Do Lemon Law Attorneys Charge in Pennsylvania?
Representation from our firm is completely free to consumers. The law has a fee-shifting provision, which means that if you prevail, all legal fees and associated costs are paid by the manufacturer of the faulty vehicle on top of what you receive or as part of any settlement offer. If for some reason, you do not prevail, there is no cost. This means you can make a claim 100% cost-free.
Does a Problem Need to Happen Three Times Before I Can File a Claim?
Not always. If your car is in the shop for 30 days or more during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), you may also have a claim under the PA Lemon Law rules. These days do not have to be consecutive so it is important that you have these days referenced in your repair invoices.
How does the PA Lemon Law apply when a car won’t stay fixed?
Some new cars may stall for no reason, shake and shimmy at high speeds, refuse to start, overheat, or break down entirely, leaving the owner both stranded and frustrated on the side of the road next to a plume of smoke pouring from what was supposed to be a reliable, critically acclaimed sedan.
Despite multiple repair attempts by a manufacturer-authorized dealership, the problem rears its head again and again, quickly mutating an exciting investment into a devastating disappointment.
There’s a word for these problematic automobiles: “lemon.”
Generally speaking, a “lemon” is a product with a defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, value, and/or safety. As one might imagine, when it comes to cars, these problems can often be more than just an annoyance – they can be life-threatening.
My Vehicle Suffers Issues After The First 12 Months and 12,000 Miles – Can I Still File a PA Lemon Law Claim?
While you would be entitled to compensation under the PA Lemon Law rules, you may have rights under the Federal Warranty Statutes. If you your vehicle is still under warranty and you experience repetitive repairs for the same issue, we can pursue your case under the Federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. Like the Lemon Law in PA, this statute gives you 100% cost-free legal representation. This is a monetary statute where we would work to recover compensation to reflect the diminished value of your vehicle as a result of problems incurred and repairs performed. You would maintain ownership of the vehicle; the vehicle would NOT be branded in any way, shape, or form; all warranties would remain in effect; and the money is non-taxable.
Is there a lemon law for used cars in PA?
Used cars are only covered under the auto Lemon Law in PA if the car has a lemon title that wasn’t disclosed by the dealer prior to purchase. If a dealer misrepresents a vehicle at the time of sale, you may also be covered under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Otherwise, used cars are not covered under the automobile Lemon Law – but we can still help. If you have a manufacturer’s warranty, original warranty, or extended warranty on your vehicle, we can represent you under the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in an effort to obtain monetary compensation.
In either case, contact us and we’ll look into your claim free of charge.
Can a Pennsylvania lemon law attorney help with leased vehicles?
Yes, leased cars are covered under the PA auto Lemon Law as of February 2002.
In his capacity as legal consultant to The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Consumer Affairs Committee, 1-800-LEMON-LAW founding partner Craig Thor Kimmel assisted with PA House Bill 767, which expanded protection to lessees, an additional 20% of new car drivers in Pennsylvania.
Does the Pennsylvania Lemon Law Cover Motorcycles?
No, motorcycles are not covered under the PA Lemon Law – but we may still be able to help. We represent Pennsylvania motorcycle drivers through the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. If your bike is still under warranty and you’re having repetitive issues, please get in touch with us and we’ll review your claim.
Should I contact a lemon law lawyer if my car has issues right after I buy it?
Whatever you do, do not return or abandon the vehicle at the dealership. We understand that issues in the days or weeks following purchase are very frustrating and stressful. It is essential you follow the correct procedure for a claim. Contact us immediately and we’ll help you out.
Abandoning your vehicle at the dealership could be seen as a voluntary repossession, which might damage your credit or claim.
What is the proper procedure for making a PA lemon law claim?
- Take your vehicle back to the dealership to have it checked and repaired.
- Get a repair invoice when you pick up your vehicle.
- Check the repair invoice and confirm it accurately describes your vehicle’s problems.
- Record each date of your repair visits and the repair performed.
- Keep a copy of every invoice – this will make it easier to process your claim.
- Contact us and we’ll review your claim and advise you on how to proceed.
Kimmel & Silverman is also the ONLY lemon law firm to be named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers every year since its inception! Founding partners Robert Silverman and Craig Thor Kimmel, along with Managing Attorney Jacqueline Herritt, have been repeatedly honored for their work, representing the top 5% of all attorneys in the state. In addition, many of our associates have been honored as Pennsylvania Rising Stars, and we’ve been named “The Best Lemon Law Firm” by Philadelphia Magazine and in a Philadelphia Inquirer Readers’ Choice Poll.
Our efforts have also been featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Scranton Times, the Erie Times, the Allentown Morning Call, and many other newspapers and magazines. Our attorneys have appeared on newscasts, television programs, and radio talk shows throughout the state.
What Should You Do if You Have a PA Lemon Law Claim?
If you are driving a potential lemon, we understand that your situation can be stressful and frustrating. It is important for you to keep calm and maintain a record of all repair invoices, receipts, and interactions you’ve had with the manufacturer and authorized dealer.
Each time you take your lemon car or truck in for repair, be sure to ask for a copy of the repair invoice. Make sure each repair invoice accurately describes your problem with the vehicle, as well as any work completed to fix the defect. The invoices should also detail mileage in, mileage out, and days out of service. Make sure you review the repair ticket before you leave the dealership to ensure it is accurate, and keep these invoices in a safe place.
Think you may have a potential PA Lemon Law or breach of warranty claim? There are three quick ways to find out:
- Use our Lemon Checker. Answer a few questions and we will be able to tell you if you have a potential claim.
- Send us an email with the facts of your claim for your FREE case evaluation.
- Call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652)to discuss your particular situation and how we can help.
- Fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form.
- You can also check out common problems by make and model by clicking here.
PA Lemon Law Settlements
- 2021 Bentley Flying Spur with rear windshield issues. Client kept car and received $17,500 plus attorney fees.
- 2020 Chevrolet Equinox purchased used in 5x for misfire. Client kept car and received $7,000 plus attorney fees.
- 2021 Nissan Rogue Platinum in repeatedly for infotainment issues. FULL PA LEMON LAW REPURCHASE.
- 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 4x for water leak. FULL PA LEMON LAW REPURCHASE.
- 2022 Volvo XC60 in 4x for computer malfunction. Client kept car and received $10,000 plus attorney fees.
- 2022 Ford Ecosport Max in 4x for front camera, FULL PA LEMON LAW REPURCHASE
- 2022 Jeep Compass 4x for infotainment issues. FULL PA LEMON LAW REPURCHASE
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE electrical issues, unable to charge. FULL PA LEMON LAW REPURCHASE.
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, purchased used in 4x for transmission, Client kept vehicle and received $9,000 plus attorney fees.
- 2021 Harley Davidson RH1250S with no start issue. Client kept bike and received $4,000 plus attorney fees.
- 2023 Kia Nero with locking issues, FULL PA LEMON LAW REPURCHASE.
- 2023 Ford F1-50 4x in for right front window not working. Client kept truck and received $14,000 plus attorney fees.
- 2023 BMW X1 out of service over 30 days to locate a part, Client kept car and received $5,500 plus attorney fees.
- 2022 Ford Mach-E with charging issues. Client kept car and received $5,000 plus attorney fees.
- 2021 Audi E-tron out of service extensive days for battery range issues. Client kept car and received $6,250 plus attorney fees.
- 2021 Kia Telluride in 5x for AWD light. Client kept car and received $6,500 plus attorney fees.
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler in 5x for check engine light. Client kept car and received $5,500 plus attorney fees.
- 2021 Acura RDX in 4x for paint defects. Client kept car and received $5,000 plus attorney fees.
Kimmel & Silverman has successfully represented over 150,000 consumers throughout the United States since 1991. Needless to say, we’ve seen plenty of lemons over the course of the last 30+ years. To be clear, not every client is entitled to a full refund, a replacement vehicle or a certain cash amount, and not every case settles quickly. Every case is different, and there is no guarantee of a particular result, time for a result or of settlement, or success in a claim at all.
You can read about some of our recent successes by clicking here.
We have secured more Lemon Law repurchases than any other Pennsylvania Lemon Law firm.
Other clients have received brand new vehicles. These are known as MSRP to MSRP swaps, where the clients receives credit for the sticker price (not the purchase price) of their vehicle and it’s applied to the sticker price of a brand new vehicle from that manufacturer. All of the equity from the old car is transferred to the new car, so it is basically a trade without the normal depreciation encountered by the consumer.
One Pennsylvania client received $5,000 and kept their Chevy Malibu when making a claim for a rattle in steering and whining in brakes; a settlement was reached in 27 days.
Another Pennsylvania driver’s Audi Q7 had an HVAC problem. After failing to find success in dealing with Audi directly, they sought legal aid, eventually receiving $8,250 and continued ownership of the vehicle.
Lemons are not limited to any particular year, make or model. Is it possible to avoid buying one? It’s nearly impossible to tell whether a car will be a lemon down the line.
Researching the history of a specific make and/or model can help provide consumers with a rough idea about general reliability, but that is never a guarantee of future performance. Even the best and most reliable models have a certain number of lemons in their ranks.
While nobody should have to deal with the stress and hassle of a lemon, it’s an unfortunate risk that will always accompany buying or leasing a vehicle.
Thankfully, the Pennsylvania Lemon Law and Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provide consumers with great protections by taking many of these defective vehicles.
Call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652) now for your FREE Lemon Law case review
Get rid of your lemon!Thankfully, the Pennsylvania Lemon Law and Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provide consumers with great protections by taking many of these defective vehicles off the road and ensuring consumers get either their money back, a free, comparable new replacement vehicle, or substantial monetary compensation.
Think you may have a potential PA Lemon Law or breach of warranty claim? There are three quick ways to find out:
- Send us an email with the facts of your claim for your FREE case evaluation.
- Call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652) to discuss your particular situation and how we can help.
- Fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form.