STANDARDS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA LEMON LAW
The following is a brief explanation of most relevant provisions of the Pennsylvania
lemon law. The complete text of the lemon law can be found at 73 Pa. Cons. Stat.
section 1951 et seq.
VEHICLES COVERED
The Pennsylvania lemon law covers a “new motor vehicle”, defined as a new and unused
self-propelled motorized vehicle that:
1. Is driven upon public roads, streets or highways;
2. Is designed to transport not more than 15 persons;
3. (a) Was purchased or leased and is registered in Pennsylvania, or (b) was purchased
or leased in another state and registered for the first time in Pennsylvania; and
4. Is utilized, leased or bought for use primarily for personal, family or household
purposes.
This includes a demonstrator or dealer car, but does not include a motorcycle, motor
home or off-road vehicle.
CONSUMERS COVERED
The lemon law covers the “purchaser”, defined as a person who has obtained ownership
of a new motor vehicle by transfer or purchase, or who has entered into an agreement or
contract for the purchase of a new motor vehicle, that is used or bought for use primarily
for personal, family or household purposes. To qualify as a “purchaser”, the person
must maintain continued ownership and possession of the vehicle, and must never have
relinquished title.1
Beginning February 11, 2002, “purchaser” also includes a person who has obtained
possession of a new motor vehicle by lease, or who has entered into an agreement or
contract for the lease of a new motor vehicle, that is used, leased, or bought for use
primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
PROBLEMS COVERED
The lemon law covers any vehicle “nonconformity”, defined 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.
A consumer is not entitled to lemon law repurchase or replacement if the nonconformity
does not substantially impair the use, value or safety of the motor vehicle, or the
More at: bbb.org/us/auto-line/state-lemon-laws/
