News Release
For Immediate Release
March 28, 2012
Contact: Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

Tweet

House Passes Greenleaf's Auto Lemon Law Amendment 

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed SB 1228, Senator Greenleaf's legislation amending the Automobile Lemon Law to provide a time period extension for manufacturers to complete repairs if the delay in making repairs is due to a catastrophic event. 

Under current law, if a defect cannot be repaired after three attempts or if the vehicle is out-of-service for a total of 30 calendar days for repairs, a consumer may be eligible for a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price minus an allowance for use.  SB 1228 would permit the 30 day period to be extended an additional 30 days if repair services are not available to the consumer because of war, act of terrorism, civil unrest, fire, flood, or natural disaster. The manufacturer may also seek a further extension of up to 90 days if they file a sworn affidavit with the Attorney General stating that repair services are not available because of one or more of the events listed above. However, in order for a manufacturer to take advantage of these additional time periods, they must provide a consumer with a loaner vehicle free of charge during the time the vehicle is being repaired by a franchised dealer.

"The impetus behind this legislation was the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan forcing several automobile plants to close resulting in a disruption of the part supply chain," said Senator Greenleaf.  "While Japanese automakers are recovering from this natural disaster and the part supply chain is being restored, I believe Pennsylvania's Automobile Lemon Law should be amended to provide for such an extension to address possible future disasters."

Pennsylvania is one of only three states that do not provide an extension of time to complete repairs if the delay was caused by supply chain problems resulting from natural disasters.

SB 1228 now awaits the Governor's signature.