June 12, 2009

Attorney General Corbett announces "Lemon Law" agreement with new Chrysler ownership; closely monitoring reorganization of Chrysler & GM

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett announced that Pennsylvania and a group of other state Attorneys General have reached an agreement with Fiat and the new "Chrysler Group LLC" to honor the "Lemon Law" rights of Chrysler owners. 

Corbett said the Lemon Law Agreement was reached with the new Chrysler Group LLC, which will be owned by Fiat, the UAW, along with the U.S. and Canadian governments.

"State 'Lemon Laws' were created to protect consumers against major problems with new vehicles that cannot be repaired," Corbett said. "Car buyers spend their hard-earned money on cars and trucks with the understanding that manufacturers will stand behind their products, and we felt it was essential that these important consumer protection laws continue throughout the ownership change at Chrysler."

Corbett added that the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection is also working closely with similar agencies in other states to monitor other car-related consumer issues, including warranty work and the availability of parts and service as Chrysler and General Motors reorganize.

"Our primary focus is to be certain that consumers are being treated fairly," Corbett said.  "There are millions of General Motors and Chrysler owners who were promised ongoing support for their vehicles and we are working to see that those services continue in the long run."

Corbett said that Pennsylvania consumers should contact the Attorney General's office if they are having difficulty with manufacturers honoring "Lemon Law" claims; issues related to factory warranties or problems obtaining parts or factory-authorized services because of changes in dealerships.

Additionally, Corbett said that state Attorneys General are working to ensure that consumers' personal information is protected during any change in car company organization or ownership.

"Auto makers and dealers have information about millions of customers, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, vehicle information and sometimes personal financial data," Corbett said.  "We want to be certain that all confidential consumer information is protected, that personal information is not improperly released or sold and that consumers are not unfairly targeted with unsolicited phone calls, "junk mail" or spam."

Corbett said that consumers with problems or concerns related to vehicle warranties or Lemon Laws can call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-441-2555 or file an online complaint at www.attorneygeneral.gov (Click on the "Complaints" button on the front page of the website and select the "Consumer Complaint Form").

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