Lemon Law FAQ: What does “NPF” mean on a dealer’s repair invoice?

Question:
“After purchasing my new truck at the dealership, I took it into the Chrysler service center. After waiting for over 2 hours, they told me that they could not replicate the problem and to keep my eye out for the problem if it happens again. I noticed that they hardly drove my vehicle because my odometer didn’t change much when I got my truck back. On the repair order that they gave me, it says “NPF.” What does that mean and what can I do? Does the Texas Lemon Law apply? It took me a long time to save for this truck and I am really frustrated.”

Answer:
The NPF notation usually denotes “no problem found” — indicating that the car manufacturer’s trained techinician could not replicate your concern at the time the vehicle was examined. Keep in mind that the problem may be intermittent and will likely occur again. Technicians often times test drive the vehicle to replicate the problem. However, there are other ways they can diagnose the problems with your vehicle. For example, they may connect the vehicle to a diagnostic computer to “test” the collaboration and other electronic readings on your vehicle.

There are several things you can do. Be persistent and take your vehicle in again the next time the defect manifests. Obtain and keep a copy of the repair invoice for each visit to the dealership. If you have a video recorder on your phone, then tape the defect when it occurs. Also, consider taing your vehicle to a different service center from the same manufacturer to obtain a second opinion. Contact a Texas Lemon Law attorney as soon as possible.