If your new or certified pre-owned vehicle keeps breaking down despite repeated repair attempts, you may have rights under California’s Lemon Law. However, even if your case is strong, you only have a limited time to take legal action. Missing the deadline could mean losing your chance at a refund, replacement, or cash compensation.
Here’s what you need to know about the time limits for filing a Lemon Law claim in California. If you would like help taking action, contact our Santa Monica lemon lawyers at My Lemon Firm today at (844) 40-Lemon for a free consultation.
California’s Lemon Law Statute of Limitations
Like most legal claims, lemon law cases are subject to a statute of limitations. In California, the time limit has recently changed as of 2024. As of now, you have one year from the date your vehicle’s warranty expires to file a claim (up to a maximum of six years from when the vehicle was purchased).
If you get started with your case too late, you could lose your right to a financial remedy altogether. There are exceptions that may adjust this deadline, but only for rare cases. Getting legal help from an attorney as soon as possible is crucial if you think you may be eligible to file a claim.
The Risks of Waiting Too Long
Although you may have some time left to file a lemon law claim, waiting too long can harm your case. The longer you wait, the higher the chance that one or more of these drawbacks will come into play:
- Repair records and receipts can get lost
- Witnesses, including mechanics, may not remember key details
- The manufacturer may argue that the defect developed later and was not present during the warranty period
Of course, the greatest risk is that your claim is filed too late and you are barred from receiving any compensation at all. Setting up a free consultation with an attorney today is one of the best steps you can take to reduce that risk.
The “18 Months/18,000 Miles” Guideline
California law also includes a helpful presumption that can strengthen your case. If certain repair attempts happen within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first), the law may automatically presume your car is a lemon.
For example, if your car has been in the shop for 30 or more cumulative days, or if a serious defect wasn’t fixed after two attempts during that early period, this presumption can apply. While you can still potentially pursue a claim after 18 months or 18,000 miles, this rule makes it easier to prove your case if you act promptly.
Contact a Lemon Law Attorney in California for Legal Help Before Time Runs Out
California’s Lemon Law offers you strong protections, but those rights only last if you act on them in time. Missing the filing deadline could mean being left with a defective vehicle and no remedy whatsoever.
If you’re dealing with a car that keeps breaking down, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact My Lemon Firm today for a free consultation at (844) 40-Lemon. Our lemon lawyers will work hard to secure as favorable a resolution as we can on your behalf.