If you purchased or leased a vehicle in California that constantly needs repairs, you may have rights under the state’s Lemon Law. This law gives consumers powerful protections when a manufacturer sells a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicle that fails to meet basic standards of reliability.
At My Lemon Firm, we’ve spent years standing up for California drivers facing frustrating and unsafe vehicle problems. Our lemon law lawyers know the tactics manufacturers use to avoid responsibility, and we’ve helped countless clients secure the remedies they deserve.
Here’s what you should know about your rights under the Lemon Law. If you are ready to file a claim, contact us today at (844) 40-Lemon to schedule a free consultation.
Your Right to a Reliable Vehicle
The cornerstone of California’s Lemon Law is the right to own or lease a vehicle that functions properly. The law applies to most vehicles purchased new that come with the manufacturer’s warranty. It is more complicated to file a claim based on a used vehicle due to recent changes that were made to the lemon law, but it may still be possible in some cases (like if the vehicle is a “certified pre-owned”).
If a substantial defect affects your car’s safety, value, or use (and repeated repairs don’t fix the problem), you may be entitled to financial relief.
Your Right to Repairs
Manufacturers must honor their warranties. If your vehicle is still under warranty and develops a serious defect, you have the right to take it to an authorized dealer for repairs at no cost to you.
The law requires that the manufacturer be given a “reasonable number” of chances to fix the problem. In California, this generally means:
- Two or more repair attempts for defects that could cause serious injury or death
- Four or more repair attempts for other substantial problems
- If the car has been out of service for 30 or more days (cumulatively speaking, meaning not necessarily in a row), it may also qualify
These rules prevent manufacturers from endlessly stringing consumers along without providing a real solution.
Your Right to a Refund or Replacement
If repairs fail, the law requires the manufacturer to either:
- Replace your vehicle with a comparable new one; or
- Refund the purchase price (including taxes, registration, and certain fees)
You can also be reimbursed for incidental expenses, such as towing charges or rental car costs, that resulted from the defective vehicle. In certain cases, you may even be able to collect civil penalties on top of one of the above remedies.
Your Right to Legal Representation
One of the strongest consumer protections in the Lemon Law is the right to have your attorney’s fees paid by the manufacturer if you win your case. This levels the playing field, ensuring that consumers can hire skilled attorneys without worrying about upfront costs.
Our lemon lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, which means (in combination with these consumer protections) that you can hire us without paying a cent out of pocket.
Your Right to Coverage Beyond Cars
Many people assume the Lemon Law only applies to passenger cars, but it is broader than that. Covered vehicles can include:
- New cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs
- Other kinds of vehicles, like motorcycles and personal watercraft
- Demonstrator or dealer-owned vehicles
- Some business vehicles, if they meet weight and usage requirements
This means your rights may extend beyond traditional consumer purchases, making it well worth your while to reach out and determine whether you have a valid claim.
Your Right to Challenge Manufacturer Tactics
Manufacturers often resist Lemon Law claims. They might argue that, for instance:
- The defect is minor and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s safety or value
- You didn’t give them enough repair opportunities
- The problem was caused by misuse or neglect
California law gives you the right to push back against these defenses. Courts have consistently upheld strong consumer protections, so you can challenge these tactics successfully with a qualified lawyer in your corner.
Why Should I Choose My Lemon Firm To Help Me File a California Claim?
At My Lemon Firm, we are dedicated to protecting consumer rights under California’s Lemon Law. Here’s why clients across the state turn to us:
- Years of experience: We have built a deep understanding of how manufacturers defend claims and how to counter them.
- Focused practice: Lemon Law is what we do, and we know the process inside and out.
- Proven advocacy: We’ve secured substantial recoveries for clients facing defective vehicles.
- Personalized service: We will take the time to understand your case and fight for the remedy you want.
At the end of the day, hiring the right California lemon lawyer ensures your rights are enforced fully and fairly throughout the entire claims process.
Common Misconceptions About Lemon Law in California
Many consumers hesitate to pursue claims because of myths or misinformation. For example:
- “I bought my car years ago, so I’m not covered.” In fact, if the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, you may qualify.
- “The defect isn’t dangerous, so it doesn’t count.” Defects that impair value or use, not just safety, can trigger Lemon Law protections.
- “I can’t afford an attorney.” As noted above, attorney’s fees are paid by the manufacturer if you win.
At the end of the day, fully understanding your rights can prevent you from missing out on remedies the law provides. If you have any questions about whether you’re covered, reach out to our lawyers for a free case review today.
Contact Our California Lemon Lawyers Today To Schedule a Free Consultation
Defective vehicles can drain your time, money, and patience. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this battle without a trusted attorney to help you make things right. At My Lemon Firm, our attorneys have years of experience enforcing consumer rights under California’s Lemon Law and know what it takes to get winning results.
We’ve built a reputation for standing up to major manufacturers on behalf of our clients. Contact us today at (844) 40-Lemon to schedule your free consultation with an experienced lemon lawyer in California.