When you buy or lease a car, you expect it to be safe and reliable. However, sometimes vehicles have defects that just don’t go away, even after repeated trips to the dealership. That’s where California’s Lemon Law might apply and allow you to pursue a legal remedy.
The law exists to protect consumers who end up with defective cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and certain other kinds of vehicles like boats. If your vehicle has a serious issue that the manufacturer or dealership cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or other financial recovery.
At My Lemon Firm, our Santa Monica lemon law attorneys have years of experience standing up for drivers in the state. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with constant repairs and unhelpful dealerships, and we want to be there to help.
Contact us today at (844) 40-Lemon to schedule a free consultation if you’re ready to get started with your claim.
How California’s Lemon Law Works
The Lemon Law is codified within the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, one of the strongest consumer protection statutes in the country. Generally speaking (though there are exceptions), it applies to vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
For a car to qualify as a “lemon,” three main conditions usually need to be met:
- The vehicle has a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The manufacturer or its authorized repair facility has been given a reasonable number of chances to fix the defect.
- The defect substantially affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
If these conditions apply, the manufacturer must either replace your vehicle with a comparable one or refund your purchase price. In addition, the law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees if your claim is successful.
Recent Changes to California Lemon Law
In 2024, the Legislature updated the statute to add new protections and procedures. These changes were designed to give consumers faster relief and prevent manufacturers from delaying valid claims.
Key updates include:
- Shorter deadlines: Most claims must now be filed within one year of the warranty’s expiration and no later than six years from the vehicle’s delivery date.
- Notice requirement: Before suing for civil penalties, consumers must send the manufacturer written notice, including the VIN and repair history. The manufacturer then has 30 days to respond.
- Used car limitations: Per a recent court decision, only certain used vehicles (such as certified pre-owned vehicles) will qualify under the lemon law.
- Faster resolution: The law encourages early mediation and requires quicker evidence exchanges between both sides.
These changes make the process more structured, but also more complex. Working with an experienced lemon lawyer ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines or paperwork.
What Vehicles Are Covered in California Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law covers more than just passenger cars. It may apply to:
- Cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
- Motorcycles and some recreational vehicles
- Vehicles leased or purchased primarily for personal, family, or household use (including boats and watercraft)
Business vehicles may also be covered if they are under a certain weight and fleet size. However, not every used or private-party sale will qualify, considering the recent changes to the law. If you have any questions about whether you’re eligible, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.
Common Vehicle Defects That Trigger Lemon Law Claims
Not every problem with a car will rise to the level of a “lemon.” The defect usually must be substantial, safety-related, or persistent. Examples include:
- Engine or transmission failure
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Brake or steering issues
- Faulty airbags or seatbelts
- Persistent stalling or loss of power
- Water leaks and mold problems
- Defective sensors or warning systems
If these or similar issues continue after repeated repair attempts, you may have a case worth pursuing.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover Under the Lemon Law?
If your vehicle qualifies under the lemon law, you may be entitled to a substantial remedy, such as:
- Replacement vehicle: A new car of comparable make and model.
- Refund (buyback): Return of your purchase price, including down payment, monthly payments, taxes, registration, and incidental costs like towing or rental cars.
- Cash compensation: In some cases, a negotiated settlement that lets you keep the car with compensation for the defect.
Manufacturers are also responsible for paying your reasonable attorney’s fees if your claim is successful.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lemon Law Claim in California?
Timing is critical when it comes to filing a lemon law claim in California. Under the recent updates to the law, claims must usually be filed within one year after the warranty ends, and in no case later than six years from the date you received the vehicle. Waiting too long could cost you your right to compensation.
These deadlines can vary substantially depending on the facts of your case, so it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
How a California Lemon Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the lemon law process can be confusing. Car manufacturers have legal teams working against you, and dealerships are often reluctant to admit when a car qualifies as a lemon. That’s where having a lawyer on your side may be in your best interest.
A lemon lawyer in California can:
- Review your warranty and repair history to determine if you have a case
- Prepare and send the required written notice to the manufacturer
- Ensure you meet all deadlines under the new law
- Gather repair records, expert reports, and other evidence
- Negotiate directly with the manufacturer on your behalf
- Represent you in court if the case cannot be resolved through settlement
You can usually pursue your case with no upfront costs, as most lawyers in this area of the law work on a contingency fee basis. That means your attorney only gets paid if they win compensation for you.
Contact My Lemon Firm Today To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you believe your car is a lemon, you deserve to learn about your legal options as well as your best path forward. The California Lemon Law gives you powerful rights, but you may need an experienced lawyer to help you enforce them.
At My Lemon Firm, we’ve dedicated our practice to helping consumers get the fair outcomes they need after dealing with a defective vehicle. Our California lemon law attorneys have years of experience handling these cases and have secured substantial recoveries for clients across the state.
Contact us today at (844) 40-Lemon to schedule a free consultation.