Don’t Settle for a Lemon
Stand Up for Your RightsCalifornia Lemon Law Claims
Contact Our California Lemon Lawyers
We know how frustrating it can be to feel like you’re spending more time in the repair shop with your car than on the road. Fortunately, California state law provides for consumers who have purchased new or certified pre-owned used vehicles that turn out to be faulty, or lemons.
At CA Lemon Law Firm, our driving aim is to help consumers throughout California who find themselves in the unfortunate predicament of being in possession of a lemon. Large, established manufacturers and their authorized dealers are skilled at avoiding liability and pinning any defect back on the car’s current owner: you. We are not willing to let that happen.
For specifically qualified and seasoned legal counsel, contact CA Lemon Law Firm today to begin assembling your claim. Dial (818) 960-1550 or contact us online.
What is California's Lemon Law?
The law, formally named the Song-Beverly Warranty Act, holds manufacturers selling their vehicles to consumers in California accountable to the contract that accompanies each of their sales. If the manufacturer or authorized dealer is unable to repair your faulty vehicle to the standard detailed in the provided warranty, they must either replace or repurchase the lemon.
Faulty Vehicles That May Be Eligible for Damages
You may have a lemon claim and be eligible for damages if you are in possession of a faulty:
- Car
- Truck
- Van
- SUV
- Motorcycle
- Boat
- RV
Do You Qualify for a Lemon Law Claim in California?
To qualify for a California Lemon Law claim:
- The vehicle must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty, whether the vehicle is new or certified pre-owned used. Vehicles that are under extended service contracts are not eligible for California Lemon Law claims.
- The manufacturer must have been able to attempt a repair. What qualifies as a reasonable number of attempts depends on the nature of the defect. For example, one of two repair attempts may be reasonable for serious safety defects such as brake failure or faulty airbags, while minor defects may be allowed more attempts.
- The repair must be substantial enough to impair the use of the vehicle, pose a significant safety risk to the occupants, and/or significantly lower the value of the vehicle.
- The problem cannot have been caused by the unauthorized or unreasonable use of the vehicle after it has been sold.
Can You Purchase a Warranty On a certified pre-owned Used Car?
When it comes to purchasing a certified pre-owned used car, one common concern for buyers is the potential for unexpected repair costs. You may wonder if it's possible to purchase a warranty for their certified pre-owned used vehicle. Fortunately, the answer is yes, and securing a warranty for a certified pre-owned used car can be a wise investment.
Unlike new cars that typically come with a manufacturer's warranty, certified pre-owned used cars may not have the same level of coverage. However, third-party companies and even some dealerships offer extended warranties for certified pre-owned used cars. These warranties can vary widely in terms of coverage, duration, and cost, so it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions before making a decision.
Types of Problems Covered by The Lemon Law
Lemon Law protects consumers from faulty issues with their vehicles. Material defects must be found in order to determine whether your vehicle qualifies for the lemon law.
Some commonly seen issues that have been affected by material defects have been:
- Engine Stalling
- Engine Not Starting
- Engine Overheating
- Oil Leaks
- Fuel Leaks
- Transmission Fluid Leaks
- And much more
This list of material defects can go on, to better suit your situation it is best to consult with a California lemon law lawyer. We have handled many cases and will be able to determine if you qualify.
FAQ: California Lemon Law
How Many Repair Attempts Are Considered "Reasonable" Under Lemon Law?
The number of repair attempts considered "reasonable" depends on the severity of the defect:
- For serious safety defects (e.g., brake failure or faulty airbags), only 1–2 repair attempts may be required.
- For less critical issues, the manufacturer may be allowed more attempts to fix the problem, typically up to 4 repair attempts.
Does My Vehicle Have to Be Under Warranty to Qualify for Lemon Law?
Yes, the vehicle must be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty to qualify for a Lemon Law claim. This includes new and certified pre-owned used vehicles still under the manufacturer’s warranty. Vehicles with extended service contracts are generally not eligible.
Can I File a Lemon Law Claim for a Certified Pre-owned Used Car?
Yes, if the certified pre-owned used car is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty or an extended warranty, you may qualify for a Lemon Law claim.
What Remedies Are Available Under California Lemon Law?
If your vehicle qualifies for a Lemon Law claim, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies:
- Refund: Full refund of the vehicle’s purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and any finance charges, minus a deduction for the mileage before the first repair attempt.
- Replacement: A replacement vehicle of similar value and specifications.
- Repair: In some cases, if you prefer to keep the vehicle, you have the right to request additional repairs at no cost.
What Should I Do If I Think My Vehicle Is a Lemon?
- Document the issue: Keep detailed records of all repairs, communications with the manufacturer, and warranty information.
- Allow a reasonable number of repair attempts: The manufacturer must have an opportunity to fix the issue.
- Consult a Lemon Law attorney: If the issue is not resolved, contact a Lemon Law attorney for assistance with filing a claim and pursuing a remedy.
Call the CA Lemon Law Firm at (818) 960-1550 or contact us online today to get started with a free consultation.
How Long Does a Lemon Law Case Take?
At the quickest, it takes 30 days to settle a lemon law case. Otherwise, it may take 3 - 6 months to be completely resolved. Depending on the situation, it may take longer because the car company may refuse to repurchase and replace the lemon law vehicle. Litigation is a way to get the car company to take action. The advantage of being in California for a lemon law case is that there is a provision in the law that requires the car company to pay the consumer’s attorney fees and costs.
How Long Does a Lemon Law Buyback Take?
A Lemon Law buyback process can take a few months to complete -- it depends on the parties involved, the vehicle, and other details of the case. However, the buyback process can go quicker if you have kept immaculate records of all of the repairs, receipts, and any other notes that may benefit your claim.
Contact the Attorneys at CA Lemon Law Firm Today!
Our Glendale firm practices exclusively in California lemon law and has handled thousands of these claims. We understand all aspects of state and federal laws and are able to walk you through this process with confidence. We settle most claims within 30 days and without requiring litigation. However, if litigation does become necessary, we will fight aggressively on your behalf. We are so confident we would be able to litigate a fair resolution for you that we would handle your case without any upfront cost to you.