Don’t Settle for a Lemon

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What Makes a Car a Lemon in California?

The Glendale Firm Most Versed in Lemon Law Civil Codes

Buying a car requires saving, extensive researching, arranging for financing, and getting insurance. It can be deeply frustrating to go through that process and end up with a lemon that requires constant repair. A lemon is a vehicle (sometimes new) that has several manufacturing defects and is constantly being taken and kept at repair shops or dealerships due to issues that threaten the car’s safety.

The issues often compromise proper functioning and overall safety of the vehicle, as well as costing you an excessive amount of unnecessary fees and costs. At CA Lemon Law Firm, we handle these types of claims alone and have become highly adept at identifying which cars qualify and recognizing the most common problems that arise with lemons.


For personalized legal counsel on your situation, contact our Glendale lemon law firm today. Dial (818) 960-1550 or contact us online. Our California lemon lawyers help clients in Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and statewide.


Understanding Your Rights Under California Lemon Law

Navigating the complexities of Lemon Law can be daunting, but knowing your rights is essential for protecting yourself as a consumer. In California, the Lemon Law is designed to provide relief to those who have purchased defective vehicles. If you find yourself dealing with a lemon, understanding your rights can empower you to take the necessary steps toward a resolution.

Here are some key rights you should be aware of:

  • Right to a Refund: If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to a full refund of the purchase price, including taxes and fees.
  • Right to a Replacement: In certain cases, you can request a replacement vehicle of equal value if repairs are unsuccessful.
  • Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to seek legal counsel to ensure your case is handled effectively, and you receive the compensation you deserve.
  • Right to Recover Damages: If your vehicle is deemed a lemon, you may also be eligible to recover additional damages, including costs incurred from repairs and loss of use.

At CA Lemon Law Firm, we are committed to helping you understand and exercise your rights. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process, ensuring you have the support you need to achieve a favorable outcome.

Types of "Lemons" Under Lemon Law

The three main categories of vehicles considered lemons are:

  • Manufacturer buybacks – A vehicle that has a major problem acknowledged by the manufacturer which they bought back from the purchaser as a response. Vehicle sellers are required by law to tell a buyer if they’re buying a manufacturer buyback, but many sellers fail to do so.
  • A type of car with the same major design flaw – Vehicles that have one or more problems due to poor design that typically becomes apparent after 2-3 years of operation, often occurring throughout the entirety of a certain model year.
  • A single car with the same, constant problem – A vehicle that has an issue that cannot be or remain fixed. Usually, this problem is specific to the individual vehicle rather than a whole model and is, therefore, harder to discover.

Call CA Lemon Firm Today

If you think that you may have a lemon, we invite you to arrange a free consultation with one of our unwaveringly honest and thoroughly experienced lemon law attorneys. Vehicles that do qualify can open up the door for you to be reimbursed for your car and its repairs, as well as avoid the further frustration sure to come from owning and operating a faulty vehicle.

FAQs: What Makes a Car a Lemon in California?

What defines a "lemon" car in California?

  • A "lemon" car in California is a vehicle with significant manufacturing defects that repeatedly fail to be repaired despite multiple attempts. These issues affect the car's safety, performance, and reliability, leading to frequent visits to repair shops or dealerships.

What are the main types of lemons under California Lemon Law?

  • Manufacturer Buybacks: Vehicles that have been bought back by the manufacturer due to major defects.
  • Design Flaws: Cars with recurring major design flaws affecting a specific model year.
  • Persistent Problems: Single cars with an ongoing issue that cannot be fixed, unique to that vehicle rather than the model as a whole.

How can I tell if my car is a lemon?

  • If your vehicle has multiple repairs for the same issue or several unrelated issues, and it continues to have problems despite numerous repair attempts, it may be considered a lemon. Keeping detailed records of repairs and communication with the dealer can help determine if your car qualifies.

What should I do if I think I have a lemon car?

  • Contact a lemon law attorney to evaluate your situation. They will review your case, including repair records and correspondence with the manufacturer, to determine if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon.

What are my rights under California Lemon Law?

  • Under California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle if your car meets the criteria for being a lemon. Additionally, you may be able to recover costs related to repairs and legal fees.

How does the lemon law process work?

  • The process involves notifying the manufacturer or dealer of the defect, allowing them a reasonable number of repair attempts, and then potentially pursuing a legal claim if the issues persist. An attorney can help guide you through this process and negotiate on your behalf.

What evidence is needed to prove my car is a lemon?

  • Key evidence includes detailed records of repair attempts, service invoices, correspondence with the manufacturer or dealer, and any documentation of the defect's impact on the vehicle's safety or performance.

Rely on the firm committed to delivering constant communication and direct attorney access. Contact us online or by calling (818) 960-1550.