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Pasadena Lemon Law Attorney

Contact CA Lemon Law Firm for Lemon Law Assistance in Pasadena

That new-car smell is not the only reason you bought a new vehicle. You wanted hassle-free driving in a safe, reliable automobile. Having to bring that new car repeatedly to the manufacturer for repairs is not only frustrating – it might also mean you have a valid lemon law claim.

Understanding California Lemon Law: Key Considerations

Understanding your rights under the Lemon Law is crucial for consumers. If you've bought a vehicle with substantial defects impacting its safety, value, or usability, you might qualify for a refund, replacement, or financial compensation under California's Lemon Law. Our seasoned Lemon Law attorneys in Pasadena are here to assist you throughout the process and ensure you are well informed about your legal rights and options.

Key aspects of the Lemon Law include:

  • Defining what constitutes a "lemon" vehicle
  • The manufacturer's obligation to repair or replace the vehicle
  • Your rights as a consumer if the manufacturer fails to meet their obligations
  • Time limits for filing a Lemon Law claim

Don't let a defective vehicle impact your safety and peace of mind. Get in contact with our Lemon Law attorneys at CA Lemon Law Firm to learn more about your rights and what options may be available to you based on your situation.

The lawyers at CA Lemon Law Firm exclusively focus on claims that qualify under the California Lemon Law. 

If you believe you are driving a lemon, call (818) 960-1550 to schedule a free consultation.

Your Rights When Purchasing a Lemon in California

If you find yourself with a lemon vehicle in California, the Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, offers you significant protections. Our team of seasoned Pasadena CA lemon lawyers is here to assist you in navigating these legal complexities to ensure you obtain the compensation or remedy you are entitled to.

If your vehicle has significant defects that compromise its safety, value, or usability, and these issues remain unresolved after a “reasonable number of repair attempts”, you may qualify for either a replacement vehicle or a refund. Typically, the refund encompasses the full purchase price, down payment, monthly payments, and any incidental expenses like towing or rental car fees. However, the manufacturer may deduct a usage fee calculated based on the miles driven before the initial repair attempt.

The statute also stipulates legal sanctions for manufacturers that deliberately break the Lemon statute. This implies that in the event that the manufacturer willfully violates the law, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

California Lemon Law Protections Explained

The California Lemon Law requires manufacturers to live up to their warranty agreements. If they cannot repair the problem that’s covered by the warranty, then they must replace or repurchase the faulty vehicle. The consumer’s responsibility is to give the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to rectify the issue (more on that later).

Lemon law protection extends only to motor vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. Qualifying vehicles include cars, pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs, and boats.

Not all vehicle complaints are eligible for lemon law protection in Pasadena. The issue must pose a safety risk, hinder the use of the vehicle, or lower the car’s value.

Determining Reasonable Repair Attempts for Lemon Vehicles

The fact that a new car breaks down does not in and of itself make the car a lemon. The vehicle may only be presumed to be a lemon in certain circumstances.

Your vehicle may be considered a lemon if:

  • You notified the manufacturer about the problem if required by the warranty or owner’s manual
  • You have taken the vehicle in for repair by the manufacturer at least four times for the same problem and it still is not fixed
  • If the problem is significant enough to cause injury or death, then the number of repair attempts needed drops from four to two
  • The vehicle has been out for repairs for more than 30 days (not necessarily consecutively)

If one or more of the above elements are satisfied, you are presumed to have a lemon. Manufacturers must then either replace your vehicle or repurchase it. They must also compensate you for other related expenses such as licensing, taxes, and rental cars.

Why Choose CA Lemon Law Firm for Your Lemon Law Needs

California lemon laws are complicated and require an attorney with a successful track record of helping clients for more than a decade. Our Pasadena lemon law attorneys have a deep understanding of federal and state lemon laws. This experience and knowledge prepare us to fight for your rights, whether by negotiating a fair settlement or taking the case to court.

If the manufacturer does not honor its obligations, you may have a lemon law claim. Contact us at (818) 960-1550 today!

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do if I think my car is a lemon in Pasadena?

If you suspect that your vehicle is a lemon, the first step is to document all repair attempts and communications with the manufacturer. Keep records of dates, issues reported, and any repairs made. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney in Pasadena can help you understand your rights and the next steps to take.

How does the California Lemon Law protect consumers?

The California Lemon Law provides significant protections for consumers who purchase vehicles with substantial defects. If a vehicle cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer is obligated to either replace the vehicle or provide a full refund. This law covers various types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, as long as they are still under warranty.

What constitutes a 'reasonable number of repair attempts' under the Lemon Law?

A 'reasonable number of repair attempts' is defined by the circumstances surrounding the vehicle's issues. Generally, if you have taken your vehicle to the manufacturer for the same problem at least four times without resolution, it may be considered a lemon. If the defect poses a serious safety risk, this number may drop to two attempts. Additionally, if your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for more than 30 days, you may also qualify.

Evolution of the California Lemon Law

The original California Lemon Law was enacted in 1970. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, found in CA Civil Code Section 1790-1795.8, requires manufacturers to keep the promises they make to their customers. The law was strengthened in 1982 with the passing of the Tanner Consumer Protection Act, which added guidelines on what the law covers and how the law should be applied.

Until the year 2000, the lemon law only covered purchases made for “personal, family, or household use.” Vehicles used by small business owners, contractors, real estate agents, and others were left out. Individual entrepreneurs and small businesses with up to five vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds are also now protected.

Origin of the Term “Lemon”

There are several theories on why we use “lemon” to describe a product that does not work as it should. Lemon in this modern context might be a holdover from early 20th-century American slang. Someone who was considered a fool was called a lemon. The term was also used in British slang. A hustler who pretended to be a poor player to swindle the competition played a lemon game. The Brits also used lemon to describe an inferior object that was passed off as good.

Contact the CA Lemon Law Firm to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call (818) 960-1550 today!