Lemon Law Attorneys in Santa Clarita

What Makes a Vehicle a Lemon?

The California Lemon Law (Civ. Code, § 1793.22) protects buyers who unknowingly purchase defective or dangerous vehicles that can’t be repaired after a minimum of two repair attempts.

Not just any defect will qualify a car as a lemon, though. Usually, the reported defect or malfunction must be likely to cause serious bodily injury or death within the vehicle’s first 18,000 miles or first 18 months of ownership. The onus is also on the consumer to notify the manufacturer of the defect or malfunction.

A vehicle may also qualify as a lemon if it has been out of service or under repair for 30 or more days during its first 18,000 miles or first 18 months of ownership.

Rest assured that our lemon law attorneys in Santa Clarita can help you determine if your vehicle is a lemon and take the appropriate legal action to get what you deserve.

Which Vehicles Can Be Lemons?

California’s Lemon Law covers a variety of vehicles, so it’s not just cars that can be considered lemons. As long as your vehicle meets the criteria for being a lemon, it may qualify whether it’s a car, truck, SUV, van, RV, or boat.

Common Defects That Qualify a Vehicle as a Lemon

Not every issue qualifies a car as a lemon, but some defects are considered serious enough to impact safety, use, or value. If your vehicle has persistent problems despite multiple repair attempts, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim.

Engine Stalling, Overheating, or Failure

• A car that stalls while driving can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds.
• Overheating engines may indicate deeper mechanical issues that could lead to complete engine failure.
• Persistent engine trouble, despite multiple repair attempts, may qualify your vehicle as a lemon.

Transmission Issues Such as Slipping Gears or Delayed Shifting

• Transmission problems can cause jerky acceleration, difficulty shifting gears, or unexpected power loss.
• Slipping gears can make it hard to maintain control of the vehicle, creating a serious safety risk.

If the manufacturer fails to repair these issues, you may be entitled to compensation under California Lemon Law.

Steps to Take Before Filing a Lemon Law Claim

If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, taking the right steps early on can strengthen your case.

Keeping Detailed Records of All Repair Attempts and Communications

• Always save receipts, work orders, and invoices from the dealership or repair shop.
• Document every repair attempt, including dates, descriptions of the issue, and any fixes performed.
• Keep a record of all communications with the manufacturer or dealer, including emails and phone calls.

Sending a Formal Written Notice to the Manufacturer

• Before filing a claim, you must notify the manufacturer of the ongoing issue.
• This notice should be in writing, clearly stating the defect and repair history.
• The manufacturer must be given a final opportunity to fix the problem before legal action is taken.

The Role of Arbitration in Lemon Law Cases

Manufacturers often offer arbitration as a way to resolve Lemon Law disputes outside of court, but is it the best option?

How Manufacturers Use Arbitration to Resolve Disputes

• Arbitration is a process where an independent third party reviews the case and makes a decision.
• Many manufacturers encourage arbitration because it’s usually faster and cheaper than a lawsuit.
• Some arbitration programs are funded by manufacturers, which may create bias in their favor.

Why Arbitration May Not Always Be in the Consumer’s Best Interest

• Arbitration rulings are not always legally binding, but they can limit your legal options.
• Unlike a lawsuit, arbitration does not allow for discovery, meaning you may not get access to all of the manufacturer’s records.
• Manufacturers often try to settle for less than what you’re entitled to, such as only covering repairs instead of offering a full refund.

Manufacturers should honor their warranties! Contact us now at (818) 960-1550, and let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve!