Purchasing or leasing a vehicle is a significant investment, and when something goes wrong, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Fortunately, California’s Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, exists to protect consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles. This law ensures that manufacturers are held accountable when they fail to repair vehicles with recurring issues that impact their use, safety or value.
Understanding your rights under California Lemon Law is crucial. Many consumers are unaware of how the law works or whether their situation qualifies for protection. Whether you are dealing with a brand-new car that won’t start or a leased vehicle with ongoing safety issues, knowing your rights can help you take the right steps toward a successful outcome.
In this blog, we will answer the most common questions consumers ask about the Lemon Law in California. From what qualifies as a lemon to the types of compensation you may be entitled to, this guide aims to provide the clarity you need to make informed decisions and protect your investment.
What is the California Lemon Law?
California's Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that fail to meet reasonable standards of quality and reliability. The law ensures that buyers are not left to bear the burden of a defective car, requiring manufacturers to repair, offer a replacement vehicle, or refund vehicles with significant issues.
The Definition of a "Lemon"
By definition, a motor vehicle is considered a “lemon” if it has a defect that substantially impairs its use, safety or value and the automobile manufacturer or dealer cannot fix the problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Examples of defects might include engine failure, faulty brakes or persistent electrical issues.
The Most Comprehensive Protection Law
The scope of the law covers a wide range of vehicles, including new cars, leased vehicles and even used cars that are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty or a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty. This makes California's Lemon Law one of the most comprehensive consumer protection laws in the United States, ensuring that all buyers and lessees have recourse if they end up with a defective vehicle.
7 Questions Consumers Ask About the Lemon Law in California
When it comes to California’s Lemon Law, many consumers have questions about how it works and what protections it offers. Below, we have answered 7 of the most common questions to help you better understand your rights and the process.
1. What Makes a Vehicle Qualify as a Lemon?
To qualify as a lemon under California Lemon Law, a vehicle must meet the following criteria:
Substantial Defect: The vehicle must have a significant defect or issue that is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This defect should not be minor or cosmetic but one that impacts the vehicle’s safety, functionality or value.
Unresolved After Repairs: The defect must persist despite the manufacturer or dealer making a “reasonable number” of attempts to repair it.
Impact on Use, Value, or Safety: The defect must seriously impair the vehicle’s use (e.g., frequent breakdowns), value (e.g., significantly reduced resale value), or safety (e.g., brake or steering issues).
➡️ California law presumes a vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the same problem remains unresolved after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for a total of 30 or more cumulative days due to repairs within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.
2. Does the California Lemon Law Cover Used Cars?
Yes, California's Lemon Law does cover used cars, but only under specific conditions:
Manufacturer’s or CPO Warranty: The used vehicle must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty or a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty. These warranties ensure that the vehicle is protected against defects during the specified warranty period.
Exclusions: Vehicles sold “as is,” with no warranty, are NOT covered by the California Lemon Law. Buyers of such vehicles assume the risk of any defects and cannot seek recourse under this law.
➡️ Certified pre-owned vehicles sold with dealer warranties are subject to the same Lemon Law protections as new vehicles, offering buyers an added layer of assurance when purchasing a used car.
3. What Types of Defects Are Covered Under the Lemon Law?
California's Lemon Law covers defects that significantly impact the vehicle's use, safety or value. These defects must go beyond minor inconveniences and directly affect the functionality or reliability of the vehicle. Common examples include:
Safety-Related Defects: Issues that compromise the safety of the vehicle, such as faulty brakes, steering problems or malfunctioning airbags.
Inoperability: Defects that render the vehicle inoperable, such as engine or transmission failures, making it impossible to drive the vehicle as intended.
Value-Reducing Defects: Persistent issues that affect the value or comfort of the vehicle, such as chronic problems with the air conditioning system, electrical malfunctions or recurring suspension issues.
➡️ Cosmetic or minor issues, such as paint scratches, squeaky doors, or loose trim, are not covered under the California Lemon Law. The law is designed to address defects that have a significant impact, not superficial concerns.
4. Can I Still File a Lemon Law Claim if the Manufacturer Fixes the Problem?
Yes, you can still file a Lemon Law claim even if the manufacturer successfully repairs the defect.
Unreasonable Repair Attempts: If the defect initially required an unreasonable number of repair attempts or caused the vehicle to be out of service for a significant amount of time, you may still have a valid claim under the California Lemon Law.
Compensation for Inconvenience or Reduced Value: Even if the problem has been resolved, the law provides for compensation to address the inconvenience caused by repeated repairs or the diminished value of the vehicle due to the defect.
➡️ The California Lemon Law is designed to ensure fairness for consumers, so manufacturers can still be held accountable for their initial inability to resolve the issue in a timely and effective manner.
5. What Voids the Lemon Law in California?
Certain actions or circumstances can void your protection under California's Lemon Law. These include:
Unapproved Modifications or Alterations: If the consumer makes unauthorised modifications to the vehicle (e.g., aftermarket parts or customisations) that directly cause or contribute to the defect, the Lemon Law will NOT apply.
Failure to Perform Regular Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance as specified in the owner’s manual, such as oil changes or brake inspections, can void the warranty and Lemon Law protection.
Misuse or Abuse of the Vehicle: Using the vehicle in a way that it was not intended for, such as off-road driving in a non-off-road vehicle, can disqualify you from Lemon Law coverage.
Exceeding the Warranty Period: California's Lemon Law applies only while the vehicle is under the manufacturer’s warranty. Once the warranty expires, so does your eligibility for Lemon Law protection.
Purchasing an "As Is" Vehicle: If the vehicle was sold “as is” without any warranty, it is NOT eligible for Lemon Law coverage.
➡️ To maintain your rights under the California Lemon Law, always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, avoid unauthorized alterations and address defects promptly within the warranty period.
6. Is There a Time Limit to File a Lemon Law Claim in California?
Yes, there is a time limit to file a Lemon Law claim in California.
Statute of Limitations: The general statute of limitations for filing a Lemon Law claim in California is four years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the defect. However, this is set to change with a New Statute of Limitations from April 2025, which will introduce stricter deadlines for filing claims, requiring consumers to act more quickly and adhere to new procedures.
Key updates include:
One-Year Filing Deadline: Consumers must file a lawsuit within one year of the applicable express warranty's expiration, rather than the previous four years.
Six-Year Absolute Deadline: Claims must be filed within six years of the vehicle's original delivery date, regardless of warranty duration.
These changes significantly limit the timeframe for legal action, particularly for defects that appear later in a vehicle's life, reducing options for consumers to hold manufacturers accountable.
Act Quickly: With these imminent changes in the statute of limitations, it is best to act promptly. Waiting too long can make it harder to prove your case, as records, evidence and witness accounts may become harder to obtain.
Warranty Coverage Period: The Lemon Law only applies to defects that occur during the manufacturer’s warranty period. Ensure that you address issues while your vehicle is still under warranty to qualify for protection.
➡️ If you believe you have a claim, consult an experienced California Lemon Law attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet the deadlines and maximize your chances of success.
7. What Compensation Can I Receive Under the California Lemon Law?
California's Lemon Law provides several forms of compensation to protect consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to the following:
Replacement of the Defective Vehicle: The manufacturer may be required to provide a new vehicle of the same make and model as a replacement for the lemon.
Full Refund: You can opt for a full refund instead of a replacement. This includes:
Down payment.
Monthly payments made toward the loan or lease.
Remaining loan balance or lease obligations.
Reimbursement of Incidental Costs: You may recover costs associated with the defect, such as:
Towing fees.
Rental car expenses while your vehicle was being repaired.
Any other reasonable expenses incurred during the period of your defective vehicle.
➡️ Manufacturers can deduct a “usage fee” from the refund based on the number of miles driven before the defect was first reported. This fee is calculated using a formula outlined in the law to account for the vehicle's prior use.
Why Legal Help is Important for Lemon Law Claims
Filing a Lemon Law claim may seem straightforward, but many consumers encounter challenges that make the assistance of experienced lemon law attorneys invaluable. These include:
Manufacturers Disputing Claims: Manufacturers often deny claims by arguing that the defect is not substantial, falls outside the warranty or was caused by consumer misuse.
Interpreting Legal Nuances: Lemon Law involves specific legal definitions and procedures that can be difficult to navigate without expert guidance. Missteps in documentation or communication can weaken your case.
Benefits of Hiring a California Lemon Law Attorney:
Navigating the Process: An experienced attorney understands the intricacies of the Lemon Law and ensures all necessary steps, documents and timelines are properly handled.
Maximizing Compensation: Lemon law attorneys are skilled negotiators who can push for the best possible outcome, whether that's a replacement, refund or additional compensation for your inconvenience.
Reducing Stress: Legal professionals handle the complexities of the claim, allowing you to focus on daily life without the frustration of dealing with manufacturers and dealerships.
Having the right legal support helps level the playing field with manufacturers and ensures you get the full protection and compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Choose The Beck Law Office to Represent You
Selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference when pursuing a Lemon Law claim. At The Beck Law Office, we understand the stakes and are committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Here’s why so many trust us to handle their Lemon Law cases:
✅ Specialists in Lemon Law
Our attorneys focus exclusively on Lemon Law cases, offering unparalleled expertise in this area. With a deep understanding of California's Lemon Law and the latest legal developments, we craft effective strategies tailored to each case.
✅ Proven Track Record
With hundreds of successful Lemon Law cases under our belt, we have the experience and results to inspire confidence. Clients rely on us to navigate even the most complex claims with skill and determination.
✅ Personalized Client Care
We take a client-first approach, offering personalized attention to every case. Our team listens to your concerns, examines every detail and ensures your claim is handled with care and diligence.
✅ Technical Expertise
Lemon Law claims often involve intricate vehicle issues. Our attorneys possess the technical knowledge needed to understand and argue these complexities, strengthening your position against manufacturers and dealerships.
✅ Skilled Negotiators
Reaching a favourable settlement requires sharp negotiation skills. Our experienced team of California Lemon Law attorneys excel at negotiating with manufacturers and dealerships, frequently achieving positive outcomes without the need for litigation.
✅ Strong Litigation Background
If your case proceeds to court, our extensive litigation experience will give you a significant advantage. We are prepared to take your claim to trial and fight for the resolution you deserve.
Get in Touch with Us Today
Pursuing a Lemon Law claim can feel like a daunting task but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you are in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino or anywhere else in Southern California, our experts at The Beck Law Office are here to help.
Take the first step toward resolving your Lemon Law case and contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with no obligation. With our contingency fee structure, there are no upfront costs - we only get paid if you win.
Choose The Beck Law Office, where your success is our priority.
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