FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about California Lemon Law — from eligibility and repair thresholds to legal process and what compensation you may be entitled to. If your question isn't here, call us for a free consultation.
31 questions answered — across 7 categories.
General
General Lemon Law Questions
Why are old cars called lemons?
The term "lemon" is often used to describe cars with defects or issues that make them unreliable or unsafe. The origin of the term comes from early 20th-century slang, where "lemon" referred to something that appears promising but ultimately disappoints. Over time, it became associated with vehicles that fail to meet reasonable standards due to mechanical or safety defects.
Does California Law Only Apply to Cars and Trucks?
The lemon law applies to all consumer goods that are covered by a warranty. This includes products purchased or used for personal purposes or those used in your household by your family including: motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers and fifth wheels jet skis, boats, musical instruments, appliances, televisions, electronics, and all other consumer goods.
What Types of Problems Does the Lemon Law Cover?
California’s lemon law applies to problems that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the product. “Substantial impairment” must be evaluated based on the needs and circumstances of the particular consumer, within reason.
Eligibility
Eligibility & Requirements
Can I file a Lemon Law claim if my car is past the warranty period?
In California, you can file a claim if the defects appeared while the car was still under warranty, even if you are now past the warranty period. The defects must have occurred within the warranty and be severe enough to affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
How many repair attempts do I have to allow?
There is no set number of repair attempts required. All that is required is a reasonable number of attempts. This may vary depending on the nature of the problem. However, most manufacturers will look at four (4) as the magic number they want to see. If you are not sure if you have given the manufacturer enough repair attempts, contact our firm for your free consultation.
Does the California lemon law apply to older vehicles or those with more than 18,000 Miles?
As long as your car has an issue that occurred under the warranty period and has undergone a reasonable number of repairs to try and correct the problem, California law may apply. Even if the vehicle’s warranty is now expired, as long as the car was having problems before and you brought it to the attention of an authorized dealer in that time, you may still be covered under California’s lemon law.
Can I pursue a claim if I no longer have the vehicle?
Yes, a consumer may still pursue a lemon law claim in California even if they do not still own the vehicle. The consumer must simply have given the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility a reasonable number of repair attempts during the warranty period.
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Business Use Vehicles?
Yes. Vehicles used for business are covered by the California lemon law.
Legal Process
The Legal Process
What happens if I don’t agree with the manufacturer’s offer?
If you don’t agree with the manufacturer’s offer, you have the right to take legal action. You can work with an experienced lemon law attorney who can help you pursue the most favorable outcome.
Is there a time limit for filing a Lemon Law claim in California?
Yes, California law typically allows up to four years from the date of the first repair attempt for the defect to file a Lemon Law claim. Be sure to take action promptly, as delays can affect your chances of success.
Does the manufacturer always have to provide a refund or replacement?
If a vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer is typically required to offer a refund or replace the car. However, manufacturers may try to resolve the issue with a repair, and negotiation or legal action may be required if they do not comply with the law.
Am I Required to Go Through Arbitration Before Hiring a Lemon Law Lawyer?
No. You are not required to go through arbitration before hiring our firm. In most situations, you would not be required to go through arbitration, and you should get the advice of an experienced lemon law lawyer before taking such a step.
Do I need to notify the manufacturer and give it a chance to repair a problem prior to pursuing a lemon law claim?
You do not have to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle. If an authorized repair facility has had enough opportunities to repair a substantial warranty problem, the manufacturer does not have to be given a chance to repair the problem directly to have a valid California lemon law claim.
Fees & Compensation
Fees & Compensation
What are the costs involved in hiring our firm?
In most cases, it costs nothing to hire our firm to handle your case. We will collect our attorney fees from the manufacturer if your claim is successful.
Why Hire Us
Why You Need an Attorney
Why choose our Lemon Law Attorneys?
Our law firm is well known by auto manufacturers and insurance companies as a firm that is well versed and knowledgeable in the lemon laws of California. If we are not able to resolve your case directly with the manufacturer, we bring our extensive knowledge of the California lemon law into the courtroom.
Still Have Questions?
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney Today.
Every case is different. Our attorneys are available for a free, no-obligation consultation to review your situation and tell you exactly where you stand — at no cost to you.