01
Document Everything
Keep meticulous records of all repair orders, receipts, and communications with the dealership or manufacturer — including dates, descriptions of issues, and all costs incurred.
Lemon Law Requirements
What Qualifies as a Lemon in California?
California's lemon law and statutes protect consumers from defective new or certified pre-owned vehicles. Our firm holds manufacturers accountable for failing to conform products to their written warranties when repeated repair attempts fail.
4+
Repair attempts
30+
Days out of service
4 yrs
Statute of limitations
$0
Cost to you
Covered Vehicles
New & Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
California lemon laws cover new and certified pre-owned vehicles as well as consumer goods and electronics under warranties. If your vehicle meets the qualifications below, you may have legal grounds to seek restitution or take formal action.
Also covers consumer goods & electronics under warranty
Qualifications
General Qualifications
Before holding a manufacturer responsible, these qualifications must be met. If your vehicle satisfies these criteria, you may have the right to seek recourse.
- Vehicle is from 2020 or newer
- Vehicle has a substantial impairment in use, value, or safety
- Issues with the vehicle must have been covered by a warranty
- You attempted to get the vehicle repaired multiple times, or it must have been in the shop for an unreasonable number of days
- Defect(s) appeared within the manufacturer's original warranty period
- Defect(s) were not caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications by you
A qualified attorney can evaluate your repair history and determine if you have a valid claim.
Repair Thresholds
Repair Attempts
Your vehicle may qualify if the manufacturer fails to fix a substantial defect after a reasonable number of attempts.
2+
Repair attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death
4+
Repair attempts for less serious, but still substantial, defects
30+
Cumulative days out of service for warranty-related repairs
The 30-Day Rule
If your vehicle has been in the repair shop for more than 30 cumulative (not consecutive) days for warranty-covered issues, it may qualify as a lemon.
= 32 cumulative days → qualifies
Critical Safety Defects Exception
Safety defects like brake or airbag failures may qualify with fewer repair attempts — lemon law protection can apply regardless of time in service.
Covered Defects
Defects Covered Under California Lemon Law
A.Engine & Transmission
If the engine or transmission repeatedly malfunctions and cannot be repaired after several attempts, the vehicle may qualify as a lemon.
- Persistent Problems: Repeated malfunctions that cannot be repaired after several attempts.
- Safety Concerns: Engine failure can cause the car to stop unexpectedly; transmission issues can make driving dangerous.
- Impact on Performance: A malfunctioning engine or transmission makes the vehicle unreliable for everyday use.
B.Electrical System Failures
If electrical problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, they may qualify for lemon law protection.
- Faulty Wiring & Battery Issues: Common electrical problems including faulty wiring, malfunctioning alternators, or weak batteries.
- Potential Hazards: Electrical issues can lead to unexpected vehicle failures — engine stalling or loss of headlights.
- Repeated Repairs: Problems that persist despite multiple repair attempts may qualify for lemon law protection.
C.Safety Feature Failures
Safety issues do not automatically make a vehicle a lemon, but fewer repair attempts may be required to trigger a claim.
- Airbags: Malfunctioning airbags that fail to deploy correctly during a crash — a serious safety concern.
- Brakes: Defective brakes that affect the vehicle's ability to stop properly, putting driver and passengers at risk.
- Seat Belts: Seat belts that fail to latch or protect passengers during a crash.
D.Air Conditioning & Heating
Climate control failures that affect vehicle comfort or functionality can qualify for lemon law protection.
- Climate Control Failures: Problems with the AC or heating system, especially when they affect the vehicle's comfort or functionality.
- Frequent Breakdowns: Recurring issues despite repair attempts may indicate a fundamentally defective system.
The above guidelines are not absolute. Even if your vehicle doesn’t fit neatly into these categories, you may still have a valid claim. Our team can evaluate your situation and help ensure you pursue the maximum compensation or vehicle replacement you are entitled to under the law.
Safety & Minor Defects
Safety Defects
How Safety Defects Affect Lemon Law Eligibility
Safety issues do not automatically make a vehicle a lemon, but they are taken very seriously under California's Lemon Law. A vehicle may be considered a lemon if a substantial defect — such as faulty brakes, airbags, or steering — cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
The law recognizes that safety defects pose a greater risk to drivers and the public. Consequently, fewer repair attempts may be required — sometimes just one or two unsuccessful attempts.
Minor Defects
Minor Defects Under California Lemon Law
Minor defects can qualify your vehicle as a lemon under specific circumstances. The California Lemon Law considers whether a defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a vehicle. Recurring or persistent problems — such as malfunctioning electronics or engine stalling — can render a car a lemon if they significantly interfere with daily use.
Keep detailed documentation of repair attempts and the impact on your vehicle. Consulting our law firm will help determine if your defects qualify.
Manufacturer Obligations
Role of the Manufacturer in a Lemon Law Case
In almost all instances, manufacturers will deny your claim as they do not want to pay you. Manufacturers will use negotiation tactics to settle without offering a full remedy — which is why having our firm on your side is essential.
01
Fix the Defect
Manufacturers are legally required to fix defects in the vehicle under warranty, whether through repair, replacement, or repurchase of your vehicle.
02
Offer a Remedy
If the defect is not fixed after multiple attempts, the manufacturer must provide a replacement vehicle or refund the consumer.
03
Investigations
When a lemon law claim is filed, manufacturers typically investigate the claim to assess the defect and determine how to resolve the issue.
04
Negotiation Tactics
Manufacturers may try to settle without offering a full remedy. In almost all instances, manufacturers will deny your claim — which is why having our firm on your side is essential.
Used & Pre-Owned
Lemon Law for Used Cars
California's lemon law for used cars offers protection to buyers of defective vehicles. Such laws apply to vehicles sold that are still covered under the original manufacturer's warranty or with a dealer's written warranty.
For a used car to qualify, it must have substantial defects that affect its safety, use, or value, and the seller or manufacturer must fail to repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts.
Certified Pre-Owned Cars
Although CPO vehicles undergo thorough inspections, defects can still arise. CPO vehicles are often sold with a manufacturer-backed warranty, making them eligible for lemon law protection if defects occur during the warranty period.
- Higher Standards: CPO vehicles must meet higher inspection standards, but defects covered by the warranty may still make them eligible.
- Warranty Protection: Non-CPO vehicles may also qualify for lemon law protection if sold with a warranty.
How to Win
Improving Your Chance of Recovery
Winning a Lemon Law case involves several critical steps to ensure you meet all legal requirements and present a compelling case.
02
Timing Is of the Essence
California lemon law typically allows up to four years from the date of the first repair attempt to file a claim. Missing deadlines can jeopardize your case or reduce your recovery.
03
Hire Our Firm
We understand the nuances of these cases and provide invaluable guidance. We gather necessary evidence, file paperwork correctly and timely, and represent you in negotiations or court.
04
Negotiate or Litigate
Many cases settle out of court — we will negotiate with the manufacturer or dealer for a replacement vehicle, a refund, or cash compensation. Some cases may require arbitration before proceeding to court.
Legal Fees
Cost of Legal Fees in Lemon Law Cases
- Manufacturer Pays Our Fees: If our firm wins, the manufacturer is typically required to pay the legal fees.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We don't charge upfront fees. We collect our fees only if the case is successful.
- $0.00 Cost to You: We represent your interest at no cost — you only pay if we recover for you.
Why Choose Our Firm
Well Known. Well Versed. On Your Side.
Our firm is well known by auto manufacturers as a firm that is well versed and knowledgeable in the lemon law of California. If we don't resolve your claim amicably with the manufacturer, we bring our knowledge and expertise into the courtroom.
We have a long history of success with breach of consumer rights. With our firm by your side, you can rest assured your case will be given the attention it deserves.
- $0.00 Cost to You: We represent your interest on contingency — no upfront fees.
- Expert Guidance: We understand the complexities of the law and navigate the process for you.
- Negotiation Leverage: We negotiate with manufacturers to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Higher Success Rate: A higher chance of winning your case and securing a favorable settlement.