CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW EXPLAINED
If you bought or leased a vehicle in California that keeps having problems the manufacturer can’t fix, you may be protected under California Lemon Law. This law gives consumers the right to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation—and in most cases, the manufacturer pays your attorney’s fees.
At Cali Law Firm, APC, we help California drivers understand their rights and hold auto manufacturers accountable.
What Is California Lemon Law?
California Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease vehicles with serious defects that impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
If a manufacturer fails to repair a defect after a reasonable number of attempts, the vehicle may qualify as a lemon, entitling you to compensation.
What vehicles are covered?
California Lemon Law may apply to:
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New vehicles
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Used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty
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Leased vehicles
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Certified pre-owned vehicles
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Electric and hybrid vehicles
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Cars, SUVs, trucks, and certain commercial vehicles
Coverage depends on whether the defect occurred during the warranty period.
What Types of Defects Qualify?
A defect may qualify under California Lemon Law if it:
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Substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
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Continues after multiple repair attempts
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Causes the vehicle to be out of service for an extended period
Common qualifying defects include:
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Engine or transmission problems
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Electrical or software malfunctions
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Brake or steering failures
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Suspension issues
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Battery or charging failures in electric vehicles
Minor or cosmetic issues typically do not qualify unless they significantly affect vehicle operation or safety.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
There is no fixed number of repair attempts, but a vehicle may qualify if:
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The same defect has been repaired multiple times without success, or
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The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty-related repairs
In some cases involving serious safety defects, fewer repair attempts may be sufficient.
What Remedies Are Available Under California Lemon Law?
If a vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the consumer may be entitled to:
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A vehicle buyback, which may include a refund of the purchase price, taxes, and certain fees
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A replacement vehicle
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Cash compensation in lieu of replacement
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Reimbursement for related expenses, depending on the circumstances
The specific remedy depends on the facts of the case.
Time Limits and Important Considerations
California Lemon Law claims are subject to statutes of limitation, meaning there are deadlines for asserting rights. Documentation such as repair orders, service records, and warranty information is critical in evaluating a claim.
Because lemon law cases are fact-specific, outcomes depend on the nature of the defect, repair history, and warranty coverage.
California Lemon Law exists to protect consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles. When manufacturers are unable to repair substantial defects within a reasonable time, the law provides remedies to help consumers obtain fair relief.
If you believe your vehicle may qualify, understanding your rights and keeping thorough records is essential.