Whether it’s the reliable Toyota Camry, efficient Toyota Prius, rugged Toyota Tundra, or compact Toyota Corolla, purchasing a Toyota model represents a significant financial investment. And when you purchase a new vehicle, you expect in return quality and reliability.
But what happens when your dream car becomes a recurring nightmare of repair visits, persistent problems, and broken promises? Unforeseen defects can transform your excitement as a car owner into one of frustration.
We know very well that you shouldn’t have to deal with these persistent issues.
At American Lemon Law Group, we understand both the technical complexities and hardships associated with owning a defective vehicle. With years of experience counseling our clients, we’re happy to share that we have recovered more than $50 million on their behalf.
Having spent years devoting our time to lemon law claims against all major manufacturers, you should take comfort in knowing that a Los Angeles lemon law lawyer from American Lemon Law Group can be a viable ally for your claim.
Got a Toyota lemon car? Call us today at (877) 311-1133 for a free consultation.
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How Can Toyota Lemon Law Help Me?
California’s lemon law provides robust protection for Toyota owners experiencing persistent defects in their vehicles. When applied, these laws can help you secure a replacement vehicle or a full buyback of your defective Toyota.
That is why it’s important to know your rights under these consumer protection statutes to uncover whether you are entitled to compensation.
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (California’s lemon law) requires Toyota to repair vehicles to conform to their warranties within a reasonable number of attempts. When Toyota fails to do so, you may be entitled to significant remedies, including:
- A complete buyback of your defective Toyota (including payments, registration fees, and other expenses)
- A replacement vehicle of equal value
- Compensation for incidental expenses related to the defect
Recent updates to California’s lemon law, particularly Assembly Bill 1755 signed by Governor Newsom, have streamlined the process while introducing new procedural requirements. These changes, taking effect in phases during 2025, will impact how Toyota lemon law claims are processed and resolved.
Is Your Toyota a Lemon?
To qualify as a lemon under California law, your Toyota must exhibit substantial defects that impair its use, value, or safety, and Toyota must have been given a reasonable opportunity to repair these issues. While there’s no fixed definition of “reasonable,” California law presumes a vehicle is a lemon when any of these conditions are met within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery:
- Two or more repair attempts for a serious safety defect that could cause death or serious injury
- Four or more repair attempts for the same substantial defect
- The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 days or more
- The defect persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts
Importantly, these are presumptions, not strict requirements. Even if your situation doesn’t perfectly match these criteria, you may still have a valid Toyota lemon law claim. This is where an experienced attorney can help.
Common Toyota Defects That May Qualify for Lemon Law Claims
Based on documented defect patterns and recall information, several recurring issues in Toyota vehicles may qualify for lemon law protection:
- Oil Consumption Issues: 2021-2023 Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Camry models exhibit chronic oil consumption problems (up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles), linked to faulty piston rings. This defect can lead to engine damage if not properly addressed.
- Hybrid Powertrain Failures: The NHTSA’s investigation into Toyota Highlander Hybrid powertrain failures identified approximately 12,000 units with sudden stalling risks, prompting a voluntary recall.
- Transmission Problems: 2022-2024 Toyota Tacoma trucks with 8-speed automatic transmissions have generated over 320 complaints for shuddering and erratic shifting behavior.
- Battery Management System Errors: Toyota Corolla Hybrid models have experienced battery management system failures causing premature shutdowns and leaving drivers stranded.
- Fuel Pump Failures: 2024 Toyota Tundra models have experienced fuel pump failures (NHTSA Recall 24V-118), with many owners reporting issues even after the recall repair was performed.
These defects often require multiple repair attempts, with many owners reporting continued problems even after Toyota’s “fix” has been applied. This pattern of failed repairs is precisely what California’s lemon law was designed to address.
Warranties Applicable to Tesla Vehicles:
Understanding your warranty coverage is crucial for lemon law claims:
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first
- CPO Tesla Warranty: Remainder of original warranty plus potential additional coverage
It’s important to note that recent changes to California’s Lemon Law have affected used vehicle coverage. Following the California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA, used vehicles with an unexpired manufacturer’s warranty are no longer eligible for lemon law remedies unless they were sold as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles with a new car warranty issued at the time of sale. This change took effect in 2024 and significantly impacts Tesla buyers.
How Does Toyota Lemon Law Buyback Work?
When Toyota is required to buyback a vehicle under California’s lemon law, they must refund:
- The full purchase price including taxes and fees
- All finance charges and interest paid
- Registration fees, transfer fees, and other official fees
- Costs for installed options and accessories
- Incidental and consequential damages
- Minus a mileage offset based on miles driven before the first repair attempt
The process typically begins with sending a demand letter to Toyota, clearly outlining the defects, repair attempts, and your request for a buyback or replacement. Following the recent legal updates in California, starting April 1, 2025, consumers must provide written notice to Toyota at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit for civil penalties.
Additionally, the statute of limitations has been clarified: plaintiffs now have one year after the final warranty expires to file suit or six years total after the delivery of a vehicle. Understanding these timeframes is crucial to preserving your rights under California’s Toyota lemon law.
Recent Updates to California’s Lemon Law Affecting Toyota Claims
Assembly Bill 1755 has introduced several important changes to California’s lemon law that will affect Toyota owners:
- Pre-suit Notice Requirement: Starting April 1, 2025, you must provide written notice to Toyota at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit.
- Updated Statute of Limitations: You now have one year after the final warranty expires to file a claim or six years total after vehicle delivery.
- Expedited Procedures: The law includes early discovery, expedited depositions, and mandatory mediation for manufacturers who opt-in.
- Used Car Protections: Following the California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA, used Toyota vehicles with an unexpired manufacturer’s warranty are no longer eligible for lemon law remedies unless they were sold as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles with a new car warranty issued at the time of sale.
These changes make it more important than ever to work with an experienced Toyota lemon law attorney who understands the nuances of these recent updates and can guide you through the process efficiently.
Will Toyota Buyback My Car?
Toyota’s willingness to buyback your vehicle depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of the defect, your documentation of repair attempts, and the strength of your legal claim.
While Toyota acts like most other manufacturers and may initially resist buyback requests, a well-documented case presented by an experienced attorney significantly increases your chances of success.
To build a strong Toyota lemon law case, you’ll need:
Will Toyota Buyback My Car?
Toyota’s willingness to buyback your vehicle depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of the defect, your documentation of repair attempts, and the strength of your legal claim.
While Toyota acts like most other manufacturers and may initially resist buyback requests, a well-documented case presented by an experienced attorney significantly increases your chances of success.
To build a strong Toyota lemon law case, you’ll need:
- All repair orders and service records showing multiple repair attempts
- Documentation of communication with the dealership and Toyota corporate
- Evidence of how the defect impacts the use, value, or safety of your vehicle
- Proof that the vehicle was under warranty when the defects first occurred
- Records of any time the vehicle was out of service for repairs
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Contact a Toyota Lemon Law Attorney Today
If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with your Toyota despite multiple repair attempts, you may have a valid lemon law claim.
At American Lemon Law Group, we can evaluate your case, explain your rights under California’s lemon law, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has successfully handled thousands of lemon law claims against Toyota and other manufacturers, securing successful buybacks and replacements for our clients. We make sure to focus our attention to each case we take and we never defer our clients to others.
We take our work seriously and this is demonstrated by our extensive knowledge of Toyota’s common defects, as well as the emotional toll of dealing with a defective vehicle, and the legal strategies needed to achieve favorable outcomes.
In addition to handling issues with Toyota models, we have significant experience handing other manufacturers, including:
Don’t continue struggling with a defective Toyota lemon! Our team is ready to help you understand your options and take the first step toward resolving your lemon law claim.
Call American Lemon Law Group today at (877) 311-1133 for a free case review.