The California Lemon Law, which is part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects you from owning a defective vehicle. If your new or certified pre-owned car isn’t safe, reliable, or performing as promised, you may be eligible for compensation or a refund. A Los Angeles lemon law lawyer from American Lemon Law Group LLP™ can help you understand your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve. Call (877) 311-1133 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Why Was the Lemon Law Created?
Imagine spending your hard-earned money on a car, only to discover it repeatedly breaks down, leaving you stranded or at risk. That’s exactly why the Lemon Law was created – to protect California consumers from the burden of defective vehicles. The law was enacted to ensure that automakers and dealerships are held accountable when they sell or lease faulty cars that jeopardize safety and reliability.
Who Does the California Lemon Law Cover?
The Lemon Law covers new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. This means that whether you bought your car outright, leased it, or purchased it as a second owner, you could still qualify for Lemon Law protections. Additionally, the law applies to various types of vehicles, including:
However, the vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California and primarily used for personal, family, or household purposes. Even some small businesses with fewer than five vehicles may qualify if they use the car primarily for business purposes.
How Do You Qualify Under the Lemon Law?
The Lemon Law covers new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. This means that whether you bought your car outright, leased it, or purchased it as a second owner, you could still qualify for Lemon Law protections. Additionally, the law applies to various types of vehicles, including:
Reasonable Repair Attempts
If your vehicle has undergone at least two or more repair attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death, or four or more attempts for other substantial defects, you might be eligible.
Extended Repair Time
If your vehicle has been out of service for a total of 30 days or more (not necessarily consecutive) due to repairs, you could also qualify.
If this sounds like your situation, you’re not alone – and you shouldn’t have to keep fighting this battle on your own.
Does the Lemon Law Only Apply to Certain Defects?
No, the California Lemon Law covers a broad range of defects, meaning just about anything affecting your vehicle’s safety, value, or reliability. Common examples include:
- Engine or transmission problems
- Defective brakes or steering components
- Electrical system issues
- Persistent leaks or fluid loss
- Malfunctioning air conditioning or heating systems
- Problems with navigation, Bluetooth, or entertainment systems
- Recurrent warning lights without resolution
It’s important to note that cosmetic defects or minor annoyances generally don’t qualify as “lemons” unless they substantially impair the vehicle’s use or safety. However, if repeated issues impact how reliably or safely your car operates, you likely have a valid claim.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, speaking with an attorney on our team can quickly clarify your situation.
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What Remedies Are You Entitled To?
Under the Lemon Law, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies:
Vehicle Repurchase
The manufacturer buys back the defective vehicle and refunds you for your down payment, monthly payments, registration fees, and any other related costs. This option also includes paying off the remaining balance on your car loan.
Replacement Vehicle
You can choose a comparable new vehicle of the same make and model, free of charge. This is ideal if you still want the same type of car but without the headaches.
Cash Compensation
If you prefer, you can receive a cash settlement instead, which allows you to keep your car and be compensated for the inconvenience.
Our team specializes in ensuring that manufacturers provide the best possible outcome for you. You don’t have to settle for less than you deserve.
How is a Repurchase Calculated?
A vehicle repurchase (or “refund”) typically includes:
- Your down payment
- All monthly payments you’ve made
- The remaining loan balance, if financed
- Refunds for taxes and fees
- Reimbursement for any out-of-pocket costs(like towing or rental cars)
Once you add those up, the lemon law makes an adjustment for your car’s usage before the defect appeared, known as the “mileage offset”
The final result is a comprehensive refund covering nearly everything you’ve paid, minus that mileage adjustment.
We handle all the details—calculations, negotiations, and legal aspects—to secure the maximum payout you deserve.
How Long Does a California Lemon Law Claim Usually Take?
A Lemon Law claim timeline can vary greatly. While simpler cases might resolve quickly, more complicated ones often take additional time. However, most Lemon Law claims in California follow these common steps:
Initial Review and Evaluation
When you first contact a lemon law attorney, they’ll discuss your situation, review your documents, and advise whether your claim is valid. This initial consultation usually takes just a few days.
Preparing and Filing Your Claim
Once you’ve hired an attorney, they’ll formally notify the manufacturer and begin assembling evidence for your claim. This includes gathering documents like repair invoices, dealership records, and correspondence with the automaker.
Manufacturer Response
After your claim is filed, manufacturers typically have 30 days to respond. Some companies may agree quickly to resolve your issue, while others may push back or dispute your claim.
Negotiation Period
If the manufacturer offers a settlement, negotiations typically begin. Your attorney will advocate for the best possible outcome for you. Negotiations can last from several weeks to several months, depending on how cooperative the manufacturer is.
Litigation or Arbitration (if Necessary)
If negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory offer, your attorney may file a lawsuit, or your case may go through arbitration. Most lemon law cases settle without going to this step, but preparing for court can extend the timeline. Lawsuits often last anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Settlement or Trial
The majority of cases settle before trial. If your case reaches this stage, settlement discussions often resume and may conclude your claim. If no agreement is reached, your case goes to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome.
Our team will work hard to resolve your claim efficiently. While we can’t control the manufacturer’s response, we strive to keep the process as streamlined and stress-free as possible for you.
Why Choose Us to Handle Your Lemon Law Claim?
Navigating the Lemon Law process can be overwhelming. Manufacturers often make it difficult for consumers to exercise their rights, but that’s where we step in. Our team has years of experience battling automakers and securing top-tier settlements for our clients. We have the knowledge and expertise to:
- Fight for the compensation you’re entitled to
- Handle all the paperwork and negotiations on your behalf
- Guide you every step of the way, so you never feel lost or frustrated
Contact American Lemon Law Group today to get started with a free case evaluation.
Other Information You Should Know
How much does it cost to hire ALLG?
You pay nothing out of pocket. The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees if you win your case, meaning you have nothing to lose by reaching out.
What if my car’s warranty has expired?
Generally, your vehicle must have been under warranty when the defects first occurred. However, even if your warranty has recently expired, you may still have a valid claim if the problems began while under warranty.
For example, if your car experienced ongoing engine problems while under warranty, but the warranty expired before the manufacturer fully addressed them, you likely still qualify. The critical factor is that the issues started during the warranty period.
If your warranty has expired, you should immediately contact a Lemon Law attorney to review your circumstances and determine whether your situation still qualifies.
You pay nothing out of pocket. The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees if you win your case, meaning you have nothing to lose by reaching out.
Can I handle a Lemon Law claim on my own?
You can technically handle a Lemon Law claim yourself, but it’s usually not advisable. Manufacturers often have legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts or denying claims entirely. Without a knowledgeable lawyer by your side, you may struggle to get fair compensation or even lose your case completely.
An experienced Los Angeles Lemon Law attorney will:
- Know exactly how to gather the necessary evidence
- Accurately calculate your vehicle’s repurchase or replacement value
- Navigate the complex paperwork and legal requirements
- Negotiate aggressively with manufacturers who typically offer low settlements to unrepresented consumers
Hiring a skilled lawyer poses no financial risk to you and significantly increases your chances of success.
You pay nothing out of pocket. The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees if you win your case, meaning you have nothing to lose by reaching out.
Do I still qualify if my car is currently working?
Yes, your vehicle doesn’t have to be currently broken down or malfunctioning to qualify. The California Lemon Law addresses the overall reliability and safety of your vehicle. If you have repeatedly faced issues (even if the problems appear temporarily fixed), you may still have a valid claim.
For instance, maybe your car broke down multiple times, requiring repeated repairs. Even if it’s currently functioning well, your past experiences indicate reliability problems. The law protects you in these cases as well, recognizing the ongoing inconvenience and diminished value of owning a defective car.
Why You Should Act Quickly if You Have a Lemon
Taking quick action strengthens your lemon law claim. Here’s why:
- Statute of limitations: In California, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action if you have a lemon. Delaying beyond this period can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
- Better evidence and documentation: The sooner you act, the clearer your documentation and memories of the issues are. Keeping precise records and taking prompt action greatly enhances your case.
- Stronger negotiating position: When manufacturers see you’ve documented repairs and acted quickly, they understand you’re serious about resolving the issue. Delayed claims can raise unnecessary questions or lead to lower settlement offers.
If you suspect your car is a lemon in California, don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation with our lawyers right away to best protect your legal rights and interests.
Contact Our California Lemon Law Lawyers Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Dealing with a defective vehicle is frustrating, but legal help is available. At American Lemon Law Group, our dedicated California Lemon Law attorneys are here to fight for the full amount of compensation you need and deserve.
With our proven track record, comprehensive knowledge, and commitment to client satisfaction, you can rest assured you’re in capable hands. Schedule your free consultation today to learn exactly how we can help you resolve your lemon law claim.