Consumer Rights Under the Lemon Law

Buying a new or certified pre-owned vehicle should come with peace of mind. However, if your car turns out to be defective and the problems won’t go away, the California Lemon Law may protect you. This law gives consumers the right to seek a refund, replacement, or cash compensation if they’re stuck with a faulty vehicle that can’t be repaired after multiple tries.

Here’s what you need to know about your rights under the law and why it may be in your best interest to hire American Lemon Law Group to help you assert them. Contact our Los Angeles Lemon Law attorneys today for a free consultation if you’re ready to get started with your claim.

Why Should I Hire American Lemon Law Group?

When you’re facing the stress of owning a defective vehicle, you need a team that knows how to get results. At American Lemon Law Group, we’ve helped more than 1,000 clients across California fight back against manufacturers who failed to honor their warranties. With over 35 years of combined experience and more than $50 million recovered, we know what it takes to win these cases.

Clients choose us because:

• We have a 99% success rate across thousands of cases
• We handle all communications and negotiations for you
• We know how to deal with manufacturers and their legal teams
• We’re responsive, reliable, and easy to reach
• We don’t settle for less than you’re owed

When you hire American Lemon Law Group, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re getting an entire legal team that will stand up for your rights and push for the outcome you deserve. Learn more by reaching out to us online or by calling (877) 311-1133 today for a free consultation. 

What Is the California Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law, part of the state’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects buyers and lessees of new motor vehicles. It requires manufacturers to repurchase or replace cars that turn out to be lemons, meaning vehicles with persistent defects that can’t be fixed within a reasonable number of repair attempts.

This law applies to:

• New vehicles sold or leased in California
• Certified pre-owned vehicles with a manufacturer’s warranty
• Some used vehicles that are still under warranty
• Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and certain business vehicles

You must give the manufacturer or its repair facility a fair chance to fix the issue before filing a claim.

What Are My Rights?

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under California law, you have several options. The law requires the manufacturer to offer one of the following remedies:

• A full refund (buyback): This includes the down payment, monthly payments made, registration fees, taxes, and other qualifying expenses, minus a small deduction for your use of the car.
• A replacement vehicle: You can receive a new vehicle of similar value and type at no cost.
• A cash settlement: In some cases, you can keep the vehicle and receive a lump-sum payment to make up for the defect.

These rights are enforceable in court, and the manufacturer is usually required to pay your attorney’s fees if you win.

What Qualifies as a Lemon?

Not every defective car meets the legal definition of a lemon. In general, your vehicle may qualify if:

• The defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety
• You’ve made a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue
• The repairs were attempted by an authorized dealer
• The problem began while the vehicle was under the manufacturer’s warranty

Examples of qualifying defects include:

• Brake failure or electrical issues
• Steering or suspension problems
• Repeated engine or transmission trouble
• Airbag or seatbelt malfunctions

Cosmetic issues or problems caused by abuse, neglect, or aftermarket parts generally do not qualify.

The Role of Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage plays a key role in Lemon Law protection. If the defect appears during the warranty period, the law can still apply even if the warranty has expired by the time you bring a claim. That’s why it’s important to act quickly if you suspect your vehicle may be a lemon.

Be sure to keep all repair invoices, warranty documents, and communication with the dealer or manufacturer. These records will help support your claim.

How a Lemon Law Attorney in California Can Help

While the law is written to protect consumers, car manufacturers often still try to push back on valid claims. Having an experienced attorney on your side with American Lemon Law Group can make all the difference in how your case plays out. Our California Lemon Law lawyers can:

• Evaluate whether your vehicle qualifies under the law
• Collect and organize documentation
• Communicate with the manufacturer on your behalf
• File a claim and negotiate for a refund, replacement, or settlement
• Take the case to court or arbitration if needed

Our Lemon Law attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front and owe no legal fees unless you win compensation. The manufacturer is also typically required to cover your legal costs if your case is successful.

Do You Need To Go to Court?

Most Lemon Law cases are resolved without ever going to trial. Once the manufacturer receives a well-supported legal claim, they are often willing to settle. In fact, many of our cases result in full buybacks or favorable cash settlements without lengthy court proceedings.

However, if necessary, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Some manufacturers will only respond seriously when they see you have a team that’s ready to fight. Our record in court has helped many clients recover more than what was initially offered.

Is There a Time Limit To File a Lemon Law Claim?

Yes. California’s Lemon Law claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which has recently changed. Generally, you have one year from the date the manufacturer’s warranty expires or six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date to file a claim. 

Waiting too long can cost you your rights. If you think your car might be a lemon, the best course of action is to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact Our Lemon Law Lawyers in California for a Free Consultation

You don’t have to keep driving a car that breaks down again and again. If your vehicle has serious problems that the dealership can’t fix, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash settlement under California’s Lemon Law.

Let the experienced team at American Lemon Law Group guide you through the process. We’ll review your situation at no cost and let you know whether you qualify. With a 99% success rate and no legal fees unless we win, there’s no risk in getting help. Call our California Lemon Law attorneys today at (877) 311-1133 or get in touch online to schedule a free consultation.