Purchasing a new or certified pre-owned vehicle should come with peace of mind. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. If your car, truck, or SUV keeps breaking down, you may be driving a “lemon.” Fortunately, California law gives consumers strong protections when this happens.
Below, we’ll walk through how the Lemon Law works in California and what it takes to qualify. If you need help with a claim, contact the Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorneys from American Lemon Law Group today to schedule a completely free initial consultation. We’ve helped over 1,000 clients recover compensation totalling tens of millions of dollars and are ready to get to work for you.
Why Choose American Lemon Law Group?
Not all law firms have the same level of experience or focus when it comes to handling Lemon Law cases. At American Lemon Law Group, this is what we do. Our Lemon Law attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping California consumers hold automakers and dealerships accountable.
With over 35 years of combined experience and $50+ million recovered, our team brings proven results to the table. When you work with us, you benefit from:
- Focus on California Lemon Law: We don’t dilute our practice with unrelated areas of the law. Lemon Law is what we know best.
- Manufacturer-side insight: We understand how automakers and their legal teams operate, as well as how to push back when they stall or deny valid claims.
- No upfront fees: Our clients pay nothing out of pocket, and we only get paid if we win compensation for your case.
- Clear communication: You’ll stay informed every step of the way. We’ll explain your rights in plain language and respond promptly to your questions.
- Personalized service: You’re not just a case number to us. We will tailor our approach to the specifics of your situation and fight for the outcome you deserve.
We take pride in delivering strong legal advocacy with a client-first approach. If your vehicle qualifies, we’re ready to take action. Contact our award-winning Lemon Law attorneys in California today to get started.
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What Is the Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law protects people who buy or lease new or used vehicles that don’t meet basic standards of reliability, safety, or performance. It’s part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which requires manufacturers to stand behind the products they sell.
To qualify for protection under the law, your vehicle must meet certain requirements. For example, the problem must significantly affect the vehicle’s use, safety, or value, and the dealership or manufacturer must have had a fair chance to fix it.
If these conditions are met, the manufacturer is legally obligated to either replace your vehicle or give you a refund. You may also be entitled to other financial relief depending on your situation.
What Kinds of Vehicles Are Covered?
Many types of vehicles are covered under the California Lemon Law. However, the coverage is not unlimited.
The law generally applies to new and used vehicles still under the manufacturer’s warranty, including:
- Cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans
- Dealer-owned vehicles/demonstrators
- Some vehicles used for business, provided they meet certain conditions (such as weighing under 10,000 pounds and being part of a fleet with fewer than five vehicles)
- Vehicles purchased/leased for personal, household, or family purposes
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, a free consultation with our California lemon law attorney can help clarify your rights.
How Many Repairs Are Required?
There is no fixed number of repair attempts that automatically qualifies a vehicle as a lemon. However, California law does outline a general guideline.
If any of the following are true during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first), your car might meet the legal definition of a lemon:
- The dealer or manufacturer tried to fix the same issue at least four times, and the problem continues
- The vehicle had two or more attempts to fix a serious safety defect, and the problem persists
- The car has been out of service for repairs for more than 30 days total (they do not need to be consecutive days)
Even if your situation doesn’t meet these benchmarks exactly, you may still qualify under the Lemon Law if the defect is severe enough and was not properly fixed.
Common Lemon Law Issues
Many different types of problems can lead to a Lemon Law claim. The key factor is that the issue must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of your vehicle, not just cause inconvenience.
Some examples of defects that might qualify include:
- Engine or transmission failure
- Brake problems
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Steering issues
- Persistent check engine lights
- Leaks, stalling, or problems starting the car
Keep in mind that cosmetic issues and problems caused by owner neglect or unauthorized repairs usually do not qualify. That said, it won’t hurt to reach out to our legal team for a free case review if you’re not sure whether your vehicle’s issue allows you to take action.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Lemon Law Claim
If you’re dealing with a defective vehicle, it can be hard to know where to start. Our lawyers at American Lemon Law Group are here to make the process as simple and effective as possible. First, we’ll evaluate your situation and explain your legal rights and options clearly.
From there, we’ll gather the necessary documentation, handle all communications with the manufacturer, and push for the best outcome possible. If settlement negotiations stall, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court or arbitration. With no upfront fees and a 99% success rate, you can feel confident putting your case in our hands.
Contact Our California Lemon Law Attorneys for a Free Case Evaluation Today
If your car keeps breaking down and you’re tired of going back to the dealership, you may qualify for relief under the California Lemon Law. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible for a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.
Our California Lemon Law lawyers offer free consultations to help you figure out whether your situation meets the requirements. If we take your case, you won’t pay anything out of pocket. Contact American Lemon Law Group today to speak with an attorney who knows how to get results.
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