Reviewed by Nick Movagar, Founder & Attorney, American Lemon Law Group · Last updated August 2026
Key Takeaways
- California Lemon Law, officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who bought or leased vehicles with substantial defects.
- Since 1 April 2025, you must give the manufacturer written notice at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit.
- You have one year after the final manufacturer’s warranty expires to file suit, or six years total from the vehicle’s delivery date.
- Following Rodriguez v. FCA, used vehicles with only the remaining original warranty are no longer eligible unless sold as Certified Pre-Owned with a new warranty at the time of sale.
- Common signs of a lemon: repeated repair attempts for the same issue, unresolved safety or non-safety problems, or more than 30 days in the shop.
- No fees unless we win. We work on contingency and never refer clients out.
Sacramento is a city with a rich car culture, home to some of the largest auto malls in Northern California. From the sprawling Auto Mall Parkway in Elk Grove to the Fulton Avenue Corridor, Sacramento residents have access to a wide variety of dealerships offering new and used vehicles. However, with so many cars on the road, issues like defective engines, faulty transmissions, and repeated repair attempts can arise.
If you’ve purchased or leased a defective vehicle in Sacramento, you may be protected under California Lemon Law. However, recent changes to the law, including Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755) and a landmark California Supreme Court ruling, have significantly impacted consumer rights—especially for used car buyers.
At American Lemon Law Group, our team of Sacramento lemon law attorneys have recovered over $50 million for our clients. Unlike other firms or referral companies, we are trial attorneys who litigate and take cases to trial ourselves—we never refer clients out. Let us help you navigate these updates and fight for the rights you deserve.
Contact us today online or call (877) 311-1133! A member of our legal team can provide you with the resources you need.
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What is California Lemon Law?
California Lemon Law, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchased or leased vehicles with substantial defects.
Recent updates to the law have expanded protections for some consumers while introducing new procedural requirements that could affect your lemon law claim.
Most notably, they include:
- Pre-suit Notice Requirement: Starting April 1, 2025, consumers must provide written notice to the manufacturer at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit.
- Statute of Limitations: Plaintiffs now have one year after the final manufacturer’s warranty expires to file suit or six years total after the delivery of a vehicle.
- Used Car Protections: A recent California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA has clarified that 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.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies under the updated law, our experienced Sacramento lemon law lawyers can help you understand your rights and potential legal options.
How a Sacramento Lemon Law Attorney Can Help?
Navigating the complexities of California Lemon Law can be challenging, especially with the latest changes. However, with the help of a skilled Sacramento lemon law attorney, they can help you:
- Understand your rights under the updated law.
- Comply with new procedural requirements, such as the pre-suit notice requirement.
- Negotiate with manufacturers to secure a fair settlement.
- File a lemon law case if necessary and represent you in trial.
Common Signs Your Vehicle is a Lemon
If your motor vehicle (car, truck, or RV) has experienced any of the following, it may be a lemon:
- Repeated repair attempts for the same issue.
- Safety or non-safety-related problems that haven’t been resolved.
- More than 30 days in the shop for repairs.
Even if your vehicle no longer qualifies under the updated lemon law, you may still have options. Contact us online or call (877) 311-1133 today to discuss your case
Why Choose American Lemon Law Group?
When it comes to protecting your rights under California Lemon Law, you need a law firm you can trust. Here’s why American Lemon Law Group is Sacramento’s top choice:
- Over $50 Million Recovered: We’ve helped countless clients recover the compensation they deserve.
- We Take On Our Very Own Cases: Unlike other firms, we never refer clients out. You’ll work directly with our experienced lawyers if we deem that you have grounds for legal action.
- Free Case Evaluation: If we feel that you have a valid case, we offer a free consultation to discuss further the details of your case.
No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact a Trusted Sacramento Lemon Law Attorney From Our Law Firm Today!
If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, don’t wait! Contact American Lemon Law Group today. Our experienced Sacramento lemon law attorneys and Los Angeles lemon law lawyers are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (877) 311-1133 or reach out online for a free consultation.
Remember, we never refer clients out—we take on cases we know we have the best chances of winning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs my vehicle is a lemon?
If your car, truck, or RV has had repeated repair attempts for the same issue, has safety or non-safety problems that were never resolved, or has spent more than 30 days in the shop for repairs, it may be a lemon. Even if your vehicle no longer qualifies under the updated law, you may still have options worth discussing.
Do I have to notify the manufacturer before filing?
Yes. Starting 1 April 2025, consumers must give the manufacturer written notice at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit. This is a new procedural requirement, and missing it can delay or damage your claim, which is one reason it helps to have an attorney handle the process.
How long do I have to file a claim in Sacramento?
You have one year after the final manufacturer’s warranty expires to file suit, or six years total from the delivery of the vehicle, whichever comes first.
Are used cars still covered by the lemon law?
Only in limited circumstances now. The California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA clarified that used vehicles with an unexpired manufacturer’s warranty are no longer eligible for lemon law remedies, unless they were sold as Certified Pre-Owned vehicles with a new car warranty issued at the time of sale.
What will my attorney actually do for me?
We help you understand your rights under the updated law, comply with the new procedural requirements such as the pre-suit notice, negotiate with the manufacturer to secure a fair settlement, and file a lemon law case and represent you at trial if that becomes necessary.
Will you refer my case to another firm?
No. Unlike some firms, we never refer clients out. You work directly with our attorneys, and we take on our own cases. There are no fees unless we win, because we work on a contingency basis.