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Nissan Lemon Law in California

Purchasing a new Nissan vehicle represents a significant milestone—the culmination of careful research, test drives, and financial planning. That new car smell and the promise of reliable transportation for years to come should bring a certain level of excitement and peace of mind. 

But what happens when your Nissan begins exhibiting persistent problems that the dealership can’t seem to fix? The disappointment and mounting frustration can be overwhelming, especially after investing so much on something that you had suspected to be dependable.

If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with your new Nissan, you should know that California’s Lemon Law provides important protections for consumers who’ve purchased defective vehicles.

At American Lemon Law Group, we’ve worked with many clients to protect their rights. Having recovered more than $50 million through successful settlements and verdicts, our experienced Los Angeles lemon law lawyers are ready to examine whether you have a potential claim on your hands.

If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with your Nissan, depend on our team to provide you with the legal advice you need. Call us today at (877) 311-1133 for a free case review.

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How Can California’s Lemon Law Help Nissan Owners?

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as the “Lemon Law,” provides some of the strongest consumer protections in the nation. For Nissan owners experiencing persistent vehicle problems, this law offers a pathway to resolution that can include a replacement vehicle or a full refund.

Key Protections Under California’s Lemon Law

  • Requires Nissan to repair vehicles under warranty within a reasonable number of attempts
  • Entitles consumers to a replacement or refund if Nissan cannot fix substantial defects
  • Covers both new and certified pre-owned Nissan vehicles with manufacturer warranties
  • Includes attorney fees as part of the settlement, making legal representation accessible

The law recognizes that consumers shouldn’t be stuck with defective vehicles, especially when those defects impact safety, value, or usability. When Nissan fails to fulfill its warranty obligations, the Lemon Law provides the leverage needed to secure appropriate compensation.

Is Your Nissan a Lemon Car?

Is Your Nissan a Lemon Car?

To qualify as a “lemon” under California law, your Nissan must have substantial defects covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. While each case has unique circumstances, certain patterns can help determine if your vehicle qualifies.

Qualifying Criteria for Nissan Lemon Law Claims

  • Your Nissan has been subject to 2 or more repair attempts for a serious safety defect
  • Your vehicle has been subject to 4 or more repair attempts for the same substantial defect
  • Your Nissan has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 days or more (not necessarily consecutive)
  • The problems began within the warranty period
  • The defects substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety

It’s important to note that recent legal changes have impacted how the law applies to used vehicles. Following the California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA, used vehicles with unexpired manufacturer warranties 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.

Common Nissan Defects That May Qualify for Lemon Law Claims

Nissan vehicles have exhibited several recurring issues that have led to successful lemon law claims. Understanding these common defects can help you identify whether your vehicle’s problems might qualify under California’s Lemon Law.

Documented Nissan Defect Patterns

  • CVT Transmission Failures: Nissan’s Senta experienced a recent recall last year due to transmission issues.
  • Fuel System Issues: The 2022 Frontier range has experienced faulty fuel senders that incorrectly display fuel levels, potentially stranding drivers.
  • Battery Degradation: LEAF models have shown battery degradation exceeding 40% within 5 years, violating EPA range estimates and generating over 1,200 complaints to NHTSA.

These documented defects represent just a sample of the issues Nissan owners have experienced. If your vehicle exhibits these or other persistent problems, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim. Common Nissan model failures qualifying under the California Lemon Law are:

  • Nissan Rogue
  • Nissan Sentra
  • Nissan Altima
  • Nissan Versa
  • Nissan Murano
  • Nissan Leaf
  • Nissan Cube
  • Nissan Armada
  • Nissan Juke
  • Nissan Frontier.

How Does the Nissan Lemon Law Buyback Process Work?

When your Nissan qualifies as a lemon, you have the right to request either a replacement vehicle or a buyback (refund). The process typically follows several key steps, though having an experienced attorney can significantly streamline this procedure.

The Buyback Process:

  • Documentation Review: Your attorney will review your repair orders, warranty information, and purchase documents to evaluate your claim.
  • Demand Letter: A formal demand letter is sent to Nissan outlining your claim and requesting a buyback or replacement.
  • Pre-Suit Notice: As of April 1, 2025, consumers must provide written notice to Nissan at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit for civil penalties (per Assembly Bill 1755).
  • Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with Nissan to secure a fair settlement.
  • Litigation: If necessary, your attorney will file a lawsuit to pursue your claim.
  • Resolution: Most cases settle before trial, resulting in either a replacement vehicle or a refund.

Under the recent changes implemented by Assembly Bill 1755, 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. This makes timely action even more important for Nissan owners experiencing persistent problems.

What Compensation Can You Receive Under Nissan Lemon Law?

If your Nissan qualifies as a lemon, you’re entitled to significant compensation under California law. Understanding what you can recover helps ensure you receive fair treatment from the manufacturer.

Potential Compensation Elements

  • Full Refund: Including the down payment, monthly payments made, and payoff of the remaining loan or lease balance.
  • Incidental Costs: Reimbursement for towing expenses, rental car costs, and other expenses directly related to the defect.
  • Registration Fees: Refund of registration fees paid for the vehicle.

Attorney Fees: California’s Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay your reasonable attorney fees if your claim is successful.

Documenting Your Nissan Lemon Law Case

Proper documentation is the foundation of a successful lemon law claim against Nissan. Maintaining comprehensive records strengthens your position and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Essential Documentation

  • Repair Orders: Keep copies of all repair orders, including those that show diagnosis but no repair was performed.
  • Communication Records: Save emails, letters, and notes from phone calls with the dealership and Nissan customer service.
  • Warranty Information: Maintain copies of your original warranty and any extended warranty documentation.
  • Purchase Documents: Keep your purchase or lease agreement, financing documents, and registration papers.
  • Timeline of Issues: Create a chronological record of when problems occurred and repairs were attempted.

Evidence of Impact: Document how the defects have affected your vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

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Contact a Nissan Lemon Law Attorney Today

If you’re dealing with a defective Nissan that the dealership can’t seem to fix, don’t continue struggling alone. The American Lemon Law Group specializes in helping consumers navigate California’s Lemon Law to secure the compensation they deserve.

With recent changes to California’s Lemon Law, having knowledgeable legal representation is more important than ever. In addition to successfully handling Nissan lemon claims, we’ve also advocated on behalf of clients who possessed the following lemon cars manufactured by brand automobilists like:

Don’t let Nissan’s warranty obligations go unfulfilled. Call the American Lemon Law Group today at (877) 311-1133 to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you secure the refund or replacement vehicle you deserve.