Key Takeaways
- American Lemon Law Group handles California Lemon Law claims only, from first consultation through settlement or trial.
- We take cases involving cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, motorcycles, electric vehicles, RVs, and boats, whether purchased or leased.
- We file claims against every major manufacturer selling in California, from Tesla and Ford to BMW and Honda.
- Depending on your case, we pursue a buyback refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement, plus civil penalties where the manufacturer acted in bad faith.
- There are no upfront fees. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
When a new vehicle spends more time in the service department than on the road, the problem stops being mechanical and starts being legal. California gives you real protection in that situation, but manufacturers rarely hand it over without a fight.
American Lemon Law Group represents California consumers, and only California consumers, in Lemon Law claims. Our attorneys bring more than 35 years of combined experience to these cases. We have recovered over $50 million for clients across the state and maintain a 99% success rate.
This page sets out what we handle: the vehicles, the manufacturers, the regions we serve, and the outcomes we pursue. If you would rather start by checking whether your vehicle qualifies, read our guide to vehicle types covered under the California Lemon Law, or contact us for a free consultation.
Vehicle Types We Handle
The Lemon Law covers far more than family sedans. If a vehicle came with a manufacturer’s warranty and the dealer cannot repair a substantial defect, it may qualify.
Cars, SUVs and Vans
Everyday passenger vehicles make up most of the claims we file. Engine failures, transmission faults, braking problems, and electrical defects that keep returning are all common grounds for a claim.
Trucks and Pickups
Light-duty trucks and pickups under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are covered, including trucks used by small businesses with five or fewer registered vehicles.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
EV claims have grown quickly, and the defects look different: battery degradation, charging faults, driver-assistance failures, and software problems that never quite get fixed.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles bought for personal use carry the same protection as cars. Because a defect on a motorcycle is far more likely to be a safety issue, these cases deserve fast attention.
RVs, Motorhomes and Boats
For recreational vehicles, coverage generally reaches the chassis and drivetrain rather than the living quarters. Boats sold with a manufacturer’s warranty may also be protected.
Leased and Certified Pre-Owned
You do not need to own a vehicle outright to bring a claim. Leases are covered, and so are certified pre-owned vehicles still carrying manufacturer warranty coverage.
Manufacturers We File Claims Against
Every manufacturer handles warranty disputes differently, and knowing how a particular company responds is part of building a strong claim. We have dedicated pages covering the defect patterns, recalls, and buyback behaviour of each brand.
American Brands
FordChevroletGeneral MotorsGMCBuickCadillacChryslerDodgeJeepRAMTeslaRivianLucid
Japanese and Korean Brands
ToyotaLexusHondaAcuraNissanSubaruMazdaHyundaiKia
European Brands
Do not see your brand? Visit our full manufacturers directory. We take claims against any manufacturer selling vehicles in California.
Where We Represent California Drivers
We serve clients throughout California. Most claims are resolved without you ever setting foot in a courtroom, so where you live rarely limits your options.
- Southern California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the Inland Empire, and Riverside
- Northern California: the Bay Area, San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento
- Central California: Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley
Our locations directory lists every city and county we cover.
What We Can Recover for You
A successful claim does not always end the same way. Which outcome fits depends on your vehicle, your repair history, and what you want.
Buyback refund
The manufacturer repurchases the vehicle and refunds your payments, down payment, and related costs, less a mileage offset for the use you had before the defect appeared. Our buyback guide walks through the numbers.
Replacement vehicle
The manufacturer provides a comparable new vehicle instead of a refund. This suits people who liked the car and simply want one that works.
Cash settlement
You keep the vehicle and receive compensation for its reduced value.
Civil penalties
Where a manufacturer wilfully ignored its obligations, California law allows additional damages on top of your refund. See Lemon Law civil penalties.
In a successful claim, the manufacturer is also generally responsible for your attorney’s fees. That is why we can take these cases on contingency with nothing payable upfront.
How a Claim Works
Most clients are surprised how little is asked of them. We review your repair orders and warranty, confirm whether the vehicle qualifies, then take over communication with the manufacturer entirely. You keep driving, or stop driving, as you prefer.
For a full breakdown, see how the Lemon Law process works, or check whether you qualify first. To understand the protections behind the claim, read about your consumer rights under the Lemon Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my vehicle qualifies?
Broadly, the vehicle must still be under the manufacturer’s original warranty, and it must have a defect that substantially affects its use, value, or safety that the dealer has failed to repair after a reasonable number of attempts. The fastest way to know for certain is a free consultation, since the answer turns on your repair records.
How many repair attempts does it take?
There is no single number. California looks at what is reasonable in the circumstances, and a serious safety defect may need fewer attempts than a minor one. Time out of service matters too: a vehicle sitting at the dealership for weeks can support a claim even with few visits.
What does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis, so you owe us nothing unless we recover money for you. In successful claims the manufacturer is generally responsible for legal fees.
Can I file a claim on a leased vehicle?
Yes. Leased vehicles used mainly for personal or family purposes have the same protection as purchased vehicles. You do not need to own the vehicle to bring a claim.
Do I have to go to court?
Usually not. The large majority of Lemon Law claims settle without trial. Where a manufacturer refuses a fair resolution, we are prepared to litigate, and our record reflects that willingness.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Deadlines apply, and waiting can weaken an otherwise strong case as records age and warranties expire. If you suspect you have a lemon, it is worth getting an opinion early even if you are not ready to act.
Speak to a California Lemon Law Attorney Today
If your vehicle is still under warranty and the dealer cannot put it right, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement, or compensation. We will review your repair history, tell you honestly whether you have a claim, and explain your options with no obligation.
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