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When you buy a new car, you expect it to run safely and reliably. But what happens when the same problem keeps coming back, even after multiple trips to the dealership? If your vehicle spends more time in the shop than on the road, California’s lemon law may apply. One of the most common questions we hear is: How many repair attempts are “enough” before my car qualifies as a lemon?
Understanding the “Reasonable Number” Standard
The California lemon law doesn’t give a strict number of repair attempts that automatically qualifies your car as a lemon. Instead, it uses the term “reasonable,” and that leaves some room for interpretation.
What counts as “reasonable” depends on several things:
- How dangerous the defect is
- How many times the dealership has tried to fix it
- How long your car has been out of service
For example, a serious brake problem might require fewer attempts than a malfunctioning radio. The law is designed to protect consumers from ongoing repair issues, but not every inconvenience will rise to the level of a lemon. That’s why documenting each repair visit matters—it shows the effort you’ve made to get the issue fixed.
General Guidelines from the California Lemon Law
While there’s no hard number written into the law, California does offer a set of guidelines that help determine when a car may be presumed to be a lemon. These are laid out in the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and typically include:
- 2 or more repair attempts for a serious safety issue that could cause injury or death
- 4 or more repair attempts for a non-safety issue that still affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle
- 30 or more total days out of service for any warranty-covered repair issue, whether those days are consecutive or not
If your situation meets any of these guidelines during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership, the burden shifts to the manufacturer to prove the car is not a lemon. But even if you’re outside those limits, you may still have a case—it just takes a little more documentation and legal support.
Factors That May Influence What’s “Reasonable”
The number of attempts is just one piece of the puzzle. When we evaluate a case, we also look at:
- The severity of the issue – A faulty airbag or brake failure may need only one or two attempts to qualify.
- Whether the issue puts you or your family at risk – Safety problems are taken more seriously.
- Whether the dealer truly attempted repairs – A visit with no work done doesn’t count the same as a full service.
- Total days the vehicle was unavailable – Even small problems become significant when they keep your car in the shop for weeks.
Manufacturers can push back, claiming that the problem is fixed or that it doesn’t affect the car enough to qualify. That’s why your service history, repair orders, and written complaints can make or break your claim.
What You Can Do if You Think You’ve Reached the Limit
If you’ve had the same problem repaired multiple times, or your car has been in the shop for weeks, it’s time to take the next step. Here’s what we recommend:
- Keep all your repair orders and receipts
- Take photos or videos of the issue when possible
- Write down the names of the service advisors you spoke with
- Track the total days your car has been out of service
Once you gather this information, reach out to a lemon law attorney who can review your case. You may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement, and the manufacturer usually has to cover your legal fees.
Contact Our Experienced California Lemon Law Attorneys
At The Lemon Firm, we deal with automakers every day on behalf of drivers like you. If you think your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, we’ll take the time to review your documents and explain your options. You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Car problems are frustrating enough—you shouldn’t have to fight the manufacturer alone. Let us deal with the legal side while you focus on getting back on the road. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help.