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Buying a new or certified pre-owned car should feel like a step forward. But when you’re constantly returning to the dealership for the same problem, frustration can quickly take over. If your vehicle is under warranty and keeps breaking down, you may have a lemon law claim.
One of the first questions we often hear is, “How long will this take?” In this post, we’ll break down the typical lemon law timeline in California, what can affect the pace of your case, and how we work to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.
Understanding the Basics Before the Clock Starts
The lemon law process doesn’t begin the moment your vehicle shows signs of trouble. California law gives the manufacturer or its dealership a fair opportunity to fix the issue before a claim can move forward.
Here’s what typically qualifies you to start a lemon law claim:
- You’ve taken the car in for repairs multiple times for the same problem, especially one that affects use, safety, or value
- The vehicle has been in the shop for more than 30 cumulative days for warranty repairs
- The problems happened while the vehicle was under the original manufacturer’s warranty
Generally, a “reasonable number” of repair attempts means:
- At least 2 attempts for serious safety issues like brakes or airbags
- At least 4 attempts for other recurring problems
Once this threshold is met, you may be eligible to pursue compensation under California’s lemon law.
What Affects the Lemon Law Timeline?
The time it takes to resolve a lemon law claim varies from case to case. While some claims are wrapped up in a few weeks, others take several months, especially if the manufacturer contests the claim.
Some factors that influence the length of the process include:
- How quickly you can provide all necessary documents, like repair invoices, warranty info, and your purchase or lease agreement
- Whether the manufacturer is cooperative or pushes back against your claim
- Whether your case can be settled quickly or requires arbitration or a lawsuit
Your case may move faster if you have clear documentation and the manufacturer agrees to resolve the issue without a fight. Still, our job is to keep things on track no matter how complicated your situation may be.
Step-by-Step: How the Process Usually Unfolds
1. Case Evaluation and Demand Letter (1–2 weeks)
Once you contact us, we’ll start by reviewing your repair history and warranty. If your vehicle meets the lemon law criteria, we’ll prepare a demand letter. This letter notifies the manufacturer of your claim and sets out what you’re asking for: a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
2. Manufacturer’s Response (2–4 weeks)
After receiving the demand letter, the manufacturer may:
- Agree to a buyback or replacement
- Request more information or documentation
- Deny the claim and argue the problem isn’t significant enough
We handle this communication and keep you updated along the way.
3. Settlement Negotiations (2–8 weeks)
Many lemon law claims settle during this phase. We’ll go back and forth with the manufacturer to reach an agreement that works for you. The amount of time this takes depends on how willing the other side is to resolve things.
We aim to reach a fair resolution without dragging things out longer than necessary. Most cases do not require a court filing, but if they do, we’re fully prepared.
4. Arbitration or Court (if needed) (3–6+ months)
If a settlement isn’t possible, we may proceed to arbitration or file a lawsuit. This part of the process can add several months to the timeline, depending on court availability and how hard the manufacturer fights the claim. Even if your case ends up in court, it may still settle before trial.
Tips for Keeping Your Case Moving
There are a few simple ways you can help speed up your lemon law claim:
- Keep all repair records and receipts in one place
- Respond quickly to requests for documents or details
- Stop driving the car if it’s unsafe or worsening the issue
The sooner we have everything we need, the sooner we can get to work.
We Help You Get Results Without the Wait
You’ve already spent enough time dealing with a faulty vehicle. Our team at The Lemon Firm is here to help you move forward without unnecessary delays. We work hard to resolve lemon law claims as efficiently as possible while still making sure you get the outcome you deserve.
If you think your car qualifies as a lemon, don’t wait. Contact us today to start the process. The sooner we begin, the closer you are to a solution.