How the Lemon Law Applies to Motorhomes and Other RVs

When your dream RV turns into a constant repair project, it can take the fun out of traveling. You didn’t plan for extended stays at the dealership or delayed vacations. The good news is that California’s lemon law doesn’t just apply to cars—it can also offer protection for certain motorhomes and recreational vehicles. We’ll walk you through how the law works, what’s covered, and what you can do if your RV keeps breaking down.

What Kinds of RVs Are Covered?

California’s lemon law doesn’t just apply to cars and trucks. It also covers a wide range of recreational vehicles, as long as they’re sold with a manufacturer’s warranty.

You may be protected if you own:

Motorhomes, including Class A, B, and C models
Towable RVs, such as travel trailers and fifth wheels
Vehicle systems, like the chassis, engine, drivetrain, or suspension (for motorhomes)
Warrantied components of towables, such as electrical systems, structural elements, or braking systems

Keep in mind that while many parts of a motorhome are clearly covered, certain items, like the plumbing or appliances, may fall outside the lemon law if they weren’t made or warranted by the RV manufacturer. But thanks to updates in California law, even towable RV owners now have clear protections if their trailer has serious defects that can’t be fixed.

Common Defects We See in RV Claims

RVs are more complex than most vehicles, so when something goes wrong, it’s often more than just an inconvenience. We’ve seen the following issues lead to successful lemon law claims:

Engine stalling or failure
Leaks in the fuel system
Transmission problems that affect driving
Brake or steering system failures
Electrical shorts or battery drain
Repeated water intrusion or frame warping (depending on the warranty)

A few issues here or there may not be enough, but repeated problems, especially those that affect safety, can support a strong claim. If your RV keeps returning to the shop for the same defect, or if it’s been unusable for long stretches, it may qualify.

How the Lemon Law Works for RV Owners

California’s lemon law applies when the manufacturer fails to fix a defect that affects the use, value, or safety of your RV. Here’s what you need to know:

The problem must show up during the warranty period.
You must give the manufacturer a chance to fix it. Usually, this means at least two repair attempts for a serious issue or four total attempts for a less severe one.
Or, your RV has been out of service for 30 or more days.

If your RV meets those conditions, you may be eligible for:

A buyback or replacement vehicle
Reimbursement for repair-related costs (including towing, rental, or hotel stays)

We’ll work with you to review your repair history, submit a claim, and deal directly with the manufacturer on your behalf.

What’s Not Covered Under the Lemon Law?

While the lemon law offers broad protection, it doesn’t apply to everything. Here are some common exclusions:

Normal wear and tear
Damage caused by neglect, misuse, or unauthorized modifications
Non-vehicle systems like furniture, cabinetry, or plumbing, unless they’re covered by a separate warranty
Repairs made after the warranty period ends

That said, some components not covered by the lemon law may still be eligible for help under other consumer laws or warranty programs. We can help you explore your options.

Steps to Take if You Think You Bought a Lemon RV

If your RV keeps letting you down, it’s time to take action. Start by doing the following:

Keep detailed records. Save every repair invoice, service report, and correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer.
Track downtime. Make a note of every day your RV is in the shop or otherwise unusable.
Send written notice. Notify the manufacturer that your RV isn’t being repaired properly. This can be done by certified mail or email.
Act quickly. There’s a limited time to file a lemon law claim, so don’t wait too long.

Even if you’re unsure whether your RV qualifies, it’s worth getting a free case review. We’ll take a look at your situation and let you know where you stand.

Don’t Let a Lemon RV Stall Your Plans

You bought your RV to enjoy the open road, not to keep pouring time and money into repairs. If you’re stuck with a motorhome that keeps breaking down, you may have legal rights under California’s lemon law. At The Lemon Firm, we’ve helped many RV owners across the state find real solutions. We’re ready to help you move forward, whether that means a refund or a replacement.