Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorneys

If you have purchased or leased a new automobile in California that has been plagued by defects, your vehicle may be a “lemon.” Under California’s lemon law, you have the right to pursue a claim to obtain a replacement vehicle or a refund. Although our State’s lemon law is one of the strongest consumer laws in the nation, it often takes a highly skilled lemon law attorney to effectively enforce your rights. That’s where we come in.

California’s Lemon Law, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, is designed to protect you if your new vehicle has significant defects. It holds manufacturers accountable when they fail to repair a car that doesn’t meet basic quality and performance standards. At The Lemon Firm, we understand how frustrating and inconvenient a defective vehicle can be. We can help you get the resolution you deserve, whether that’s a replacement vehicle, a refund, or another remedy under the law.

What Vehicles Does the California Lemon Law Cover?

Man on cell phone looking under the hood of his car

The California Lemon Law primarily covers new vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use. It ensures manufacturers address significant defects impairing the vehicle’s functionality, safety, or value. However, specific qualifications and exclusions must be considered.

Vehicles Covered

New vehicles: Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles used primarily for personal purposes.
Business vehicles: Vehicles purchased by businesses, provided they weigh under 10,000 pounds and the company owns no more than five vehicles.
Leased vehicles: New vehicles under a lease agreement.

Vehicles Excluded

Used vehicles: As of 2024, used cars are only covered if they are Certified Pre-Owned vehicles sold with a new car warranty. Vehicles sold “as-is” or without a warranty are excluded.
Off-road vehicles: Vehicles not registered for highway use are typically excluded.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, we can help evaluate your situation and guide you on your next steps.

What Qualifies as a Lemon?

Not every vehicle issue qualifies as a lemon under California’s Lemon Law. To be considered a lemon, the vehicle must have a significant defect that substantially impairs its use, safety, or value. This defect must occur within the warranty period, and the manufacturer or authorized dealer must have been given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the problem.

A “reasonable number of repair attempts” is generally defined as:

The same problem persists after at least two attempts to repair a serious safety defect, such as faulty brakes or steering.
The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs.
Four or more attempts have been made to repair a recurring defect that is not safety-related.

The law only applies to issues not caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications.

Common defects that may qualify include:

Engine or transmission failure
Electrical system malfunctions
Faulty braking or steering systems
Problems with airbags or seatbelts

It’s essential to keep detailed records of all repair attempts, including repair orders, dates, and communications with the manufacturer. These records are essential in proving your vehicle meets the legal criteria for a lemon.

Remedies Available Under the California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law provides several remedies for consumers stuck with defective vehicles, ensuring that manufacturers are held accountable for significant issues that impair a vehicle’s safety, value, or use. If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies:

Refund: You can recover the purchase price of the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments, and registration fees. However, the manufacturer may deduct a “usage fee” based on mileage driven before the defect was first reported.
Replacement: The manufacturer must provide a comparable new vehicle, and you can exchange the defective car instead of accepting a refund.
Repair reimbursement: If the manufacturer fails to resolve the defect during the warranty period, you may be reimbursed for repair costs.

Additionally, manufacturers must cover attorney fees and court costs, ensuring consumers can pursue claims without financial hardship.

Recent Changes to the Law

Smiling couple in front seat of their car

Recent changes to California’s Lemon Law have reshaped how claims are handled. Assembly Bill 1755, enacted in 2024, introduced mandatory mediation. Consumers must now attempt to resolve disputes through mediation before filing a lawsuit. This change aims to make the process more efficient and potentially avoid lengthy court battles.

Another significant development is the Rodriguez v. FCA decision, which limited the California Lemon Law protections for used cars. Buyers with an unexpired manufacturer’s warranty can no longer seek a refund or replacement unless the vehicle was sold with a new car warranty, such as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. While repairs may still be covered under the warranty, buyers cannot demand a buyback.

These updates reinforce the importance of understanding your rights under the law. At The Lemon Firm, we’re here to guide you through these changes.

How We Can Help You

At The Lemon Firm, we focus on protecting the rights of California consumers dealing with defective vehicles. We understand the stress and inconvenience caused by a car that doesn’t perform as it should. Our team is dedicated to helping you understand your options under the law and ensuring manufacturers are held accountable. With our experience and commitment, we work to secure the remedies you’re entitled to, whether that’s a refund, replacement, or other resolution.

Contact Our Experienced California Lemon Law Attorneys

California’s Lemon Law protects you when your vehicle fails to meet basic standards of quality and reliability. If you’re dealing with a defective car, The Lemon Firm is ready to help you take action. Contact us today to discuss your case and secure the resolution you deserve.