California Lemon Law Lawyer

Have you purchased or leased a vehicle that's constantly in the repair shop? Are you dealing with recurring problems that affect your vehicle's safety, value, or usability? At Class Action 101, our California Lemon Law lawyers help consumers throughout the state recover compensation for defective vehicles. Contact us for a free consultation and discover how we can help turn your lemon situation around.

What is the California Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, provides protection for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. When you purchase or lease a lemon vehicle in California, you are entitled to certain rights and protections that offer the opportunity to seek compensation for the financial stress you have experienced.

The law requires manufacturers to repair vehicles under warranty. If they cannot fix your vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund.

What Qualifies as a "Lemon" in California?

The California Lemon Law provides specific criteria that must be met for a vehicle to be classified as a "lemon" and eligible for compensation.

• Warranty Coverage: The vehicle must be covered by the manufacturer's warranty at the time the defect was first reported to the manufacturer or dealer.
• Substantial Defect: The vehicle must have a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, making it unreliable or unsafe to drive.
• Reasonable Repair Attempts: The manufacturer must have been given a reasonable number of opportunities to fix the recurring problem without success.
• Purchase Location: The vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California from a retailer selling that particular brand.
• Repair Timeline: Typically, four repair attempts for the same issue or two attempts for serious safety defects constitutes a "reasonable number" of repair attempts.
• Out of Service: A vehicle that has been in the repair shop for 30 or more calendar days (not necessarily consecutive) may qualify as a lemon.
• California Residency: The vehicle must be registered in California and used primarily within the state.
• Defect Discovery Period: The problem must have occurred within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first, though claims can be filed later.

At Class Action 101, our California Lemon Law lawyers thoroughly evaluate your vehicle's repair history to determine if it meets these qualifications and build the strongest possible case for your claim.

Important 2025 California Lemon Law Changes

The California Lemon Law has undergone significant changes effective in 2025 that affect how claims are processed. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1755 into law to speed up the process of resolving lemon law claims, though some argue the new rules weaken existing protections.

Key changes include:

1. New Statute of Limitations: Plaintiffs now have just one year after the final warranty expires to file suit or six years total after the delivery of a vehicle. This makes it more urgent than ever to consult with a California Lemon Law lawyer promptly.
2. Pre-Litigation Demand Requirement: To preserve your right to seek triple damages under the lemon law, you need to send a pre-suit demand letter to the manufacturer, demanding that they buy back or replace your vehicle.
3. Manufacturer Response Time: Automakers must now respond to a consumer's written complaint within 30 days. Previously, there was no requirement for car makers to respond to consumers.
4. Consumer Possession Requirement: Consumers must maintain possession of their vehicle when sending a demand letter and for a certain period afterward.
5. Civil Penalty Eligibility: Under the new law, consumers must send out the pre-suit demand letter and give the manufacturer a chance to repurchase the car pre-suit, or they cannot claim the civil penalty.

Our California Lemon Law lawyers at Class Action 101 stay current with these legal changes to ensure your claim is handled properly under the latest regulations.

How a California Lemon Law Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation

At Class Action 101, our California Lemon Law lawyers use proven strategies to ensure clients receive the maximum compensation possible for their defective vehicles.

• Case Evaluation: Our California lemon law attorneys meticulously analyze your vehicle's repair history and documentation to build a compelling case that meets all statutory requirements.
• Documentation Expertise: Our California lemon law lawyers know exactly which records to gather and how to present them to demonstrate the recurring nature of your vehicle's defects.
• Manufacturer Knowledge: Our California lemon law lawyer firm maintains detailed information on each manufacturer's history of defects and settlement patterns, allowing us to negotiate from a position of strength.
• Pre-Litigation Strategy: Our California lemon law lawyers craft effective demand letters that preserve your right to civil penalties while clearly presenting your case to the manufacturer.
• Settlement Negotiation: California Lemon Law lawyers understand the true value of your claim and refuse to accept lowball offers that undervalue your losses.
• Civil Penalty Pursuit: When appropriate, our California lemon law lawyers aggressively seek civil penalties up to twice the value of your vehicle for manufacturers who willfully violate the law.
• Trial Experience: If negotiations fail, our California Lemon Law lawyers have the courtroom experience to effectively present your case to a judge or jury.
• Fee Recovery: Our California lemon law lawyers ensure all attorney fees are recovered from the manufacturer as provided by law, maximizing your compensation without reducing your award.
• Incidental Cost Recovery: Our attorneys identify and pursue reimbursement for all related expenses including, rentals, towing, and other costs incurred due to your defective vehicle.

Don't settle for less than you deserve. Class Action 101's California Lemon Law lawyers have recovered millions in compensation for our clients by employing these strategies throughout California lemon law lawsuits.

What Are Consumers' Rights Under California Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law, part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, provides substantial protections for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles in our state.

• Repair Rights: Consumers have the right to have warranty-covered defects repaired by the manufacturer or its authorized dealers at no cost within a reasonable time period.
• Replacement Option: If the manufacturer cannot fix the vehicle after a reasonable number of repair attempts, consumers have the right to request a replacement vehicle with substantially similar features and options.
• Refund Entitlement: Alternatively, consumers can choose a refund (buyback) of the purchase price, including taxes, registration fees, and finance charges, minus a reasonable amount for vehicle usage.
• Civil Penalty Recovery: In cases where manufacturers willfully violate the law, consumers may recover up to two times their actual damages as additional compensation.
• Attorney Fee Coverage: Consumers have the right to have their attorney fees paid by the manufacturer if they prevail in a California lemon law lawsuit.
• Pre-Litigation Resolution: Under 2025 law changes, consumers have the right to send a formal demand letter and receive a manufacturer response within 30 days.
• Used Vehicle Protection: Consumers who purchase used vehicles with remaining manufacturer warranties have rights similar to new vehicle purchasers for defects arising during that warranty period.
• Arbitration Alternative: Consumers may choose to resolve their claims through manufacturer-sponsored arbitration programs, though they retain the right to reject unsatisfactory decisions.
• Documentation Access: Consumers have the right to obtain copies of all repair records related to their vehicle from dealers and manufacturers.

At Class Action 101, our California Lemon Law lawyers work diligently to ensure manufacturers honor these important consumer rights, helping you navigate the complexities of the law to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Who is Liable for Damages of a Lemon?

Under California Lemon Law, understanding which parties can be held responsible for a defective vehicle is crucial for consumers seeking compensation through California lemon law lawsuits.

• Vehicle Manufacturers: The primary liable party in most California lemon law cases is the manufacturer who produced the defective vehicle and issued the warranty covering the defects.
• Distributors and Importers: In cases involving foreign vehicles, the official U.S. distributor or importer may share liability as they often serve as the manufacturer's representative in warranty matters.
• Extended Warranty Providers: Third-party warranty companies that sell service contracts may be liable for certain defects covered under their extended protection plans, though different rules apply compared to manufacturer warranties.
• Dealerships: While dealers typically aren't directly liable under the California Lemon Law, they can face separate claims for misrepresentation, fraud, or unfair business practices if they knowingly sold a defective vehicle.
• Component Manufacturers: In specific circumstances, companies that manufactured defective parts incorporated into the vehicle may share some liability, particularly in cases involving aftermarket components.
• Corporate Parent Companies: When a vehicle brand is owned by a larger corporation, the parent company may ultimately bear financial responsibility for lemon law settlements and judgments.
• Successor Companies: If a manufacturer has been acquired or merged with another company since your vehicle purchase, the successor corporation generally assumes lemon law liabilities.
• Fleet Managers: For company vehicles, the fleet management company may have some responsibility if they interfered with warranty service or repairs.

At Class Action 101, our California Lemon Law lawyers carefully identify all potentially liable parties to ensure maximum compensation for our clients. By holding the appropriate entities accountable, our California lemon law lawyers help consumers recover damages ranging from refunds and replacements to civil penalties when manufacturers willfully violate the law.

Signs Your Vehicle May Be a Lemon

If you've been experiencing persistent problems with your recently purchased or leased vehicle, you may be dealing with a lemon under California Lemon Law. Our California Lemon Law lawyers at Class Action 101 help identify these telltale indicators.

• Repeated Repairs: Your vehicle has required multiple repair attempts for the same issue, suggesting a persistent defect that dealership technicians cannot properly fix.
• Extended Repair Time: Your vehicle has spent a cumulative total of 30 days or more in the repair shop since purchase, even for different issues.
• Safety Concerns: Your vehicle exhibits problems affecting braking, steering, acceleration, or other safety systems that could potentially cause an accident.
• Check Engine Light: The warning light repeatedly illuminates despite numerous repair attempts to address the underlying problem.
• Transmission Problems: Your vehicle exhibits jerking, slipping, hesitation, or complete failure when shifting gears, severely affecting drivability.
• Electrical Malfunctions: You experience recurring issues with the electrical system, including dashboard warnings, battery drain, or computer system failures.
• Strange Noises: Your vehicle produces unusual sounds during operation that mechanics cannot diagnose or fix despite multiple attempts.
• Performance Issues: Your vehicle consistently experiences stalling, rough idling, power loss, or hesitation that impairs normal driving.
• Fluid Leaks: Your vehicle has persistent fluid leaks that require repeated repair visits but continue to recur.
• Water Intrusion: Your vehicle allows water to enter the interior or critical components during normal conditions, leading to electrical issues or interior damage.
• Software Glitches: Your newer vehicle experiences persistent technology or infotainment system failures that service technicians cannot permanently resolve.
• Brake Problems: Your vehicle's braking system exhibits grinding, squealing, pulsating, or reduced stopping power despite multiple repair attempts.

If you're experiencing any of these issues with your vehicle under warranty, contact the California Lemon Law lawyers at Class Action 101 immediately for a free consultation. Time limitations apply to filing California lemon law lawsuits, and our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case to determine if you qualify for a refund, replacement, or substantial compensation.

What To Do If You Suspect Your Vehicle is a Lemon

If you believe your vehicle might qualify as a lemon under California law, taking prompt and strategic action is essential to protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation.

• Document Every Issue: Keep detailed records of every problem your vehicle experiences, including dates, descriptions, and how each issue affects the vehicle's safety, value, or usability.
• Report Problems Immediately: Notify your dealership promptly about any defects and insist that all issues be documented on official repair orders, even if they claim they cannot reproduce the problem.
• Maintain Repair Records: Collect and organize all repair orders, ensuring they accurately describe the issues, repairs attempted, and parts replaced for each visit to the dealership.
• Follow Warranty Procedures: Take your vehicle to authorized dealerships for all repairs and follow the manufacturer's warranty process exactly to avoid potential challenges to your claim.
• Track Down Time: Keep a calendar noting exactly how many days your vehicle spends in the shop, as 30 cumulative days out of service often qualifies a vehicle as a lemon regardless of the type of repairs.
• Record Conversations: When legal in California, consider recording conversations with dealership representatives or keep detailed notes with dates, names, and what was discussed during each interaction.
• Take Photos and Videos: Capture visual evidence of defects, warning lights, unusual behavior, or any physical manifestation of problems to strengthen your California lemon law claim.
• Preserve Communications: Save all emails, text messages, letters, and other communications with the dealership and manufacturer regarding your vehicle's issues.
• Research TSBs and Recalls: Check if the manufacturer has issued Technical Service Bulletins or recalls related to your specific problem, as these documents can support your case.
• Draft a Demand Letter: Under the 2025 California lemon law changes, sending a formal written demand to the manufacturer is required to preserve your right to civil penalties.
• Avoid DIY Repairs: Refrain from attempting repairs yourself or taking the vehicle to independent mechanics, as this could complicate your lemon law claim.
• Consult a California Lemon Law Lawyer: Contact a qualified attorney like those at Class Action 101 who specializes in lemon law cases before accepting any settlement offers from the manufacturer.

Don't wait until it's too late to take action. The 2025 changes to California's lemon law include stricter timelines for filing claims. Contact Class Action 101's California Lemon Law lawyers for a free consultation to evaluate your case and develop a strategic plan to secure the compensation you deserve.

Don't Let a Lemon Sour Your Life

Take the first step toward justice today. At Class Action 101, our California Lemon Law lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. With recent changes to California lemon law effective in 2025, timely action is more important than ever. Contact us for a free consultation and discover how we can help turn your lemon situation around.

California Lemon Law Lawyer FAQs

At Class Action 101, our California Lemon Law lawyers receive many questions about consumer rights and the legal process. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions we haven't already covered elsewhere.

Does California Lemon Law apply to private party purchases?

California Lemon Law generally does not apply to private party purchases since these transactions don't include manufacturer warranties. However, if the vehicle still has its original manufacturer warranty that transferred with the sale, you may have some protection.

Are motorcycles covered under California Lemon Law?

Yes, motorcycles purchased with a manufacturer's warranty are protected under California Lemon Law just like cars and trucks. The same standards regarding reasonable repair attempts apply.

How long do manufacturers have to buy back my vehicle after agreeing to do so?

Under the 2025 law changes, manufacturers have 60 days to complete the buyback transaction once they've agreed to repurchase your vehicle, or they face penalties of $50 per day beyond that timeframe.

Does modifying my vehicle void my Lemon Law rights?

Minor modifications generally don't affect your rights, but significant aftermarket changes that could have contributed to the vehicle's problems might limit your claim. Our California Lemon Law lawyers can evaluate your specific situation.

Will I owe taxes on my Lemon Law settlement?

The tax implications vary based on your settlement structure. Refunds of your original purchase price generally aren't taxable, but additional compensation might be. We recommend consulting with a tax professional about your specific settlement.

Can I still pursue a Lemon Law claim if I've moved out of California?

If you purchased your vehicle in California while residing here, you may still qualify for protection even if you've since moved to another state. The critical factor is where the vehicle was originally purchased or leased.

What if my car's problems began after the warranty expired?

If you can demonstrate the defect originated during the warranty period but wasn't properly diagnosed until after expiration, you may still have a valid claim. Documentation of earlier complaints about similar symptoms is crucial.

How do California Lemon Law claims affect vehicle history reports?

Successful claims typically result in a "Lemon Law Buyback" designation on the vehicle's title and history reports, which manufacturers are required to disclose if they later resell the vehicle.