If you bought or leased a vehicle in California and it keeps having serious issues that affect its safety, function, or value—even after multiple repair attempts—you may be eligible to file a lawsuit under California’s Lemon Law. This law exists to protect consumers stuck with defective cars and to hold manufacturers accountable.
The California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, requires manufacturers to replace or buy back vehicles that can’t be properly repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The law covers most new vehicles—and some used ones—as long as they’re still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
You may be eligible if: you bought or leased a vehicle in California, the vehicle has ongoing mechanical or electrical problems, you’ve taken it in for repairs multiple times, and the issues affect how the vehicle drives, its safety, or its value. The law applies to cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even some business vehicles.
When a vehicle repeatedly breaks down and the manufacturer fails to fix it or offer a replacement or refund, consumers often have no choice but to take legal action. These lawsuits aim to get drivers their money back—or a reliable replacement—when the manufacturer won’t make it right.
If you think you might have a lemon on your hands, here’s what to do:
California doesn’t just protect consumers — it leads the way. The state’s Lemon Law is one of the most consumer-friendly in the country, offering powerful protections for anyone stuck with a defective car. If your vehicle has problems that keep coming back, the law is on your side — but there’s a catch: you don’t have forever to act.
Recent updates to California law now limit how long you have to file a claim. You must bring a lawsuit within one year after your warranty ends, and no later than six years after you received the vehicle — even if the defect wasn’t obvious at first. That means the clock might already be ticking down, and waiting too long could cost you everything.
Manufacturers count on consumers giving up or missing deadlines. Don’t give them the upper hand. If you’ve taken your car in for repairs more than once for the same issue, or if it’s been out of service for too many days, you may be entitled to a full refund or replacement.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Don’t let delays rob you of your legal rights — talk to a Lemon Law attorney today and find out if you qualify.
Your Legal Options
If your car has been in the shop more times than you can count and you’re getting nowhere with the manufacturer, don’t wait. You may be entitled to compensation, a refund, or a new vehicle. An attorney can help you understand your rights and take the right steps forward.
Think you might have a lemon? You could be eligible to join a lawsuit. Contact a Lemon Law attorney to find out if your vehicle qualifies.
Hiring an experienced California Lemon Law lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. These lawyers know the ins and outs of the state’s specific laws — including recent updates to deadlines and consumer protections — and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Without legal guidance, many people settle for less than they deserve. Manufacturers may offer lowball buybacks, partial reimbursements, or deny claims outright. A seasoned attorney will know how to push back, build a strong case, and demand full compensation — not just for the cost of the vehicle, but also for things like:
Most importantly, your lawyer will handle the negotiations for you — or take the case to court if needed. That means no more back-and-forth with dealerships or automakers trying to delay or deny your claim.
When you have a lawyer who knows California’s Lemon Law inside and out, you’re not just filing a claim — you’re fighting to win.
