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What Is the California Lemon Law?
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — commonly known as the Lemon Law — protects buyers and lessees of new and used vehicles that turn out to be defective. If your vehicle has persistent mechanical problems that the dealership can't fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle, a full refund, or cash compensation.
The law applies to cars, trucks, SUVs, and other motor vehicles purchased or leased in California that are still covered by the manufacturer's original warranty. You don't need to wait until the warranty expires — if the vehicle is defective now, you may already qualify.
Do You Qualify?
You may have a valid Lemon Law claim if ALL of the following apply:
- Purchased or leased in California — The vehicle was bought or leased from a California dealership within the last three years and is a 2023 or newer model.
- Warranty issues — While still under the manufacturer's warranty, the vehicle meets at least one of these conditions:
- Out of service at the dealership for a total of 30 or more days
- Taken to the dealership 2 or more times for the same safety-related problem
- Taken to the dealership 4 or more times for the same non-safety problem
- Documentation available — You have the acquisition agreement and repair attempt records.
- Named on the agreement — You are the purchaser or lessee listed on the contract.
- Still in possession — You currently have the vehicle.
No Upfront Costs. No Risk.
Lemon Law attorneys work on a contingency basis — the manufacturer pays your legal fees if you win. There's no cost to you to find out if you qualify.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Under California's Lemon Law, if your vehicle qualifies, you may be entitled to one or more of the following:
- Vehicle replacement — A new vehicle of the same make and model
- Full refund — Return of the purchase price, including down payment, monthly payments, and registration fees
- Cash compensation — A negotiated cash settlement
- Attorney's fees — The manufacturer is required to pay your legal costs if you prevail
The specific remedy depends on the severity of the defect, the number of repair attempts, and the overall circumstances of your case. An experienced Lemon Law attorney can help you understand which option gives you the best outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. Lemon Law attorneys typically work on contingency, and California law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney's fees if you win your case.
You'll need your vehicle acquisition agreement (purchase or lease contract) and records of your repair attempts from the dealership. Service records showing dates, complaints, and work performed are essential to proving your case.
No. California's Lemon Law covers both new and used vehicles, as long as they were still under the manufacturer's original warranty when the defects occurred. Your vehicle must be a 2023 or newer model purchased or leased within the last three years.
Most cases are resolved within 3-6 months, though some may take longer depending on the manufacturer and complexity of the issue. Many cases settle without going to trial.
Recurring problems are exactly what the Lemon Law is designed to address. If the same issue keeps appearing after multiple repair attempts, that strengthens your case. Keep records of every visit.
The defects must have originally occurred while the vehicle was under warranty. However, even if the warranty has since expired, you may still have a valid claim if the problems started during the coverage period.
You must be named on the acquisition agreement as the purchaser or lessee. If you bought the vehicle used but are listed on the current purchase agreement, you may still qualify.