How the lemon law works
If your new or used vehicle came with the manufacturer's warranty and a defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or its dealers fail to repair it within a reasonable number of attempts, California law entitles you to a refund or replacement.
A refund means your down payment, your monthly payments, your registration, and payoff of the loan, minus only a mileage offset for the trouble-free miles before the first repair attempt.
Signs your car is a lemon
- Multiple repair visits for the same problem
- A safety defect like brakes or steering with even two failed attempts
- 30 or more cumulative days in the shop
- Problems that return right after warranty repairs
- Dealer says 'they all do that' or can't duplicate the issue
The manufacturer pays your lawyer, not you
Song-Beverly is a fee-shifting statute: when you win, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees and costs on top of your recovery. That means representation costs you nothing out of pocket, and refusing to hire a lawyer only helps the manufacturer.
Willful violations can add a civil penalty of up to two times your damages. Manufacturers know which firms are ready to prove willfulness at trial. It changes their math.
Every brand, gas or electric
Engines and transmissions, but also infotainment crashes, phantom braking, battery and charging failures, water leaks, and electrical gremlins. If it's under warranty and they can't fix it, it qualifies. Keep every repair order. Those documents are the case.
Questions we hear
How many repair attempts make a lemon?
There is no magic number. Two attempts on a serious safety defect, four on other substantial defects, or 30 days out of service are common guideposts. Close calls are exactly what free consultations are for.
Does the lemon law cover used cars?
Yes, if sold with the manufacturer's warranty still in effect or a dealer warranty. Certified pre-owned vehicles are frequently covered.
What if I'm still making payments, or the car is leased?
Both are covered. A buyback pays off the loan and refunds what you've paid. Leases qualify the same way.
What does hiring you cost?
Nothing up front and typically nothing ever, because the manufacturer pays fees when you prevail. We'll explain the engagement plainly before you sign.