Partner
Nothing is as frustrating as a car that keeps breaking down. Whether it’s a safety issue or a defect that makes driving unreliable, repeated trips to the repair shop can leave you feeling stuck. You deserve a vehicle that works as promised, and California Lemon Law gives you the power to hold manufacturers accountable. If the same problem keeps returning despite multiple repair attempts, you don’t have to settle for frustration. There’s a path forward, and it starts with knowing your rights.
What Is California Lemon Law?
California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease vehicles with persistent defects that the manufacturer fails to fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This law applies to vehicles covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty and ensures you are not stuck with a car that doesn’t perform as promised.
To qualify, the defect must significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. For example, issues with brakes, steering, or the engine often meet this standard. The law also applies if your vehicle spends 30 days or more cumulatively in the repair shop during the warranty period, even for multiple issues.
If the manufacturer cannot resolve the defect, California Lemon Law may entitle you to a replacement vehicle, a refund, or compensation. The law aims to ensure fairness for consumers and holds manufacturers accountable for delivering safe and reliable vehicles.
How Many Chances Does the Manufacturer Get?
California Lemon Law doesn’t allow manufacturers endless opportunities to repair a defective vehicle. Instead, the law sets clear standards for how many attempts are considered “reasonable” before you can take action. Generally, this depends on the nature of the defect and its impact on safety and usability.
For serious safety issues—like brake failure or steering problems—the manufacturer usually gets two attempts to fix the defect. These are defects that pose an immediate danger to you and others on the road. If the problem isn’t resolved after two repair attempts, the vehicle may qualify as a lemon.
For less critical but still significant defects, the manufacturer typically gets up to four repair attempts. These might include issues that reduce the car’s value or make it unreliable, such as persistent electrical problems or air conditioning malfunctions.
Additionally, the law includes a 30-day rule: if your car spends a cumulative 30 days or more in the shop for repairs during the warranty period, regardless of the type of defect, it may qualify for a claim.
It’s important to keep thorough records of all repair attempts, including dates and the nature of the defect. These details can strengthen your claim and ensure a smoother resolution under California Lemon Law.
What Happens If the Manufacturer Doesn’t Fix the Problem?
If the manufacturer can’t fix the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you have the right to take further action under California Lemon Law. This law ensures that you’re not stuck with a vehicle that fails to meet basic standards of safety, reliability, or value.
Once it’s clear the issue isn’t resolved, you may file a Lemon Law claim to seek remedies. These remedies often include a replacement vehicle, a refund of your purchase price (minus a usage fee), or monetary compensation. The law also requires manufacturers to cover your legal fees if you prevail, making it easier to hold them accountable.
It’s important to document every step of the repair process, including repair orders, invoices, and correspondence with the manufacturer. These records can provide critical evidence to support your claim and ensure you receive the resolution you deserve.
How We Can Help You File a Lemon Law Claim
At The Lemon Firm, we’re dedicated to helping you get the resolution you deserve under California Lemon Law. If your vehicle has a persistent defect that the manufacturer can’t or won’t fix, we’ll guide you through the claims process. Our team has extensive experience handling Lemon Law cases, and we know how to hold manufacturers accountable. We’ll review your repair records, assess your situation, and work to secure a replacement, refund, or compensation on your behalf.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorneys
Don’t let a defective vehicle disrupt your life—contact The Lemon Firm today for a free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.