Get the Best California Lemon Law Attorney to Represent You!

California’s Lemon Law, also called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act ensures that consumers who purchase or lease vehicles with defects are protected. If the manufacturer or dealer cannot fix the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to compensation.

Options for Resolution Include:

• Replacement: A comparable vehicle of the same make and model.
• Repurchase: A full refund, including taxes and fees, minus a mileage offset.
• Other resolutions: A negotiated cash settlement or additional damages may be available depending on the facts. Civil penalties require a separate legal showing.

California law may also allow a prevailing buyer to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer. The result depends on the claim and its outcome.

California Lemon Law applies to:

• New and certified pre-owned vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Used vehicles sold with remaining factory warranties.
• Cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, and certain business vehicles (weighing less than 10,000 lbs with five or fewer vehicles owned by the business).

Exclusions include minor defects that do not affect safety, use, or value and issues caused by misuse or unauthorized modifications.

To qualify for California Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act), the defect must:

• Be substantial, affecting the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
• Arise while the vehicle is under the manufacturer’s express warranty. There is no 18-month cutoff — a claim can succeed on defects that appear later in the warranty period.
• Remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts. California presumes that standard is met if, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the same defect was repaired four or more times, the vehicle was out of service for more than 30 cumulative days, or the defect was subject to two or more repairs and is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury (Civ. Code § 1793.22(b)). Outside that window the claim still stands — it simply requires proof instead of the presumption.
• A lawsuit generally must be filed within four years (Code Civ. Proc. § 337).

For a step-by-step eligibility explanation, read California Lemon Law Qualifications: Does Your Car Qualify?

California Lemon Law covers significant defects that interfere with the vehicle’s operation or safety. Examples include:

• Engine failure
• Squealing brakes
• Coolant leaks
• Window leaks
• Electrical failure
• Transmission issues
• And more…

These defects must persist after a reasonable number of repair attempts and be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

California Lemon Law doesn’t just protect new car buyers, it also applies to used vehicles in certain cases:

• The defect must still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
• It must affect the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
• The defect must remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

If your used car meets these conditions, you may have a valid claim. We’re here to help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

• Proven Expertise: Over 10 years of success with thousands of cases.
• No Upfront Fees: In most cases the manufacturer pays our fees; your agreement explains any costs.
• 24/7 Availability: We’re here whenever you need us.
• Comprehensive Support: From start to finish, we handle every detail.
• Full Case Evaluation: We assess whether additional damages or civil penalties may be available under the facts.