Frequently Asked Questions

To see if you can make a Lemon Law claim in California, your car must meet certain criteria. These include:

• The car has a serious problem that was not caused by an accident
• The problem is covered by the warranty
• You have tried to get the problem fixed a reasonable number of times, usually at least two or three, but the problem is still there
• The problem must be significant enough to affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
• The car has been in the shop for repairs for a certain number of days, usually more than 30 days in total

If your situation matches the above, you likely have a lemon and are eligible to make a claim under California’s Lemon Law. This law is in place to ensure you’re not stuck with a defective car and ensures that the manufacturer makes it right by fixing the car, replacing it, or giving you your money back.

To make a claim under the Lemon Law, start by understanding the lemon law claim process. Gather all your repair records, warranty information, and any communication with the dealer or manufacturer. Then, notify a qualified Attorney about the problem and your intention to make a Lemon Law claim. Be wary about accepting terms offered by the manufacturer, as it is in their best interest to keep these issues out of the public eye. This also allows them to minimize the financial burden of compensating you correctly. Car manufacturers often present to their customers that they have a process for dealing with these claims, but you should always consult a lawyer who specializes in these cases.

California’s Lemon Law is there to ensure that if you feel stuck with a defective car, you’re not stuck with the bill for a mistake you didn’t make. It’s about making things right when a vehicle doesn’t meet the standards the manufacturer promised to you.

In California, the Lemon Law covers new and some used cars that are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty. To qualify, your car must have a substantial defect that affects its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to fix it.  The law considers it reasonable if the manufacturer tries to repair the same problem at least four times or if your car is out of service for more than 30 days due to repairs. 

Also, if there’s a serious safety defect, it might only need two repair attempts. These criteria are crucial when filing a legal lemon law claim to ensure that your case meets the necessary requirements for a favorable settlement.