What is the lemon law in California?

Prior to 1970, a person who bought a defective vehicle in California had to fight it out alone with the dealership and or powerful automobile manufacturers. It was a battle, where the California consumer lost too frequently. Out of these unfair battles and the State Legislature emerged the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, also known as the California Lemon Law.

The CA lemon law is a group of consumer protection statutes that exist to compensate consumers for their defective purchases, such as a new or leased defective vehicle, in California.

How does the lemon law work in California?

The consumer protection statutes that cover how the lemon law works in California establish two sets of standards: what vehicles are eligible, and what the owner or lessee and the manufacturer/dealership must do in order for the requirements to be met. Briefly, a car or truck usually must still be under warranty when a defect is discovered and the manufacturer must have had a chance to repair the issue a reasonable number or times or 30 days. The specifics can vary, so be sure to speak with an experienced lemon law attorney.

When is a car covered under the CA Lemon Law?

If you discover an issue with your new or used car, it's best to bring it into an authorized warranty repair shop. In doing so, you create a paper trail of attempted repairs towards a lemon law claim. However, if your vehicle is covered within the warranty period, and it was unable to repaired properly after at least one attempt, you could still be covered under the CA Lemon Law. How? Call us for a free consultation to see if you qualify. 323-486-0102

What does the CA lemon law cover?

The California lemon law covers both new and used vehicles that were sold with a written warranty. When a warrantied vehicle has a substantial defect, or is just UNSAFE, the California lemon law should cover this. Also, you can receive the value of the vehicle purchased in terms of payments you made on your lease or purchase, and other associated fees.

Is there a Lemon Law for used cars as well?

Yes. California used-car consumers are potentially protected under the California Lemon law in a couple of ways.

Number 1: if they bought a car that is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, the defects repaired under that manufacturer warranty, are potentially eligible for compensation under the California lemon law.

Number 2. Consumers of used cars that are sold at a buy-here-pay-here dealership or the dealer sold it with a 30-day written warranty or similar short-term promise.

As to both, court cases have recently added limits for used cars problems, so warranty coverage is not guaranteed.

What happens when you win a lemon law case?

After winning a lemon law case, you can either have your car bought back or do a cash and keep. In both instances, you will also be entitled to certain costs which you incurred as a result of your faulty vehicle.

When does a lemon law buyback happen?

When a car dealer or manufacturer fails to completely repair your vehicle after a few attempts (or over 30 days), they are required to make a cash offer for the value of the vehicle along with other expenses. This is where Lemon Law Cali and our top-rated lemon law consumer lawyer comes in handy! We file a lawsuit on your behalf and use the lemon law statutes to your benefit.

If your car has a safety issue, making it unsafe to drive, it may potentially also be considered a lemon. Your car may be eligible for a California Lemon Law buyback due to being unsafe!

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

If you have a lemon, it's important to file a claim once it is not being fixed. It's also essential that your car was serviced a few times under the manufacturer's warranty.

How do you know if the CA Lemon Law Applies to you?

The California Lemon Law can be applied to any vehicle, car, RV, motorcycle, motorboat, and even a mobile home, either used or brand new.

If your motor vehicle at the dealership isn't fixed in a timely manner or, has a defect which isn't properly repaired after a few attempts; your vehicle is most likely a LEMON.

How long does the lemon law process take?

Receiving a replacement or compensation for your defective vehicle depends on the facts of your case when it comes to the length of the court or arbitration process. It may take as little as several months or years. It all depends on how hard the manufacturer or dealer wants to fight you.