Buying a new vehicle should bring reliability and peace of mind, not ongoing mechanical issues and frustration. If your car keeps returning to the repair shop, California’s Lemon Law may offer you strong protection. One of the biggest questions consumers ask is: How long does a lemon law case take in California?
There is no single timeline that applies to every case. The duration depends on factors such as the seriousness of the defect, the manufacturer’s cooperation, the quality of documentation, and whether the case settles informally or proceeds to litigation. Below is a clear breakdown of what you can expect during the lemon law process.
Step 1: Identifying the Lemon (Weeks to Months)
Before a claim can begin, your vehicle must meet the legal standards for a lemon.
In California, a car typically qualifies when the defect is substantial, impacts safety or performance, and remains unresolved despite multiple repair attempts under the manufacturer’s original warranty.
Some owners recognize recurring problems within the first few weeks, while others need several months to gather enough repair documentation. The time spent here depends mainly on how quickly defects appear and how promptly repair records are collected.
Good documentation during this phase often leads to a faster overall timeline.
Step 2: Notifying the Manufacturer (1 to 2 Weeks)
Once you and your lemon law attorney determine that your vehicle meets lemon law criteria, a formal demand letter is sent to the manufacturer.
This letter clearly outlines the defect, the repair history, and your request for a refund or replacement.
Manufacturers generally respond within a few weeks. While many do reply promptly, there is no strict legal deadline requiring a response within 30 days.
Response time varies widely depending on the manufacturer and the complexity of the claim.
Step 3: Settlement Negotiation or Arbitration (30 to 90 Days)
After receiving the demand, manufacturers typically begin evaluating the claim. Many cases resolve during this stage.
Some manufacturers offer a buyback or replacement quickly, while others propose a cash settlement if the defect does not fully qualify under statutory standards. If negotiations stall, your attorney may recommend arbitration.
Arbitration is often quicker than court litigation but still requires time for scheduling, review, and decision-making.
Most lemon law claims that do not require a lawsuit are resolved in two to four months, especially when the repair history is well-documented.
Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit (3 to 6 Months or More)
If the manufacturer refuses to settle fairly, the next step is litigation.
A lemon law lawsuit in California may take anywhere from a few months to over a year. The timeline depends on:
- Court scheduling and backlog
- Discovery, document exchange, and expert evaluations
- Manufacturer delays
- Whether the case proceeds to trial
Although litigation takes longer, it may be necessary when the manufacturer denies responsibility. California law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees if you win, which allows consumers to pursue valid claims without paying out of pocket.
Step 5: Receiving Your Settlement or Buyback
Once a settlement is reached or a judgment is issued, the manufacturer must finalize the refund, replacement, or cash payment. Many consumers receive their buyback check or replacement vehicle within 15 to 30 days after resolution. The exact timing depends on the manufacturer’s processing procedures and whether any additional documents are required.
Factors That Influence Your Lemon Law Timeline
Several elements can speed up or slow down your case. Clear documentation of repairs usually speeds up negotiations. Safety-related defects also tend to move faster because manufacturers treat these claims more urgently. Cases involving rare or intermittent defects may require more investigation. Experienced legal representation often shortens the process, as attorneys know how to present evidence, negotiate effectively, and counter delay tactics.
How Long Does a California Lemon Law Case Take on Average?
Although every case is unique, here is a general estimate of what consumers experience:
| Case Type | Estimated Timeline |
| Informal Settlement | 60 to 120 days |
| Arbitration | 60 to 150 days |
| Full Litigation | 3 to 12 months or longer |
Do Not Wait to Start Your Claim
Acting early helps protect your rights and improves the likelihood of a faster resolution. Manufacturers often respond more quickly when an attorney is involved from the beginning, and the documentation is clear.
At Court House Lawyers, we streamline the entire process for you. Unlike many firms, we never take fees from your refund or settlement check. The manufacturer pays our fees, and your check is issued directly to you. You keep your entire recovery and can move forward with getting a reliable replacement vehicle without delays.
If your vehicle keeps breaking down and the dealer has not fixed the problem, do not wait. Our team is ready to guide you through the process from start to finish.
Contact Court House Lawyers today for a free consultation and learn how to get the refund or replacement you deserve.
