If your car spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, you’re not alone. Across the U.S., nearly 150,000 vehicles each year are estimated to qualify as lemons under state laws.
Even more concerning, a YourMechanic survey found that two-thirds (68%) of lemon cars start showing defects within just one month of purchase.—long before most buyers expect serious issues.
California Lemon Law exists to protect consumers who are stuck with defective vehicles that can’t be fixed, no matter how many times they go back to the dealer. Whether your vehicle struggles with engine problems, brake failures, or other common car defects covered by Lemon Law, you don’t have to accept endless repairs.
In this article, you’ll learn what California Lemon Law is, which vehicles qualify under the law, how the process works once your car hits repair thresholds and practical steps to take if you think you’ve been sold a lemon.
What Is the California Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects buyers and lessees of vehicles that can’t be properly repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
Enacted in 1970, California’s Lemon Law was one of the first of its kind in the U.S. Originally limited to new cars, it later expanded to cover leased vehicles, some used cars, and even business-use vehicles. Today, it’s considered one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country.
If your car qualifies, the manufacturer must offer you one of three remedies:
- A replacement vehicle of equal value
- A refund of your purchase or lease price
- A cash settlement, plus coverage of out-of-pocket costs like towing or rental cars
With California’s strong protections, you don’t have to accept endless repairs or unsafe vehicles. You have legal leverage to demand fairness.
Which Vehicles Are Covered?
Not every car on the road qualifies under Lemon Law, but the scope is broader than many people think. Coverage includes:
- Personal-use vehicles – Cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles purchased or leased for family or household purposes.
- Business-use vehicles – If your company has five or fewer vehicles registered under its name.
- Warranty coverage – The issues must arise while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Some Certified Pre-Owned vehicles – As long as they’re still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty at the time of purchase.
Some examples of eligible vehicles include a family SUV with repeated transmission issues under warranty, a small contractor’s work truck (if the company has five or fewer vehicles), or a certified pre-owned Tesla still covered by factory warranty.
If your car is still under warranty and keeps failing, it’s worth checking if Lemon Law protections apply. Whether it’s your daily driver, your business truck, or even a high-end car like the Mercedes-Benz.
How Does Lemon Law Work in California?
California law defines “reasonable repair attempts” with specific thresholds you must qualify for. If the repair thresholds are met within the first 18 months after delivery or the first 18,000 miles on the odometer (whichever comes first), the law presumes your car is a lemon :
- 2+ attempts for dangerous safety defects (e.g., brakes or steering).
- 4+ attempts for recurring, less serious issues.
- 30+ cumulative days in the shop for warranty repairs.
Documentation is critical as it is the backbone of a successful Lemon Law claim. Repair orders and invoices prove multiple attempts were made to fix the defect, service logs from the dealership or authorized shop show the ongoing nature of the problem, and warranty documents confirm the vehicle was covered when issues occurred.
With solid records in hand, the law is on your side—the manufacturer must either replace your car, refund your money, or offer a cash settlement, often covering extra costs like rental cars, towing, and registration fees. But without documentation, it’s simply your word against the manufacturer’s, and that can make the difference between justice and a dismissed claim.
Common Lemon Law Misconceptions
Many car owners don’t realize just how much protection California law provides. Let’s bust the most common myths:
- Myth 1: Lemon Law only applies to new cars
Fact: Used cars under warranty can also qualify. - Myth 2: You must sue to get help
Fact: Many claims settle without going to court. Still, having a California lemon law attorney is crucial. They ensure your case is taken seriously, negotiate with the manufacturer, and protect your rights whether or not litigation happens. - Myth 3: Any defect qualifies
Fact: The problem must impact safety, use, or value. Cosmetic issues alone don’t count.
Understanding these myths helps you avoid costly mistakes and gives you confidence to pursue your claim.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Lemon?
If you think your car is a lemon, don’t delay. California law has a four-year statute of limitations from the date you knew (or should have known) your car was a lemon.
Here’s your Step-by-Step Checklist:
- Collect documentation – Save repair orders, invoices, and service logs.
- Notify the manufacturer – Report the ongoing defect and give them the chance to fix it.
- Track downtime – Record every day your car spends out of service.
- Seek legal help – An attorney can evaluate your case and take immediate action.
You can book a free consultation today, and we will guide you through the process.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Waiting too long risks losing valuable rights.
Conclusion
You don’t have to keep paying for repairs on a car that just won’t work. California Lemon Law gives you a clear legal pathway to hold manufacturers accountable.
Whether you drive a family sedan, a work truck, a luxury vehicle, or a cutting-edge Tesla, you deserve reliability and safety, not endless frustration.
At Court House Lawyers, our skilled attorneys can help you gather and organize your evidence, negotiate directly with manufacturers, push for replacement, refund, or settlement, and recover additional costs tied to your lemon. Also, the manufacturer will pay our attorneys’ fees.
Don’t let a defective vehicle drain your wallet or peace of mind. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.
