If you’ve bought a defective car or suspect you’ve been handed a lemon, you need to know what’s changed in 2025.
Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755), passed in 2024 and effective January 1, 2025, introduced some of the most significant updates to the Song‑Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (often called “California Lemon Law”).
From broader vehicle coverage to streamlined processes for resolving disputes, these new changes aim to protect consumers more than ever. Whether you’re currently pursuing a lemon law claim or just starting to notice repeated problems with your car, here’s what you need to know about the latest adjustments.
What Is California Lemon Law?
California Lemon Law — officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — protects consumers who purchase or lease new (and in many cases used) vehicles that turn out to be defective.
If the vehicle can’t be repaired after a “reasonable number of attempts” while still under warranty, the manufacturer may be required to replace it or offer a refund, including related costs like registration, taxes, and more.
AB 1755: The Law Behind the 2025 Updates
In response to rising consumer complaints, particularly around electric vehicles and slow arbitration processes, AB 1755 was introduced to close loopholes and modernize the Lemon Law framework.
According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, the bill’s goals include:
- Increasing manufacturer accountability,
- Improving access to arbitration, and
- Extending protection to more types of vehicles, including certified pre-owned and electric models.
2025 Lemon Law Adjustments: What’s New?
The latest legislative changes and court clarifications have introduced the following major updates:
EV and Hybrid-Specific Guidelines
Electric and hybrid vehicles—including popular models like the Tesla Model Y, Jeep 4xe, and Ford Lightning—are now subject to clearer diagnostic timelines and remedy requirements. Battery degradation and charging issues are now officially recognized as qualifying defects.
Faster resolution windows apply for EV-specific concerns, including battery fire risks and failed software updates. This is a direct response to rising complaints and recall trends in the EV market.
Stronger Manufacturer Accountability
New legislation requires manufacturers to provide detailed written justifications when denying a lemon law claim. If they fail to respond within the required time frame (typically 30 days), they may automatically lose the right to dispute the claim in arbitration. This speeds up the process for consumers and reduces bad-faith delays.
Improved Arbitration Procedures
The California Department of Consumer Affairs now oversees a revised arbitration process that ensures greater transparency and fewer manufacturer-controlled outcomes. Consumers can now:
- Access a state-provided neutral arbitrator
- Submit video/photo evidence directly
- Track arbitration timelines online
These updates help level the playing field and reduce legal loopholes often used by manufacturers.
What This Means For Your Lemon Law Claim
If you’re dealing with repeat repairs, warranty frustrations, or safety issues, 2025 is the year to act. These updated protections give you more leverage, especially if you’ve purchased an EV/hybrid, or are facing delays from the manufacturer.
Don’t let the manufacturer take more than they should.
At Court House Lawyers, we do things differently:
- We never take a cut from your refund or settlement check, unlike most lemon law firms.
- We make sure the refund goes directly to you, not through us.
- We’ve built strong relationships with manufacturers over a decade, which helps us resolve cases faster and more transparently.
You deserve better representation in a claim that affects your safety and wallet.
Are You Covered? Is Your Vehicle a Lemon Under the 2025 Law?
You might qualify if:
- Your car has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue.
- You’ve experienced dangerous malfunctions like engine stalling, transmission death rattles, battery fires, or brake failure.
- Your issues began while the car was still under original new-vehicle warranty (or certified-pre-owned warranty).
Even if you’re unsure whether the 2025 changes apply to you, it’s worth speaking to a legal professional who can guide you.
Protect Your Rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late. California Lemon Law is complex, and the 2025 updates make it even more important to have the right team on your side.
Schedule a FREE legal consultation with Court House Lawyers today and get clear answers about your rights, your options, and how to get your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the 2025 updates apply to cars bought before this year?
Some updates apply retroactively, especially those related to arbitration and manufacturer response times. Always consult with a lemon law attorney to understand your specific case.
Are hybrid cars like the Jeep 4xe covered?
Yes! In fact, 2025 clarified that EVs and hybrids are fully protected under Lemon Law if covered by warranty and meet defect thresholds.
What if my claim was denied in 2024? Can I try again?
Possibly. If the denial was due to outdated arbitration practices or EV-specific issues now addressed by the 2025 changes, your case may now qualify under the new rules.
Final Thoughts
2025 brings meaningful enhancements to California’s Lemon Law regime, from broadened coverage to accelerated manufacturer accountability. If you’re driving a modern vehicle and repair after repair hasn’t fixed it, or worse, you face a safety-risk defect, you now have stronger protections.
And as you build your case, remember: short-term relief (like calling the manufacturer or filing a simple claim) can help — but what builds long-term leverage is a strategic system of authority and legal firepower. Court House Lawyers can be your partner in that.
