California Lemon Law Statute of Limitations (2024 Updated)

The last thing you want when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle is to realize that you have a lemon on your hands. Not only are these vehicles a financial burden and frustration, but it can be difficult to navigate the demands of daily life when we have an unreliable vehicle. When filing a claim for compensation under California Lemon Law, it is important to keep in mind the California Lemon Law statute of limitations.

It is essential that you understand the statute of limitations that presides over the filing of California Lemon Law claims, as your chances of receiving compensation diminish if you let a period of time pass before you go ahead and begin filing a claim. This is why it is so important that you start exercising your rights under California Lemon Law as quickly as possible to mitigate the risk of losing out on the compensation you deserve.

What Makes a Car a Lemon in California?

In California, a car that is simply in need of repairs is not considered a lemon. A vehicle covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and currently suffering defects that surpass what is deemed reasonable is considered a lemon. A vehicle that qualifies as a lemon must deal with an issue affecting its overall value, use, and safety. Additionally, there must be a reasonable number of attempts at repairs before the vehicle can be deemed a lemon.

Unfortunately, many folks in California do not take the available legal action when dealing with a lemon simply because they do not know it exists. This can cause situations in which the statute of limitations passes before the individual knows the full extent of their consumer protection rights. This is why it is so important that you educate yourself on what makes a car a lemon.

Possible defects that might qualify your car as a lemon can include:

• Issues with the power steering or transmission
• Defects in the overall electrical system
• Brake system malfunctions
• Continuous, unrepairable water leaks that affect the vehicle’s integrity
• Issues with the heating and cooling system of the vehicle
• Repeated failures of the engine system
• Structural defects such as rust or other issues with the vehicle’s frame
• Defects with the vehicle’s suspension
• Persistent problems with the exhaust system
• Safety defects, such as issues with the seatbelts or airbags of the vehicle

If your Californian vehicle is suffering any of these defects, or even ones not listed, you may have a lemon on your hands.

What Is the California Statute of Limitations on Lemon Law Claim?

Under California state law, the statute of limitations for filing a Lemon Law claim is four years from the time you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the defect. Additionally, under Lemon Law, the consumer who has a lemon vehicle must begin the filing process within 18 months of the vehicle’s delivery or within the first 18,000 in which the vehicle has been driven, whichever comes first.

This means that even if the vehicle has a four-year warranty from the manufacturer, your claim must begin within 18 months or 18,000 miles of when the vehicle was delivered to you. This is why it is vital that as soon as you realize your vehicle is a lemon, you reach out to a legal individual who can assist you in filing your Lemon Law claim and ensure that you meet all deadlines so that you do not run the risk of losing out on your chance for compensation.

How To Prepare and File Your Lemon Law Claim

Once you realize you have a lemon vehicle on your hands, you will want to immediately start the process of filing your Lemon Law claim. The sooner you do so, the better your chances are that you will not have to worry about the statute of limitations. The steps to take in filing a Lemon Law claim include:

• Bring your vehicle to your dealership or manufacturer for a reasonable amount of repairs to address the issue
• Keep a record of all work done, ensure the same wordage is used to describe the area of concern each time you bring it in, and keep a copy of all work orders and all communication with your dealership or manufacturer regarding the issue
• Hire an experienced California Lemon Law attorney
• Give your attorney access to all paperwork and documentation regarding your vehicle and allow them to handle all negotiations or litigation regarding your claim

Lemon Law Statute Of Limitation FAQs

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: No, in the state of California, you are not required to have a lawyer represent you and your interests when filing a Lemon Law claim for compensation. However, having a legal professional on your side during these times can make all the difference when it comes to the potential success of your case.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Lemon Law Case in California?

A: In the state of California, it can be difficult to offer an exact estimate of how long it might take to settle your Lemon Law case. This is because there can be several factors involved that can impact the overall timeline of a claims case. These factors include the complexity of the case itself, the cooperation of the vehicle’s manufacturer, and whether the claim goes to trial or not.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: At Lemon Law Pro, our services are free to you. You will not have to pay out of pocket to retain our counsel and representation. Instead, the manufacturer of the vehicle will be liable to pay for both the damages incurred by you personally due to owning or leasing a lemon and any attorney fees and court costs involved in your claims case.

Q: How Much Money Can You Get from a Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: In the state of California, it can be difficult to accurately estimate how much you might be able to receive in damages for your Lemon Law claim. This is because there are several factors that can be involved that will ultimately impact the final value of the claim. These factors include the condition of the vehicle and the nature of the issue you are dealing with, the purchase price of the vehicle, and the current mileage listed on the odometer.

Contact a Trusted California Lemon Law Attorney Today

If you or someone you know suspects you have a lemon vehicle on your hands, there is no time to waste. The statute of limitations and other time frames placed upon these claims are strict, and you do not want to lose your chance of receiving compensation due to a simple missed deadline. Contact the offices of Lemon Law Pro today to learn more information on how our attorneys might assist clients statewide in their Lemon Law claim filings.