Common Defects Covered by the California Lemon Law

When you decide to purchase a vehicle, it’s a big decision. You may be looking for a change, helping your child with their first car, or even buying an exciting present for a loved one. Regardless, purchasing a car should be a happy occasion. When you take it home and realize the car is full of mechanical problems, it can cause you a great deal of stress. You may be wondering about common defects covered by the California Lemon Law. A lawyer can provide guidance for your situation.

What Exactly Is the California Lemon Law?

California has a law in place that protects customers who have inadvertently purchased defective vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The California Lemon Law, which is also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, exists to allow customers who were taken advantage of to have a legal way of being reimbursed for their large purchase. The last thing you want is to end up with a broken car you can’t use.

Under the California Lemon Law, manufacturers are largely held liable for the defects in the vehicles they manufacture. If they are found liable in court, they will be required to either reimburse you for the total amount you paid for the vehicle or provide you with a replacement vehicle if the defect cannot be fixed after multiple attempts to do so. The Lemon Law applies to nearly all vehicles that are still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Common Defects Covered by the California Lemon Law

Several kinds of mechanical defects and design flaws can impede your vehicle’s safety and use. After all, nobody wants to drive their car if they are concerned that a noticeable defect could hurt them, their family, or a random pedestrian. It may be important to understand and recognize some of these defects in case your newly purchased vehicle has one or two. Here are some common defects covered by the law:

• Engine Failure: If your engine fails, it can lead to any number of additional problems. Engine failure can be caused by many different situations, including a manufacturer defect. However, if the issue was caused by a failure to change the oil, that would be considered a user problem and would not be covered by the Lemon Law.
• Airbag Malfunction: Airbags save lives all the time, and they can even prevent further injuries in severe car accidents. If your airbags don’t work, you may unfortunately find that out the hard way. If you get into an accident and your airbag fails to deploy or does so improperly, it could be due to a manufacturer error. You may want to speak to a lawyer about your options.
• Transmission Problems: If your transmission is compromised, it can cause you serious problems. A transmission problem can lead to trouble shifting gears, cause your vehicle to lose power, and lead to other issues that might result in a bad accident or getting stranded somewhere. You may want to speak with a lawyer about seeking reimbursement for your transmission problems.
• Brake Failure: Many drivers may be terrified at the idea of their brakes failing. The moment when you hit the brakes and nothing happens can be one of the scariest moments of your life, and you may not immediately know what to do next. If you experience brake failure, persistent grinding, or even a bizarre vibration, it could be due to a design flaw in the brakes. See a lawyer to learn what you can do next.

FAQs

Q: How Does a Vehicle Qualify Under the California Lemon Law?

A: For a vehicle to qualify under the California Lemon Law, it has to meet the following criteria:

• The defect is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
• The defect was discovered within 18 months of purchasing the vehicle or within the first 18,000 miles of driving the vehicle.
• There have been multiple repair attempts, but they haven’t worked.
• The problem is impacting the vehicle’s safety, value, and/or use.

Q: What Types of Items Can Affect California Lemon Law Claims?

A: Many different types of items can affect California Lemon Law claims. The biggest factor is often the nature of the defect. Not every issue with your car is going to be considered a liable factor and lead to reimbursement from the manufacturer. If it turns out you were the root cause of the error, your case may be thrown out. You also have to make an effort to actually get the vehicle repaired before you start making a legal claim.

Q: What Compensation Can You Recover in a California Lemon Law Case?

A: There are several kinds of compensation you can recover in a California Lemon Law case. It depends entirely on the nature of your case and the kinds of damages you are looking to be reimbursed for. You may obtain:

• Full financial reimbursement for the total cost of the car
• Compensation for incidental damages
• Pain and suffering compensation
• Recompense for loss of convenience
• Reimbursement for legal fees and court costs
• A replacement vehicle

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a California Lemon Law Case?

A: Technically, you are not required to hire a lawyer to represent your interests in a California Lemon Law case. However, it is recommended that you reach out to a lawyer every time you are dealing with legal strife. A victim of a lemon sale should especially consider getting a lawyer, as the California Lemon Law mandates that manufacturers cover the attorney fees in a Lemon Law case. Therefore, you do not have to pay anything for a Lemon Law attorney’s services.

Reach Out to Lemon Law Pro Today – Serving the Entire State of California

Dealing with a vehicular issue that’s out of your control can be a frustrating experience. The legal team at Lemon Law Pro can provide you with consistent advice, legal help, and guidance for your case, all at no cost to you whatsoever. We recover our legal fees through the manufacturer, which means we get nothing unless we win. Contact us to speak with one of our valued team members and schedule a consultation.