Common Manufacturer Defenses Against Lemon Law Claims in California (2025)

Lemon Laws deliver protection for California consumers who’ve found themselves stuck with a persistently defective vehicle. It can be tricky to successfully navigate a Lemon Law claim when manufacturers use many different defenses to deny these claims. Understanding these common manufacturer defenses against Lemon Law claims in California and learning how to argue effectively against them can mean the difference between winning and losing a Lemon Law case.

What Are Some Common Manufacturer/Car Dealership Defenses Against Lemon Law Claims?

In California, manufacturers and car dealerships use some common defenses against Lemon Law claims, including arguing:

• The defect isn’t serious enough to qualify for Lemon Law protections – The defect didn’t actually impact the vehicle’s safety, use, or vehicle market value.
• There isn’t sufficient documentation – The owner didn’t give enough documentation in order to prove the vehicle underwent repairs a sufficient, reasonable number of times or to show the problems continue.
• The owner misused the vehicle – The consumer improperly used the vehicle in an unintended, unexpected way.
• The owner failed to maintain the vehicle properly – The owner’s lack of maintenance as required/stated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual actually led to the vehicle’s issues.
• The owner added unauthorized aftermarket parts – The vehicle had extra parts or accessories added, and those parts contributed to the issues the owner experienced.
• The owner made unlawful vehicle modifications – The owner modified the vehicle without the consent of the manufacturer/car dealership, or modifications were performed by someone who isn’t a certified professional.
• Lack of proper claim notification – A manufacturer/vehicle dealership might assert they weren’t notified properly of the vehicle’s issues.
• The claim was reported too late, or the claim was filed after the deadline to resolve the issue has expired – California Lemon Law requires the consumer to report the defect and attempt to have the vehicle problems repaired within a required time frame.

A lemon vehicle can include a car, truck, trailer, motorcycle, SUV, electric vehicle (EV), motor home, or boat (plus others). If you believe you have a lemon vehicle, a knowledgeable California attorney with experience handling Lemon Law claims can further discuss pursuing a lemon claim and provide advice specific to your situation. Generally, it is crucial to not take any actions that might invalidate a potential claim.

Lemon Law Attorneys Provide Free Legal Representation Statewide Without Upfront Fees

Naturally, some California consumers are concerned about the costs of hiring a Lemon Law attorney to pursue their claim. However, California’s Lemon Laws protect consumers and require that, if their attorney wins the case, they will be paid by the manufacturer and/or car dealership for their attorney’s fees and costs.

Our Lemon Law attorneys provide their legal services without any upfront costs to local vehicle consumers. Under this arrangement, consumers can access skilled legal representation on behalf of their claim without any financial risk.

Reasons to Hire a Lemon Law Attorney for Your Vehicle’s Unique Claim

An experienced attorney familiar with Lemon Law claims can provide invaluable help to:

• Decide whether your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Laws
• Explain the legal complexities of these laws
• Negotiate on your behalf as necessary
• Protect your legal rights
• Obtain comprehensive and just financial compensation for your defective vehicle purchase
• Comprehensively and compassionately support you throughout the process

Lemon Law matters can become complicated and overwhelming. A skilled attorney who has handled many of these types of claims for clients can help build a strong defense against manufacturers challenging your Lemon Law claim and uphold any Lemon Law consumer protections you may have.

FAQs

Q: How Difficult Is It to Win a Lemon Law Case in California?

A: It can often be difficult to win a Lemon Law case in California. California laws demand considerable amounts and different types of documentation specific to the defects of your vehicle. The law also requires documentation about the reasonable number of times you tried to have the defects resolved.

While it can be difficult to win, a well-informed attorney familiar with Lemon Law claims can further address your specific case and help you maximize your likelihood of recovery.

Q: What Remedies Are Available in California if a Lemon Law Case Is Won?

A: In California, under California Lemon Law (Civ. Code § 1793.22), a consumer is entitled to a refund, replacement, or financial settlement. A vehicle typically qualifies for protections when:

• Major vehicle defects impact its safety, use, and/or value
• Issues presented during the warranty period
• The purchaser made a reasonable number of attempts to repair defects
• The defect wasn’t caused by owner neglect, owner abuse, or aftermarket (unauthorized) modifications

An attorney can additionally discuss your available Lemon Law remedies.

Q: What Happens When a Vehicle Is Purchased ‘As Is’ in California?

A: Buying a vehicle ‘as is’ generally means you are responsible for any issues that occur after you drive it off the vehicle dealership lot. A manufacturer may provide an extended warranty, which can include repairing defects/issues outlined in the terms of the warranty. It is important to understand the warranty language for a vehicle you are considering purchasing.

A Lemon Law attorney can discuss your vehicle history, any warranty exclusions, and the manufacturer’s general obligations to provide a functioning vehicle with you.

Q: What Is the Average Lemon Law Settlement Amount in California?

A: In California, the average amount for a Lemon Law settlement varies, depending on the defects of the involved vehicle, the case complexity, and the attorney’s background handling these cases. A knowledgeable attorney can prove invaluable for a lemon claim, as they can help maximize the claim’s settlement value.

Contact Our Seasoned California Lemon Law Attorneys Right Away – Serving All of California

Our trusted California Lemon Law attorneys can help address any questions you might have about common manufacturer defenses against consumer claims or any general questions you have about the Lemon Law.

At Lemon Law Pro, we can discuss your unique situation, and our attorneys can tailor their legal advice to your specific concerns and claim goals. We don’t charge you any attorney’s fees or costs for our legal services. Contact our office today for a free consultation with our Lemon Law legal team.