How Does a Car Qualify for Lemon Law in California? 2024

If your vehicle has been suffering certain issues or defects even after you have tried to address them through a reasonable number of repair attempts, you might have a lemon on your hands. However, you may be wondering, “How does a car qualify for Lemon Law in California?” At Lemon Law Pro, we can answer that question.

Owning or leasing a lemon can be a frustrating experience, not to mention financially taxing, and you deserve a chance to seek the compensation necessary for the damages to your pocketbook that you have suffered.

When you purchase or lease a lemon vehicle in the state of California, you are entitled to certain rights and protections under California consumer protection laws. These laws offer the opportunity to seek compensation for the financial stress you have experienced in owning or leasing a lemon. However, in order to seek this compensation, it is imperative that you understand the requirements that must be met in order for your vehicle to qualify as a lemon.

What Is California Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law protects your consumer rights when you unknowingly purchase or lease a vehicle that is deemed defective, and the issue cannot be addressed and repaired by a reasonable number of attempts. This law typically applies to most purchased or leased vehicles as long as they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Under the California Lemon Law, the manufacturer may be required to buy back your vehicle or replace it if a reasonable number of repair attempts have been made and the issue is still persisting.

These problems, however, must:

• Be covered by the manufacturer’s new-vehicle warranty
• Impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle to a substantial effect
• Is not caused by unreasonable use or abuse or unauthorized use of the vehicle after the sale has been made

Many people wonder what a “reasonable amount of repair attempts” means. Under Lemon Law, a reasonable amount is typically influenced by a number of factors. While many of these factors are required in order for your car to be considered a lemon, it is presumed to be a lemon if the issue first arose within the first 18 months of your vehicle being delivered or within the first 18,000 miles it was driven, whichever comes first.

It will also be considered a lemon if you have been required by the owner’s manual or by your vehicle’s warranty to notify the manufacturer of the issue and you have taken the vehicle to your manufacturer or one of its agents for repairs:

• Four or more times for the same problem, and it is not fixed
• Two or more times for the same issue, and the problem is substantial enough to cause death or serious bodily injury, and it’s still not addressed
• The vehicle has been out of commission for a culminated total of 30 days.

Potential Defects That May Lead to a Lemon Law Compensation Claim

Under California Lemon Law, there are several types of defects that may lead to a compensation claim. The defects must substantially impact the vehicle’s value, use, or safety. These defects can include the following:

• Defects which impair the vehicle’s ability to perform necessary functions in a safe way and provide reliable transportation
• Defects that harm the overall value of the vehicle, even if the car is still drivable, as these defects can significantly diminish the vehicle’s marketable value
• Defects that significantly hurt the overall safety of the vehicle, as even a single, serious issue can cause a car to be a lemon if that safety issue is not promptly and correctly addressed

These possible defects might include certain issues such as:

• Malfunctions of the braking system
• Repeated engine failures
• Continuous transmission issues despite a reasonable attempt at repairs
• Defects within the vehicle’s steering mechanisms
• Chronic failures of the vehicle’s electrical systems
• Certain safety malfunctions, such as those regarding the vehicle’s seatbelts and airbags
• Continuous water leaks which impact the car’s overall value and integrity
• Severe issues with the suspension of the car
• Persistent issues regarding the vehicle’s exhaust system, which could impact the environment
• Issues regarding the heating and cooling system could lead to serious discomfort for passengers

Car Qualify For Lemon Law FAQs

Q: Does My Car Qualify for a Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: If you are wondering if your car qualifies as a lemon under California’s Lemon Laws, it is imperative that you consult with a lemon law attorney in California who can look over the fine details of your case and help you determine if you meet the requirements necessary to file a compensation claim. At Lemon Law Pro, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to do so.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lemon Law Attorney in California?

A: Under California state Lemon Laws, the manufacturer of the vehicle is responsible for paying all attorney fees and court costs when you prevail in your compensation claim. In addition to paying these expenses, your manufacturer may be liable to pay for certain damages, such as the down payment you placed on your vehicle loan, the remaining balance of the loan, and any additional costs, such as sales tax.

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

A: It can prove difficult to offer an average number for how much a Lemon Law settlement might be worth in the state of California. This is because there are many factors that might affect the overall value of the claim. These factors can include the defects’ nature and severity, make, model, purchase price, mileage, and vehicle age.

Contact a Trusted California Lemon Law Attorney Today

If you or someone you know suspect that you have purchased or leased a lemon, it’s time to seek the compensation you deserve. At Lemon Law Pro, our attorneys are passionate about you getting back on the road and receiving coverage for the damages you have faced due to owning or leasing a vehicle deemed a lemon. Our services are free to those who retain them, and we are ready to help clients statewide across California. Contact us today to learn more.